Drew Estate Freestyle Live Mystery Cigar-June 2023 (4 x 46+/-)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Drew Estate)

Drew Estate fans and retailers alike will get to experience the new cigar before its June launch thanks to the Freestyle Live Event Packs, which are available at all participating retailers nationwide beginning on April 28.

With an MSRP of $40, Drew Estate’s Freestyle Live Event Packs present a tremendous opportunity for fans throughout the United States to participate in the new brand’s excitement. A very limited amount of Freestyle Live Event Packs have been prepared and each one will include: four of the new premium cigars (without any brand identification), a Freestyle Live 4-cigar case, a Freestyle Live torch lighter and a Freestyle Live cigar rest. ​

The new cigar will be revealed Thursday, June 8, 2023 between 7pm and 9pm EDT on their Youtube channel; https://www.youtube.com/drewestatecigar

The cigar is a short robusto type that measures approximately 4 x 46 with a small pigtail at the cap. It has an average feel in the hand for a cigar of this size.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a citrus/cedar, brown sugar, and a good bit of an earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 8. Nice, sweet start.

At the first third (17 minutes) the front notes were more of a peach/citrus with brown sugar and the earthy black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is peach with very good lingering black pepper. Nice first third. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (32 minutes) I had the same basic flavor notes but the sweet notes are more intense. The cigar is now medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. With the increase in the sweeter notes I raised the score to 94.

The cigar lasted 47 minutes. The black pepper stayed very good to the end. I would say it's still at 8. I stilll had nice peach/citrus notes with brown sugar and earthy black coffee. So, the same notes and they are just as intense as the second third. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. This is a good, short cigar. I'm not sure what sizes the cigar will come in but if it's this size it will make a nice short smoke. I held the score of 94 for the final third.

Overall Score: 93.67

Black Label Trading Company releases its 10-year Anniversary cigar, La Madonna Negra

 

Black Label Trading Company will be releasing its 10-year Anniversary cigar, La Madonna Negra, to select retailers. La Madonna Negra is hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.

“La Madonna Negra is a culmination of things I’ve learned over the last decade of cigar making. It’s a cigar that not only represents Black Label but also represents who I am today as a cigar maker. It’s bold, as a BLTC cigar should be but, it’s also very refined and elegant. It has layers of complexity and a very unique profile. A mixture of different spice elements combines with aromatic floral notes to create something unexpected. I’m very proud of the result,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

La Madonna Negra begins shipping next week to retailers.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Connecticut (USA) Broadleaf

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua / Pennsylvania

Rothschild Box Press – 4.5 x 48 (20 count) MSRP $11.00

Corona Gorda Box Press – 5.5 x 50 (20 count) MSRP $12.50

Robusto Box Press – 5x54 (20 count) MSRP $13.00

Collection Box – Mixed box (32 count) Allocated

There will be a live lottery drawing for the retailer allocation of the limited Collection Boxes at 6pm CST, June 7th on Instagram @blacklabeltradingco. The results will also be posted in the Facebook Group: James Brown/BLTC & BLK WKS.

Black Label Trading Company is celebrating its 10-year Anniversary. When we started 10 years ago, our goal was to provide exceptional cigars with unique flavor profiles and creative artwork. When founders James & Angela Brown moved to Nicaragua to manage and oversee our factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra, all those years ago, they took Black Label Trading Co to the next level. We appreciate our retailers and customers that have supported us over the years and look forward to the next decade.

Joya de Nicaragua to Release Número Uno Deluxe Humidor Limited Edition

 

Originally gifted exclusively to world leaders by Nicaraguan ambassadors on official missions, Joya de Nicaragua’s Número Uno became a favorite of cigar enthusiasts since it was first smoked as an event-exclusive cigar in the United States in 2018.

Número Uno has received numerous accolades, becoming Halfwheel's Top Cigar of 2018; it was rated the Best Cigar of 2019 by Cigar Dojo, and it became the No. 6 cigar in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list for 2020 with a 95-point rating.

To commemorate the five years since this exceptional cigar was enjoyed by cigar lovers, we are delighted to announce the “Joya de Nicaragua Número Uno Deluxe Humidor”. This stylish and elegant blue-masterpiece humidor highlights the attributes of Número Uno, adorned by the unique “Obras Maestras” badge and the iconic JDN tobacco leaves. This humidor includes 150 Número Uno Cigars (75 L’Ambassadeur 6 ⅝ x 44 and 75 Le Premier 6 ⅞ x 48). It is a collector’s piece, with only 400 units produced, 300 for the United States and 100 for the rest of the world. This is an exclusive one-time release.

This 150 cigar capacity humidor was first previewed at the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) in Las Vegas on February 2023. It will be available for ordering in the first weeks of June 2023. The MSRP for the “NÚMERO UNO DELUXE HUMIDOR” is $2,850 and will ship to stores July 2023.

Número Uno is part of Joya de Nicaragua’s “Obras Maestras” line; the designation for our ultra-premium family of cigars. The highly acclaimed Número Uno cigar has mostly been available in two sizes: L’Ambassadeur (6 ⅝ x 44, Lancero) and Le Premier (6 ⅞ x 48, Churchill). It features a smooth, Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos to create a mellow to medium- bodied and flavorful smoking experience with lots of rich creaminess.

“The draw here is impeccable, imparting a creamy, toasty smoke that speaks softly of vanilla, almonds and cinnamon. No flavor is competing for dominance on the palate. Rather, each note dances delicately like a well-choreographed ballet suite.” Cigar Aficionado’s Número Uno L’Ambassadeur Review in 2020.

“This JDN Número Uno Deluxe Humidor was created for our amigos, the real cigar connoisseurs. This is the piece that every Joya de Nicaragua lover should have in their sacred space. This humidor will become the crowning jewel in any cigar collection. It is a beautiful and functional piece that will show off your authentic love of cigars.”

Juan Ignacio Martínez

Executive President of Joya de Nicaragua.

Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut is coming to PCA!

 

Aganorsa Leaf is excited to announce the highly acclaimed Aniversario Series will debut a Connecticut wrapped edition this summer at the PCA Tradeshow in Las Vegas. The blend will utilize Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos grown in Jalapa and Esteli and is wrapped in an immaculate Connecticut Cover Leaf from Ecuador. Aniversario Connecticut will be released in two vitolas: a 5 x 54 box-pressed Gran Robusto and a 6 ¼ x 52 boxed pressed Toro. Packed in units of 10, Aniversario Connecticut will be a core line brand although exclusive to PCA attendees as well as Aganorsa Select Accounts for the remainder of the year.

“The Aniversario Series is our Ultra-Premium expression of Aganorsa,” states Terence Reilly, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Between the gorgeous presentation, the beauty of the Connecticut wrapper, and the quality of the blend, we feel Aniversario Connecticut will join the Corojo and Maduro editions and become one of our best sellers. We encourage our retail partners to make sure to attend PCA and stop by our booth to ensure they have access to this amazing cigar”

Suggested retail price will be $14.50 (Gran Robusto) and $15.50 (Toro). Boxes will begin shipping to retailers in August.

ALFONSO GRAN SELECCIÓN TO DEBUT AT PCA 2023

 

Alfonso Gran Selección will be released at PCA 2023 in Las Vegas. The Alfonso Gran Selección is the sequel to the highly rated Alfonso Añejo that debuted at last year’s PCA show to much fanfare. Alfonso Gran Selección features an oily, rich Ecuadorian Habano wrapper cloaked over Dominican and Nicarguan fillers that provide a darker flavor profile than its predecessor. The Alfonso Gran Selección will be available in five sizes; Exclusivos (6 x 54 Torpedo), Preciosos (7 1/2 x 40), Estelares (5 1/2 x 54), Enormes (6 1/2 x 60), and Grandiosos (8 x 50).

Selected Tobacco products are known for their meticulous aging process once the cigars have been rolled. The cigars are placed into cedar-lined rooms while raising and lowering humidity to allow the cigars to cleanse themselves over time. For Alfonso Gran Selección this process takes five years & their final aging is done in rooms lined with French Oak. The use of French Oak in the aging process was also used for the Alfonso Añejo and Byron 1850 lines.

“Our experimentation with French Oak aging has lead to amazing cigars ” said Nelson Alfonso, Owner of Selected Tobacco. “The Alfonso Gran Selección is the next great example of our dedication to patience and exploration.”

The Alfonso Gran Selección will be available beautiful dark lacquered 25 count dress boxes, limited to 5000 cigars per size.

Alfonso Gran Selección 

Origin: Costa Rica

Factory: Tabacos de Costa Rica

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano

Binder: Peru

Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Vitolas: 

Exclusivos (6 x 54 Torpedo)

Preciosos (7 1/2 x 40)

Estelares (5 1/2 x 54)

Enormes (6 1/2 x 60)

Grandiosos (8 x 50)

Production: 5000 Cigars per size/200 boxes of 25 per size.+

Drew Estate Releases Limited Edition ACID Kuba Kuba Assortment Gift Set

Two of Drew Estate’s most popular cigars, ACID Kuba Kuba and ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro take center stage in the company’s new ACID Kuba gift set!!!

The gift set box includes an all Fat Robusto (5 x 54) lineup of five ACID Kuba Kuba cigars and five ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro cigars packed inside a collectible ACID-branded four-bay melamine ashtray.

ACID Kuba Kuba and ACID Kuba Maduro have long seduced legions of cigar connoisseurs around the world with the mellow fusion of their smooth, sweet, and captivating blends. America’s top-selling cigar, ACID Kuba Kuba features a Sumatra wrapper that delivers a medium-bodied smoke. ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro’s Mexican Maduro wrapper adds a rich twist to the deeply satisfying ACID journey.

“ACID is the OG and single-handedly put Drew Estate and Brooklyn, New York, on the premium cigar map,” says Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate. “ACID Kuba gift sets are a dope hook up for our loyal fans and newbies. I suggest ya’ll get your Kuba on and give ‘em a test run.”

With an MSRP of $109.50 per set, the ACID Kuba Kuba Assortment gift sets will be available beginning on June 5.

SOULS FROM THE EARTH FOUNDATION HOSTS US LAUNCH EVENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA

This upcoming June 8th, the Souls from The Earth Foundation will launch in Miami. Led by the Plasencia Family, the foundation is focused on proactively engaging and supporting the growth and development of underserved children, in at-risk communities in Nicaragua and Honduras. Along with its founders and Board of Directors, the foundation will host a by invitation cocktail reception Thursday, June 8, 2023, at The Tank Brewing Co. located at 5100 NW 72nd Avenue Bay 1, Miami, Florida 33166

WHAT:            Souls from The Earth Foundation US Launch Event  

WHEN:            Thursday June 8, 2023, 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM

WHERE:          The Tank Brewing Co. 5100 NW 72nd Avenue Bay 1, Miami, Florida 33166

Established February 06, 2012, in Estelí, Nicaragua, Plasencia Cigars opened the first school offering education, nutrition and aftercare for the children of its employees. Out of this significant effort, The Souls from The Earth Foundation was born. The main goal of the charitable organization is to establish the belief that wellness, health and a quality education is attainable for all children in vulnerable communities throughout Central America.

Currently, the foundation has three schools in Nicaragua called "El Sol del Saber", benefiting 250 children and thirty-six teachers, founded in February 2012. To expand the vision of this project, the Plasencia Family created a nonprofit to assist more employees and expand their reach. On September 7th, 2022, they officially registered as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Florida. They hope to create major positive change, directly impacting the countries it serves, and with the help of those who support the same vision.

The official US launch for the Souls from The Earth Foundation will take place to establish the vision, mission, and goal before a selected group in South Florida. In attendance will be the founders of the charity, the elected Board of Directors as well as other invited supporters.

 ABOUT SOULS FROM THE EARTH FOUNDATION

Plasencia Cigars opened the first school offering aftercare and nutrition, for the children of its employees February 2012, in Estelí, Nicaragua. This project began with the purpose to serve the community and change the future generations in Nicaragua, but also serves as an acknowledgement of gratitude for the hard work and dedication of valued factory employees.

C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE TAA EXCLUSIVE EIROA DARK 11/18 IS NOW SHIPPING!

C.L.E. Cigar Company announces that the TAA exclusive Eiroa Dark 11/18 is now shipping! The Eiroa Dark originally made its debut in 2019. What separates the TAA Exclusive is that it will come in the Eiroa family’s signature 11/18 size. Only five hundred boxes were created.

The unique 11/18 vitola became well known when the Eiroa family-owned Camacho. The 11/18 size continues to be an especially important vitola to Christian Eiroa (President of C.L.E. Cigar Company) because it provides a unique smoking experience while holding sentimental value. The 11/18 name is in dedication to the Matriarch of the Eiroa family.

Christian Eiroa said:” It is a little-known fact that the 11/18 is in dedication to my mother as it represents her birth date (November 18). The Eiroa Dark is one of my favorite blends to come out of the C.L.E. cigar factory, due it being made with only Honduran Corojo tobacco. My hope is that the public enjoys this blend in this long overdue 11/18 size.”

11/18 Vitola: 48 x 52 x 48 x 6

Box count: Twenty count boxes. Limited to only five hundred boxes.

MSRP: $16.70

Bolivar Gran Republica to Debut as Full-Time Line

Bolivar is marching forward with Gran Republica, a new, three-cigar collection named in honor of the great South American liberator Simon Bolivar.

In a nod to the pivotal role Bolivar played in shaping South America, the four-country blend features tobacco grown on land liberated by Bolivar himself. The medium-to-full-bodied cigar represents the finest tobacco from the continent’s most respected growing regions. Crafted with a blend of filler tobaccos from Colombia, Brazil and Nicaragua, and featuring a Brazilian Arapiraca binder and Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Bolivar Gran Republic delivers rich notes of dark chocolate and earth.

Steve Abbot, director of marketing for Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) said, “With Bolivar Gran Republica, we are continuing to build the legacy of this important brand. This is a bold blend for the initiated smoker, one that not only deepens the range of offerings from Bolivar but that also highlights the best of South American tobacco. We’re confident that Gran Republica will be a strong addition to the growing Bolivar portfolio.”

Handcrafted at HATSA in Honduras and presented in old-world-style wooden boxes, Bolivar Gran Republica will ship to retailers on June 1. The brand is distributed by Forged Cigar Company.

Bolivar Gran Republica comes in 20-count boxes.

Bolivar Gran Republica Robusto (4.5” x 50); SRP per cigar $7.99

Bolivar Gran Republica Toro (6” x 54); SRP per cigar $8.29

Bolivar Gran Republica Gigante (6” x 60); SRP per cigar $8.49

STG Expands Forged Cigar Company and General Cigar Company Field Sales Organizations

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) announces today that the company has ex-panded its Forged Cigar Company and General Cigar Company field sales organizations to include new senior leadership positions and new sales territories to provide stronger customer service and support its growing brand portfolio.

Gene Richter, Vice President of Sales for STG North America said, ”As we integrate the Alec Bradley cigar brands and continue to grow STG’s handmade cigar portfolio, we are taking proactive steps to ensure we are well-positio-ned to support our brands now and into the future. With a larger team and increased coverage, we will be better equipped to serve the demands of our valued retail partners.”

The Forged Cigar Company sales organization has been expanded to include two new leadership roles and five new selling territories. Michael Serota, former head of sales for Alec Bradley, will assume his new role as Forged Cigar Company’s South Region Sales Manager. He will oversee six sales representatives including two new hires, and report to Sean Hardiman, National Sales Manager of Field Sales. Michael had been with Alec Bradley for twelve years during which time he developed strong relationships with the trade and advanced his career through roles of increased responsibility in the company’s sales organization. Among those reporting to Michael are Jeremy Lemke and Jedidiah Jocelyn, high-performing sales professionals who joined Forged Cigar Company from the Alec Bradley cigar business and have been appointed to Account Representative roles. Jeremy is a cigar industry vete-ran who began working in the category in 2008. He has spent six years in premium cigars, the last two of which were in a sales role with Alec Bradley. He will oversee the state of Illinois for Forged Cigar Company. Jedidiah is a rising star who spent two years developing relationships in the handmade cigar category while a member of the Alec Bradley sales team. He will call on accounts in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tenneessee.

John Troiano, a former sales representative of Alec Bradley has been recruited to join Forged Cigar Company as an Account Representative in a newly-established Upstate New York territory. John has a long tenure in the busi-ness, having spent 18 years at a premium cigar brand before moving to Alec Bradley five years ago. He is joined by fellow Alec Bradley sales team alumnus Ryan Ponist who also comes to the Forged Cigar Company from Alec Bradley. Ryan spent the past eight years in field sales for Alec Bradley and in his new role as Account Representa-tive for Forged Cigar Company will oversee Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Both John and Ryan will report to Sean Hardiman.

To deliver increased support on the General Cigar Company portfolio, STG has appointed David Mealey to a new role of National Sales Manager, Field Sales, reporting to Gene Richter. David joined STG in 2021 from Nat Sher-man and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, with an ability to deepen relationships with the trade.

Additionally, two former Alec Bradley sales team members, John Vinaccia and Jarid Casebolt have recently accep-ted positions as Premium Sales Managers with the General Cigar Field Sales Team in the Western Region, report-ing to Michael Radecki, West Region Sales Manager. John spent three years with Alec Bradley and the two years prior with another premium brand before joining General Cigar where he is focused on the Southern California market. Jarid worked for Alec Bradley on the inside sales support team for two years before joining General Cigar. His sales territory includes Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

Punch Dad Bod (4.5” x 60)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Dad bod; noun -- the physique of adult males who prefer to drink from a six pack instead of spending countless hours at the gym obsessing over their abs.

The team at Punch is declaring this the “summer of the Dad Bod” with the launch of Punch Dad Bod, a paunchy, limited-edition release that will ship to retail in a cool Father’s Day keepsake that you or your Dad will actually want to hold on to.

Punch Dad Bod comes packed in four, reusable stash cans that each contain five cigars and are complete with Boveda humidification. The keepsake cans can be used as a humidor, a portable ashtray or placed anywhere as a reminder that the Dad Bod is where it’s at.

John Hakim, brand manager for Punch said, “Father’s Day is the perfect time for us to let the world know that we salute dads, the Dad bod and the pleasure of smoking a great cigar. So we created this special expression and packed it in tins that own the soft-in-the-middle physique with pride. Dad Bod is about showing our support for the salt-of-the-earth Punch smokers who continue to make Punch their go-to brand.”

Handcrafted at HATSA in Honduras, Punch Dad Bod is a six-country blend made with a Cameroon wrapper, a USA Connecticut broadleaf binder and a blend of filler tobaccos that includes Nicaraguan Condega, Dominican Piloto Cubano, Honduran La Entrada and Brazilian Mata Fina. The result is a smooth-smoking, medium-bodied blend that is at the same time sweet, spicy and leathery.

Punch Dad Bod cigars sport a tie-shaped band and are available in a “Champion” size that gives a nod to the reverence Punch has for Dads and Dad bods. Shipping to retailers on May 1, the set contains four metal stash cans, each holding five cigars for a total of 20 Punch Dad Bods per set.

Punch Dad Bod (4.5” x 60); SRP per cigar $6.99

The cigar has a nice shape and feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were citrus, apple, brown sugar, earthiness, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. A nice sweet start.

At the first third (25 minutes) the flavors are about the same except there are some nougat notes developing. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is brown sugar with pretty good lingering black pepper. The cigar tastes pretty good. I'm enjoying it. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (46 minutes) there was a little more black coffee. The sweet notes are close to, if not the same. The nougat really helps. The cigar is medium bodied but it's pushing medium to full. The finish is nougat with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar continues to be good. I held the score of 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 2 minutes. In the final third the cigar whittled down to nougat, brown sugar, and a lot of earthy black coffee. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is nougat with some black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. I lost the citrus and apple notes which were a good part of the sweetness. I rated the final third 90. I think this is a cigar worth a try. I think your dad would enjoy this one.

Overall Score: 92

SANTANA CIGARS LAUNCHES THE SANTANA 1997 SERIES OF CIGARS

Santana Cigars & Co. announces the release of the Santana 1997 Series. The Santana 1997 Series is composed of different three blends. Santana Cigars Co. made its debut as a company in January 2023. Owner of Santana Cigars, Andy Santana, felt it was the right time to release this series of cigars which have been years in the making. Santana Cigars made its debut this past January with the Santana San Andres.

Andy Santana, who owns two cigar shops in Miami (Absolute Cigars) featured three house blends which were popular with his patrons. After years of tinkering with the blends Andy is ready to make them available nationally. The Santana Series features three distinct blends. The year 1997 is significant as it was the year in where Absolute Cigars Shop opened its doors.

Santana 1997 San Andres: A San Andres wraps around a Sumatra binder and Corojo, Dominicano Criollo, and Pennsylvania filler. Toasty and black tobacco notes lead to highly evolved cedar and molasses. Black pepper is present throughout the smoking experience. The cigar is medium in strength.

Santana 1977 Habano: Boasting a Habano wrapper, this blend features an Indonesian binder with Habano, Corojo, and Criollo 98 filler. Toasty, woody, earthy, and black pepper notes describe this medium-to-medium full-bodied blend.

Santana 1997 Connecticut: Featuring a true Connecticut wrapper, this blend features am Indonesia binder which houses Corojo, Nicaraguan, and Pennsylvania filler. Extraordinarily strong cedar notes that lead to sweet notes accompanied by white pepper. Toasted notes are present throughout the smoking experience. This blend is medium bodied throughout.

Andy Santana, owner of Santana Cigars said,” The Santana 1997 Series has been a work in progress for years. Throughout the years I was able to get constant feedback from patrons of my cigar shops, Absolute Cigars. That one-on-one contact with the consumer forced me to tweak the blends. It is now time to share these blends with a wider audience.”

The Santana 1997 blends are a collaboration between Andy and Master Blender William Ventura.

Fosforo Connecticut (5 3/4 x 46 Corona Gorda)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Last year, Jeff Mouttet of Riverside Cigar Shop of Jeffersonville, Ind. launched Fosforo, a new line of cigars made at Garmendia Cigars Co. Now, there’s a second Fosforo blend on the horizon.

The Fosforo Connecticut will debut in a single 5 3/4 x 46 corona gorda vitola later this month. It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Nicaragua. This particular cigar serves two purposes; it is the first release in the company’s new Fosforo Limitada line, which will contain limited edition releases, and the first size of the Fosforo Connecticut line, which the company plans on making a regular production line later this year.

For this release, just 2,400 cigars have been produced. Each cigar has an MSRP of $9.95 per cigar.

“The Fosforo started as another store blends for Riverside,” said Mouttet in a press release. “My original intent was to introduce my clientele to new and upcoming factories in Esteli, where I spend much of my time. With help from Colin Ganley, we found Garmendia Cigars, run by Jose Palacios, and created the first Fosforo blend. Soon afterward, I attended a retailer event at RoMa Craft Tobac and passed out our Fosforos, and surprise, over half the retailers came back to me asking to carry Fosforo!”

Popsiech, Inc. distributes Fosforo.

The cigar is light brown and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were citrus, brown sugar, light cinnamon, and earthiness. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (27 minutes) the flavors changed a little; citrus, underlying apricot, brown sugar, light nougat, and earthiness. The finish is citrus and apricot with good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The flavors are very nice and they taste rather light overall. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (50 minutes) the basic notes were about the same. The citrus and apricot are very nice with the brown sugar and nougat. The cigar still has the earthiness and it now also has black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar remains very good. I held the score of 94.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 10 minutes. The earthiness and black coffee increased while the sweeter notes somewhat decreased. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged except the lingering black pepper is very good. The black pepper on the front end is up to 8. The cigar lost a little so I lowered the score to 92. This is a very good Connecticut. Both of the Fosforo Cigars that I've reviewed have done very well. You should give these a try. Available at Smallbatchcigar.com and use code Tinytim for 10% off.

Overall Score; 93.33

Macanudo Inspirado Tercio Aged Toro (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Macanudo Inspirado employs the time-honored tradition of tercio aging in its soon-to-be-released, limited edition expression called Macanudo Inspirado Tercio Aged.

The blend speaks to refinement and complexity, derived from the old-world technique of tercio aging. For this special release, the laborious and time-consuming process of tercio aging envelopes the cigar’s Dominican Piloto Cubano leaves in handmade bales made of royal palm bark that age the tobacco in a unique environment for six months. The tercios round out the tobacco in a way that is not attainable through other methods, delivering deep nuances and heightened aroma.

The four-country blend is wrapped in a Mexican San Andreas leaf which crowns the Indonesian binder and Colombian and Dominican filler. The result is an intriguing medium-bodied smoke with rich, earthy notes, a smooth, white pepper finish and alluring aroma.

Macanudo Inspirado Tercio Aged is handcrafted at General Cigar Dominicana in Santiago and will ship to retailers during the first week of April. The blend will be available in two sizes and just 3,400 boxes will be released in the U.S.

A QR code will appear on the cigar bands and the box and links to a video that brings the tercio-aging process to life.

Macanudo Inspirado Tercio Aged Toro (6” x 54); SRP per cigar $10.49 REVIEWED TODAY

Macanudo Inspirado Tercio Aged Churchill (7” x 49); SRP per cigar $10.99

The cigar is dark and well made. It has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were bakers chocolate, citrus peel, and brown sugar. There was black pepper rated at 7. Not a lot of sweetness initially.

At the first third (30 minutes) peach notes developed to go along with the citrus peel and brown sugar. The bakers chocolate is still in abundance. The finish is bakers chocolate and light lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The flavors, as they are listed, aren't that bad but they are not working well together. I rated the first third 88.

Moving through the second third (53 minutes) I had light peach notes, fairly light brown sugar, and a lot of bakers chocolate. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. Most of the citrus peel is gone. The reduction in sweet notes did not help. I rated the second third 86.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 25 minutes. In a surprising move the cigar ended with only brown sugar and bakers chocolate. But...it worked. There is a nice amount of brown sugar and it works with the bakers chocolate making a nice flavor. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar is the best it has been so far. I rated the final third 90.

Overall Score: 88