Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan (Aged in Rabbit Hole Raceking barrels)
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6 x 52 Toro
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: $15.99
Quantity Released: 2,300 boxes of 10
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.

My cigars received one month of naked humidor time.

BACKGROUND:
According to the Rabbit Hole Raceking Bourbon website: “For this limited-edition bourbon, Kaveh went all in on a distinctive chocolate-forward flavor. Sired from a one-of-a-kind mash bill featuring chocolate-malted wheat and chocolate-malted barley and carefully aged in new American Oak barrels…five distinct grains, three of which were expertly malted, aged in barrels toasted & charred the traditional way (with wood-fueled fire) by the master craftsmen of Kelvin Cooperage.”
Only 1365 bottles of Raceking Bourbon produced. Price: $705 per bottle. Photo courtesy or Rabbit Hole:

THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
Diesel has always been a very pedestrian line of cigar blends. They tend to be AJ Lite. Except they are some of the strongest blends that Fernandez produces. The Lite refers to their overall quality and complexity. I loved the Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Boxergrail (95) but thought the Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Mizunara (81) was a dud. So what’s a $16 Diesel doing these days? Let’s find out.

As the it-factor for this bourbon is the double chocolate and malt flavors, I expect lots of fudgy notes.

There is no denying that the wrapper smells bourbon sweet. It permeates tourists lost for decades in the remote bush region of my nose hair to deliver the goods. And then there is the chocolate. It is overstuffed like a plush animal on hiatus from season 2 of ‘The Bold and Diatonic: Is There Life After Em7?’.

I sink every bit of my 8mm PerfecPunch razor blades into the cap and blow the perfect airhole. The cold draw is heavy in chocolate with a bourbon flare. It is smoky, oaky, and sweet. Also known as a 1960’s country act that opened for The Oakridge Boys. Resistance is just fine. No need to wake my PerfecDraw from its self-pitying doldrums. Dr. Rod provides a free one-time visit with a nearly licensed therapist with each purchase. For the PD, not you.

Great opening. Chocolate, booze, and women. Two out of those three are necessary.

There is a sting very akin to your first sip of any liquor. This could easily be all in my head as I am not only easily swayed by suggestion but also to mass hypnosis.
I smoked previous sticks with a full belly and they were not my first ones of the day. Makes a huge difference.

The question is whether this blend would show its stuff paired with a similar bourbon…or would they nullify each other? If I drank, I’d know this shit.

Only half an inch in and there is a gorgeous richness. In the aforementioned bulbous belly smokes, it wasn’t until the second half that I noticed how good the cigar really is. With clear thoughts and clear intent, this blend shines like a dusty Mogron on the salt flats of Bonneville.

I’m reviewing this cigar after only one month of humidor time because Diesels don’t last. I don’t mean on the market; I mean in your humidor. They age out. I’ve never smoked one that lasts more than a year after it’s been released into the wild. What you see on receipt is usually what you get.

It’s peaches coated by warm chocolate. Construction is eloquent as exhibited by a sharp char line, although the ash is delicate and doesn’t last more than ½” before positing itself on my lap. It screams to be rescued. I juxtapose my eyebrow in Actors Studio fashion. The shrieks bolden but then my lap becomes silent.

Chocolate and fruits. If you live in West Hollywood, it’s all you need.

Are there other flavors? Yeah, sure: baking spices, dried figs, smoky oak, honey, maple syrup, vanilla, and an even dose of red pepper. You can see where this blend is going. Sweet 70% v. Savory 30%. What makes it work is that it doesn’t feel like it’s out of balance. There is a lovely organic sensibility. I might think differently if I blind tested the Raceking by Diesel. I might complain that it’s too sweet. But I am in the know so I’m cool.

Strength began at a gooche higher than medium. Now with 2” burned, it finds its soul mate in medium/full. The cigar brandishes a lance. I fall back. No idea what that means.

During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, we practiced duck and cover. Even in 7th grade, we knew this was fruitless act of survival. It did allow us to sneak glances up the poodle skirts. Total annihilation wasn’t without certain perks.

Jeff Beck came to see us in concert. In the dressing room afterwards, I had to choose between Jeff or rescue our singer from heroin withdrawal. I chose Beck.

The spiciness from the dead leaves has a little bit of everything. White pepper, red pepper, and a soupçon of jalapeno. My nose picks up a bite of piquancy.

The first half dissipates into vapers. I use my theatrical Chinese fan to hold my swooning at bay. I swear I’m straight. The first 3” was tasty and daring. I enjoyed every bit. I use a dilapidated shoehorn to prepare for the good part.

I was fortunate to play in a cover band that had 3 lead vocalists. And who could sing the harmonies of C,S,&N with ease. No matter how raucous the gigs, things would become quiet when we launched into Suite: Judy Blue Eyes or Teach Your Children. All I had to do was play bass.

The sweet and smoky chocolate presence accelerates. Honey, dried figs, and maple syrup stun me. The blend has me by the base of my narglies. I will narfle the Garthok.

Turns out that the first half was a prelude. The hammer is cocked.

Strength runs amok with 4” burned. Yikes. The room spins and my marmotian pets create formations. Either they are running in circles or it’s me.

Others will rave and deliver a solid 89. Not me. Take ‘em down or reward ‘em.

The back of my throat is attacked by spicy oakiness. Damn. Once in a while, AJ surprises me.

Wisconsin. It’s a balmy 58° and parents have taken their children to the pool.

Transitionally, it’s about intensity. Complexity is about bearing down. Richness is infused like a wolverine refusing to partake in seconds.

The last 2” tells the truth. Not a lick of harshness. Revolving flavor points. Creamed Nièr beurre on toast. It’s a nubber. This cigar is a no brainer.

You can purchase Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Raceking from sponsor Small Batch Cigar. Take 10% off with promo code KATMAN.

RATING: 96

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS

Tags: aj fernandez, cigar reviews, cigar reviews by the katman, cigars, diesel cigars, Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Raceking | Cigar Reviews by the Katman, katman, phil kohn