Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | BoxerCigar Info

After its debut in November 2015, The Fratello Boxer Series made a return this father’s day. The Boxer Series is limited in production and manufactured at Joya de Nicaragua. “Our success with the Boxer Series prompted us to release it for Father’s day.” “We also see a great benefit of having this five pack available for our large scale events, so we are limiting the Boxer Series to Father’s day, Christmas and large Fratello Events.” Said de Frias. The Fratello Boxer Series is available in five box pressed sizes, made with a Nicaraguan Habano Wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder and Filler from Nicaragua and Peru. The Boxer (6 ¼ X 52) Boxeador (6 X 54) Boxero (5 ½ X 50) Boxista (5 X 48) Boxerito (4 ¾ X 40).

This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | BoxerVital Stats:

Vitola: Torpedo
Length: 6.25″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua and Peru
Factory: Joya De Nicaragua
Blender: Omar de Frias
Number of reviewers: 4Mickey T. (irratebass) Gregg (McGreggor57) Kevin S. (KBS1153) Kyle (kaleehb)
Price: $9.00
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: October 2015
Contributed by: Fratello Cigars

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | BoxerInitial Impressions

Appearance: 91

“This cigar is one of the most precise box pressed cigars I have seen tapered to a torpedo finish. The wrapper is shiny and smooth. It appears meticulously handmade. This box press is very smooth.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)

Aroma: 93

“Taking a whiff before toasting this cigar reveals cedar, spices and a bit of earthiness.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | BoxerFirst Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Some oak and char follow a brief appearance of pepper. A little spice remains on the retrohale as the char begins to lessen. Oak and leather combine with black coffee to finish off the third.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“First third opened with as a peppery powerhouse but very quickly settled into the medium body range. Notes of earth and sweet chocolate took the upper hand on my palate and were accompanied by a rich savory, sweet aroma that reminded me of baking bread. Burn was impeccable and led to a soft white ash. Draw was effortless and required almost no effort.” -Kyle (kaleehb)

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | Boxer Second Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“A lot of leather and oak with a lighter coffee and some nutmeg on the finish. Midway in the woodsy notes are beginning to transition to more of a cedar. This shift in flavor is welcome change and provides another dimension.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The complexity of this cigar increased. The aromas and flavors that were detected are peppery, earthiness and cedar. The ashes are dark grey with black striations and remain solid. The draw is very good.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | Boxer Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cedar is well balanced with light coffee and hint of cocoa on the finish. While nice flavors, there isn’t much change throughout the rest of the cigar.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Into the final third the cigar remained medium-full hinting on the full bodied spectrum. I found notes of roasted espresso, bitter chocolate, earth, and a hint of licorice to make up the tasting profile. Ash was predominantly white with gray mixed in throughout and the burn was mildly warm toward the finish. Aroma continued to be very much enjoyable and reminded me of fresh dark roasted coffee beans.” -Kyle (kaleehb)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“Draw was effortless the entire time. I typically like a little resistance, however, with the shape and box press of this cigar, the draw just seamed to fit. Well done!” -Kyle (kaleehb)

Burn: 91

“Lots of smoke with an ash that kept hanging on. Despite a windy day, the burn-line remained relatively straight.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

Construction: 91

“Excellent construction, no issues there at all. no veins.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 90

“There was a transition in the limited flavors about the halfway mark from oak to cedar, but I found it difficult to stay engaged. During the second and final third some flavors of nutmeg and cocoa were in the background. Despite having no wow factor, this is a cigar worth smoking.” -Gregg (McGreggor57)

“After the cigar was in the second third the flavors began to come to the forefront.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)

“Very boring smoke, no real flavors except for Walnut, some oatmeal, and cream” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. Performance and construction were great and the smoking experience was most enjoyable. Although not overly complex in the tasting department, the flavors I experienced were very enjoyable and tastes my palate could easily relate too. I would certainly not be ashamed to pass this stick out to guest and experienced aficionados who I smoke with on a regular basis. Anxious to see what this stick is so I can pick some more up.” -Kyle (kaleehb)

 

Smoking Time (in minutes): 79

 

Reviewer
Appearance
Aroma
1/3
2/3
3/3
Draw
Burn
Constr.
Overall
Experience
Mickey T. irratebass) 90 83 83 83 83 85 90 92 83
Gregg McGreggor57) 90 90 88 90 90 97 92 90 90
Kevin S. KBS1153) 92 95 90 87 88 90 90 90 90
Kyle kaleehb) 97 95 95 97 95 97 97 97 97

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | Boxer

Blind Cigar Review: Fratello | Boxer
Appearance
91
Aroma
93
First Third
89
Second Third
87
Final Third
89
Draw
93
Burn
91
Construction
91
Overall Experience
90
90
Total Score - Very Good