The Espinosa 601 Black Label 2021 Toro is positioned as a more robust Connecticut smoking experience.
Cigar Coop rates this great cigar at 91. They recommend it to all smokers, “While it’s a bolder Connecticut, it’s an approachable candidate for both the novice and experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, this is a cigar I would smoke again and buy multiples to keep in the humidor. It exceeds the Cigar Coop Standard of Excellence threshold.”
We also think what the reviewers at Developing Palates has to say is worth mentioning. “There is this creamy and cedar quality present. Chocolate joins the profile as it settles in. Lingering post draw baking spices and bread form shortly after. A rich complex sweetness underpins the chocolate and cedar, and manages to anchor the flavors together.”
Without a doubt, this Espinosa creation is a hit.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Zona
Blender: Hector Alfonso
See all the Espinosa Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
La Gloria Cubana 8th Street is a celebration of the storied history of cigar making on Miami’s 8th Street, a.k.a. “Calle do Ocho”.
The LGC 8th Street is a collaboration with the Master Blenders of El Titan de Bronze. Production takes place nearby the original El Credito factory. For starters, the Ecuadorian Havana Oscuro wrapper encases vintage fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Adding in a select Nicaraguan binder completes the formula. The result is a true artisan grade cigar.
On the whole, the 8th street makes a good impression on the folks at Halfwheel. They enjoy the “Distinctive flavor profile marked by a full-bodied creaminess.” Cigar Score gives this smoke their top rating with good things to say as well. “ A very enjoyable cigar with some wonderful complexity.” Small Batch Cigar plainly states the 8th street is a flavor bomb. Think chocolate, citrus, raisin, sweet earth, hay, anise, black tea, apple, graham cracker, and dry cocoa. Their take….”Smoke output is significant on this bad boy. It burns well and the draw is spot-on.”
No doubt this very special cigar is another winner for this great brand.
Country of Origin: U.S.A. Florida
Factory: El Titan de Bronze
Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano) Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
See all the La Gloria Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
The Espinosa 10th Anniversary was specially blended to celebrate the company’s first decade in the cigar business.
This 10th Anniversary celebratory cigar is the creation of one of Erik’s best blenders, Hector Alfonso. Setting this Nicaraguan puro apart is the very special Hybrid Habano wrapper. This along with the vintage fillers gives this smoke a medium to full strength with a smooth medium body. Without a doubt it’s balanced and complex. Together with flavor notes of cedar wood, chocolate and peppery spices you also have natural tobacco taste from start to finish.
To this end, The Cigar Coop Coalition rates it a very respectable 92.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Hybrid Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: San Lotano
Blender: Hector Alfonso
See all the Espinosa Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Espinosa Sarsaparilla Belicoso is definitely one of the most unique entries from this great company.
Blend-wise, this medium bodied Sarsaparilla edition features a Mexican San Andres wrapper over all-Nicaraguan vintage grade tobaccos. The result is a perfectly made, very flavorful cigar overall.
Think a mix of chocolate, cream, cedar, and mixed pepper for starters. In fact, noted reviewer KATMAN finds even more flavors. “And mysteriously, the red pepper and cinnamon mellow out…allowing the previously described flavors to hit the stage front and center. Constant motion. Nice transitions.” To this end, the guys at Blind Man’s Puff rate it a solid score of 90.
To top it off, Cigar Coop rates this great cigar a stellar 93. They describe it best. “Sarsaparilla is a very good cigar. It offers a unique flavor profile, has some nice complexity, and has great construction. While many know I tend to be critical of the San Andres Maduro wrapper, the team at La Zona really does a great job with this.”
Needless to say, if you’re a fan of Espinosa Cigars, this one is a top pick!
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan (Condega & Esteli)
See all the Espinosa Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
New World Dorado is the newest and most coveted blend of this popular line.
With attention to detail, most of the tobacco in the Dorado comes from a single plot of land, namely the Dorado farm in Estelí, Nicaragua. This all Nicaraguan blend consists of of a sun-grown, Cuban-seed wrapper and Criollo ’98 binder with filler from AJ’s other fields.
The result speak for themselves. Cigar Aficionado rates it a very impressive 94. Their description says it all. “Beautifully rolled with an even draw and combustion, this dark, box-pressed cigar envelops the palate with rich layers of caramel, orange peel, toast and nuts. A subtle floral undertone appears before the long espresso finish, which hints of walnut. Complex and delicious.” Not convinced? Katman gave it an astounding 97 and Blind Man’s Puff scored it at 96. What more so you need to know!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: AJ Fernandez
Check out other AJ Fernandez cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE!
Wrapper- Sumatra
Binder- Indonesia
Filler- Pennsylvania, Nicaragua and Dominican
The name of this Drew Estate cigar comes from the 20 acre farm in Clermont, Florida where this special tobacco is grown. The company calls it “a complex and medium-bodied cigar with super oaky and cedar notes accompanied by a whisper of white pepper and a bright hint of citrus.” Considering this cigar’s high ratings, it seems to be another winner for Drew Estate.
With attention to detail, 20 Acre Farm showcases Florida Sun Grown tobacco while enhancing the sophisticated smoking characteristics of the other tobaccos in the blend. If you’re a fan of boutique offerings containing very special leaves, this is a cigar to try for sure. See what Florida’s unique sungrown tobacco combined with the craftsmanship of Drew Estate is all about!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate
Wrapper: Ecuador (Shade Grown Connecticut)
Binder: Honduras (Habano)
Filler: Nicaragua (Estelí & Jalapa) & U.S.A. (Florida Sun Grown)
The Blackbird Jackdaw Connecticut is a mild to medium bodied cigar that’s as good with a cup of morning coffee as it is after a full meal with a glass of whiskey! When the highly critical folks at Stogie Press rated it an astounding 94, the entire industry began taking this new boutique brand very seriously. This complexly blended smoke is being enjoyed by aficionados and newcomers alike.
Wrapper – Ecuador (Connecticut)
Binder – Indonesian
Filler – Dominican Republic, U.S.A. & Nicaragua (Corojo 99)
The Blackbird Crow is one of six blends that were introduced to the market at the 2019 PCA Trade show in Las Vegas, NV. A new company, based out of Hialeah Florida, with master blender Jonas Santana at the helm, took the industry by storm offering a flock of cigars for the discerning palate.
When the highly critical folks at Stogie Press gave it a 92 rating, the rest of the industry took serious notice of this soon to be a very popular boutique company.
The Blackbird Crow San Andres is a complexly blended medium to full bodied cigar with a slow burn and smooth draw which allows the complex flavors and taste notes of grade-A long-filler tobacco to shine through.
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua, United States Pennsylvania, Nicaraguan Corojo & Criollo
Alec Bradley Kintsugi is the third creation from the company founder’s sons, Alec and Bradley Rubin.
With attention to detail, this collaboration between these talented young men and the Raíces Cubanas factory in Danlí, Honduras produces an outstanding cigar. Kintsugi follows Blind Faith from 2018 and Gatekeeper from 2019. All things considered, at this point, it’s safe to say these guys are well on their way to becoming Master Blenders.
Out of all the accolades, Blind Man’s Puff describes it best. “After initial inspection I wasn’t sure what to expect, however, this cigar smoked fantastically and produced delicious flavors. From pre-light draw to last puff, the cigar performed above expectations and had great smoke output. Not exactly my cup of tea as it was a little sweeter than I prefer, but I would gladly smoke another. Fantastic smoke if you have under an hour. Nub was the best part. Puff slowly and enjoy the end my friends.” These words coupled with a score of 91 make Kintsugi another winner for sure!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras Habano
Binder: Honduras & Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
Factory: Raices Cubanas
Blender: Alec & Bradley Rubin
See all the Alec Bradley cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
