As the initial light fades, the first third begins to make itself known. Notes of wood, caramel, baking spices are easily detected. The fruit that lingered on my palate during the initial light seems all but gone, only to reappear on the front of my tongue. Coffee, nuts, fruit, and wood. Black pepper rules the retrohale, but it is not overpowering. In fact, while the baking spices meld well with the dark fruit note, the pepper seems very subdued. Bread, honey, fruit, and earth. The burn line is almost razor sharp (though did become wavy on two of the three cigars smoked…it always self-corrected to razor sharp). The ash is compact, with not a flake in sight. Grey with black streaks. It is burning beautifully. I love this fruit and honey combination. It is, quite literally, mouth watering. There is a sourness from the bread/cereal note that compliments the sweetness. The Awakening begins with a smooth flavor profile and is medium in strength. The fruit note ebbs and flows with the wood, coffee, bread, and nutty notes. Dark roasted coffee, salted nuts, and a hint of caramel join the chorus. The construction of The Awakening continues to impress. The burn line is sharp with a barrel ash. There are a few flakes, but that happens when you see how long you can let the ash get.