JC Newman El Baton Belicoso (5 x 56)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from jcnewman.com website)

El Baton is one of J.C. Newman’s vintage brands made by our founder, J.C. Newman, back in 1914. This nickel cigar was originally hand rolled in a Cleveland, Ohio factory with Cuban tobacco. Although it was popular for many years, the onset of machine-made cigars caused El Baton to disappear from the marketplace in the 1920s.

In 2008, J.C.’s grandsons, Eric and Bobby Newman, re-launched the brand as the company’s first Nicaraguan cigar. El Baton cigars are grown in the most fertile areas of Nicaragua, providing for a smooth, hearty smoke with a little spice. When it debuted, El Baton was only offered in one size, the Double Torpedo, since then the brand has grown to include three more sizes, a Double Toro, Robusto and Belicoso. Its return has been met with rave reviews and acclaim from a wide range of cigar enthusiasts including a 91 rating from Cigar Aficionado.

While it may have some history, don’t be fooled, this isn’t your grandfather’s stogie. This is the boldest cigar in our line. Made with full-bodied tobacco grown from some of the richest soils in Nicaragua, the El Baton has a spicy kick that creates a surprising experience.

The impact and flavor in this cigar can usually only be experienced for twice the price of the El Baton but keeping true to its motto, this cigar gives smokers something the true aficionado deserves.

Blend info:

WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Havana

BINDER: Nicaraguan

FILLER: Nicaraguan      

FACTORY: J.C. Newman PENSA

Available vitolas:

Double Torpedo: 6 1/4″ x 56

Double Toro: 6″ x 60

Belicoso: 5″ x 56 (REVIEWED TODAY)

Robusto: 5″ x 54

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good with a touch of firmness. The initial flavors at light up were orange citrus, brown sugar, a little cedar, dry nutmeg, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (27 minutes) the cigar is about like it started. There may be a touch less citrus and a touch more leather. There is also a little citrus peel note but it's light. The mix works. It's very nice. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (51 minutes) the leather made a modest increase. There is also some earthiness. The citrus and brown sugar is still there but it's slightly decreased. The citrus peel is not there anymore. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 92.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 9 minutes. The cigar continued on the slow roll of increased earthiness and leather. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The leather and earthiness never rose so much that it ruined the cigar. It's still good. I rated the final third 91. Good cigar.

Overall Score: 92