Wrapper: Undisclosed
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Size: 5.5 x 46 Corona Gorda
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: $17.00
My cigars received two months of naked humidor time.
BACKGROUND:
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A. Estelí, Nicaragua.
SBC is an acronym for Surrounded by Champions. A regular yearly release since 2016.
Quantity released: 500 boxes of 20.
Skip Martin, owner of Nica Sueno and RoMa Craft Tobac, created this year’s blend.
THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
I got a plug. Well, I don’t have a plug…more of an aphorism to describe the tightly wound tobacco wad preventing me from getting a nice draw. To the rescue…my PerfecDraw. One swipe and I must conclude unwanted whining.
Lovely barber pole job. Nice cigar band.
Gorgeous start. Notes of caramel, creaminess, black pepper, apricot, malt, and Almond Roca.
Complexity takes it away. Rich tones of subtle nuances flicker alerting me that something good is about to happen.
Strength is medium. The climb begins.
Wasn’t sure if two months rest would be enough. 500 boxes released a couple months ago is usually enough to last for a while, unless word gets out. That’s my job. This is my third stab at the SBC 22. Buy ‘em up.
A slight note of black licorice seems as if it would be misplaced in this gentle flavor profile, but surprisingly works well as a counterpoint. Dried figs twirl with the licorice giving the cigar a very distinct and unique touch. And I’ve only burned half an inch. What’s next…world peace?
Van Morrison Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue. The Irishman loves soul.
Construction is clean. The burn is epic. My brain is enthralled. Love the first cigar.
Buttery. Popcorn. Gingerbread. Oreos. Wow. I’m on fire.
Sweet v. Savory is spotless.
Uh-oh. Writing is becoming suspended in stilted one liners. Must stop.
So, have I mentioned that tomorrow you can take part in the first annual Katman Super Bowl Specials? 2 days only. My sponsors go nuts in an attempt to drain your wallet selling you some great deals and samplers. Be here at 9am CST or be square.
Creamy caramel apple. There is the fruit I tasted. Not apricot. The tartness fooled me. I’m old.
Knott’s liked my story about the Cordelia K breaking on Easter Sunday 1969. They are flying me and Charlotte out to Buena Park for a reduced fare and all the fried chicken we can eat. I asked if we could be seated next to the door plug on the Max 9. They said OK.
I have no idea the origin of the tobacco used in this faultless blend. It leans towards Dominican. But Nic as well. Maybe Brazilian. Not Honduran. Maybe Peruvian. Maybe I’m amazed. Could be some Habano floating around. I definitely taste Utah.
The slow roll makes me forgive the initial tightness. My PerfecDraw…I have no idea what I’d do without it. This cigar takes its time allowing me to savor the brilliant flavor points.
1-1/2” burned. 25 minutes. Mikey likes.
Powstanie declared that this might be the finest SBC they’ve produced thanks to Skip Martin. They’re on to something with that truism.
I know it sounds like I’m shilling. I don’t care. Too old to turn back now. The truth is out there. I picked up a few more of these cigars. It won’t be long.
They’ll disappear especially if only a couple months of humi time snares the sophistication this quickly. As a genus species, we cigar smokers are impatient. Me too. Plus, the clock is ticking for me. Waiting 10 years for a Cuban to get good is not in the cards.
Strength hits medium/full like a sledgehammer. Open up your fruit cage. Where the fruit can be sweet as can be. This is my testimony.
Delicate and full bodied. All we could ask for. A mild flavor bomb oozing with complex annotations. Everything I expect from a $17 stick. Holy shit. Almost every cigar I’ve reviewed in 2024 is in this price range. What did I tell you? The shit has hit the fan as predicted. Budget minded smokers will be edged out. This isn’t right.
Can I put in a pre-order request for the 2024 version? How is Powstanie going to follow this baby up. Yikes.
This blend is just two points short of utter perfection. Why. No idea. My encephalon works in mysterious ways. I have no extended explanation of how I rate cigars. Fire.
Are you still reading me. Just checking. If you have any self-esteem you scrolled to the rating and then the links to my sponsors and moved on. This is what I do as well. No shame. Mime is money.
The halfway point came and went at 45 minutes. Who doesn’t love the flavorful conciseness of a Corona Gorda that lasts 90 minutes. Skippy boy did good.
40 years with Charlotte this week. On our 8th anniversary, we stole away to Sedona. She offered up the possibility of a ménage à trois for my upcoming birthday. I panted with delight. She never followed through. I’ve only recently forgiven her.
Strength is full tilt. My body begins to tremble. I can’t find my Vienna Sausage with just one hand. This is why God invented loyal Maine Coons.
Despite the tobacco induced aneurysm, I’m having a really good time.
There is no blast of attenuated flavors other than what was discovered in the first half. It’s OK. No need to flout. The richness is outta sight. Groovy cool. Bitchin’.
You need this cigar. If you have Dr. Rod’s money, a 20-count box is $340. $306 with katman promo code. A necessary purchase if you love only the finest. A 4 pack will just drive you crazy with regret…but understandable if you only have katman dough.
Still, every picture tells a story. My body stunk but I kept my funk.
The strength mellows out after the shock of power adapts to the passion of this blend. Smooth as my tush.
The first time I had Ralph Kramden eyes was when my 7th grade history teacher asked the class what a Jew looked like. The chick behind me said we have tiny horns and a tail. I promptly had my tail removed.
This blessed event is big Montana sky. Top 25 material no doubt.
Going…going…
You can purchase Powstanie cigars from sponsor Small Batch Cigar (10% off with promo code ‘katman) and sponsor Luxury Cigar Club (15% off with promo code ‘katman’).
RATING: 98
Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS
Cigar Reviews by the Katman 
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