Wrapper: Dominican Habano Maduro
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican Vuelta Abajo
Size: 5 x 52 “Robusto”
Body: Medium/Full
Price: $4.25

Note 12-3-2013: Yeah. I saw the CI Special today. A bundle of 20 robustos for $40. I snagged it.

Abe Flores has two different visions in his head. He makes the inexpensive Pinar de Rio bundles for CI and Cigar.com. And he also produces the premium blends that go under the moniker of 1878. Two totally different animals.

This relatively new cigar was a joint venture between Flores and Juan Rodriguez of PDR. This is a small batch cigar. It is a Dominican puro. And it is on the inexpensive side of the coin. Cigar Journal awarded it a 95 rating.

Construction is excellent. Very firm with spider veins and tight seams. It looks like a triple cap but I can find nothing to confirm that. The color is that of dark cocoa…with a slight reddish hue. There is also a bit of mottling. It is oily and feels toothy.

I sniff and detect lots of cocoa, earth, leather and spice.

I clip and light up.

The aromas turn instantly into flavors. The draw is perfect. And the spice begins to turn into a force to be reckoned with. The char line is a bit erratic but doable.
The cigar becomes an instant flavor bomb. Flavors of cocoa, coffee, creaminess, spice, leather and earth just stomp on the accelerator pedal. Now this is a very inexpensive cigar in terms of its competition. And based on the flavor and strength, the PDR people could have charged twice for this cigar and no one would have blinked.

A small batch cigar for $4. Makes you think.

Smoke is pouring from the foot like a forest fire.

Introduced to the mix is a buttery caramel or nougat. I am not through the first third so it should clarify soon.

The first third ends and cinnamon joins the fray. The body is still classic medium. The spice is at the perfect level. Enough to make your tongue tingle a bit.
I can detect this flavor I’ve never tasted, but read about….a minty. It lies on top of the spice and gives it the flavor cross of a mint julep and a bloody mary.

The first third ties the flavors together. The cigar is perfectly balanced with a long finish. The rich earthiness is the Ying to the flavors Yang.
The halfway point brings it on. The body has moved to full. The flavors are very intense.

For my tastes, this is a perfect cigar. Really. It has everything I want in a stogie. Depth, character, diversity, and richness. I am still trying to grok how this could possibly be only a $4 stick.

The last third starts with a bang. The cocoa and creaminess and coffee move to the forefront giving the illusion of being at Starbucks.

There is also a Habano version of this stick which I am now dying to try…although; I am very partial to maduro.

The char line has been pretty good for the duration, but now, it is getting a little funky.

This is a must try cigar. If you go to Cbid, you can pay less than $4 a stick. This is, by far, the greatest $4 stick I’ve ever smoked. Hands down.

The power of the cigar continues to strengthen. And the flavors are going nuts.
Obviously, I highly recommend this cigar. Get on it.

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS