The Master Blends Cigar Company with Tabacalera El Artista debuted their boutique brand, Manolo Estate Hand Rolled Cigars, at the 83rd Annual IPCPR Convention & International Trade Show in 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana.The official release of Manolo Estate Handmade Cigars marks the team of Luis Gutierrez and Juan Carlos Rojas’ first foray into the cigar industry following their initial role as purveyors of fine premium cigars at their tobacconist shops, Ash Fine Cigars.
After a long and spirited smoke-filled journey in pursuit of the world’s greatest cigars, co-founders Luis Gutierrez and Juan Carlos Rojas have teamed with Tabacalera El Artista in Tamboril, Dominican Repúblic to create a collection of master blends that is worthy of their Cuban family legacy. The result of that relentless sojourn is Manolo Estate Handmade Cigars.
This line pays homage to the time-honored Cuban craftsmanship of both Rojas and Gutierrez’s families having hand-rolled premium cigars for more than three generations. The Manolo Estate Cuban Heritage Line includes three premium blends including the Gran Fino Connecticut, Serie 32 Habano and the Heavyweight Maduro.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: San Andres Maduro
Binder: Criollo 98
Filler: Nicaraguan Estelí, Pennsylvania, and Dominican ligero
Factory: Master Blends Cigar Company
Blender: Luis Gutierrez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Adam B. (Bushboy) Mickey T. (irratebass) Matt C. (Big Matt) Kevin S. (KBS1153)
Price: $6.49
Age: 7 Months
Release Date: July 2015
Contributed by: Manolo Estate Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 90
“A great looking stick and what I would consider a robusto, a few prominent veins running up the stick and the wrapper is what I would consider a traditional dark coffee bean brown. Aromas from the stick are nil but at the foot I find, brown sugar and a fruity bread component. The cap is isn’t great but doesn’t hinder the cutting process as I choose a straight cut. The cold draw produces rich tobacco, fruit and bread.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Aroma: 89
“Aroma throughout the whole cigar was very good, with a mix of cream and rich tobacco.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
First Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Right away a blast of pepper, hazelnut & a little bit of spice. Nuts on the retrohale, and a beautiful white ash has formed. A little bit of cream popped up 1/2 way through the 1/3. Very nice draw & smoke output.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Immediately, I’m hit with loads of white pepper on the retro however it dials back to enjoyable within the first 12 puffs. My palate is coated with coffee, cream and bread notes. The exhale offer me chocolate toffee, coffee, hazelnut and cream. The retro is earth, tobacco and cream.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Second Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Flavors have remained fairly consistent from the first third. Pepper has vanished and the sweetness aftertaste has continued to grow. So far an extremely savory smoke that is similar to eating chocolate mousse pie with a cup of black coffee.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“At the second third the pepper that I originally could detect has crept in with the woodiness of the oak. The creaminess of the Brazil Nut was still present. There are some nodes of hay coming in as well.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)
“Starting to become harsh. Becoming really hot, not able to nub it. That’s a shame I was really enjoying this. I feel with time these may mellow a bit & I would be able to nub it, but for now I have to pitch it,” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“The pepper has become prominent at this point surrounded by what woodiness has now become cedar. The espresso is back and the draw remains fine. This has been a very even burn throughout.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 98
“From the raw draw right down to the nub this draw has remained great.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)
Burn: 93
“For the most part the burn was spot on. Small run in the second third that self corrected.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Construction: 94
“Construction was solid. Fully packed. No blemishes and very minimal veins.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Although maduro’s are not my go to smokes, this cigar was a savory treat. Great stogie to follow a meal with a sweet flavor throughout. In my book, this was a perfect after dinner delight. Not exactly a flavor rollercoaster, but the creators captured a delicious blend and presented it well. In a larger vitola I would expect more transitions, however in the robusto size this stick was extremely enjoyable.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“This was a really good smoke, but unfortunately it became too harsh/hot in the final 3rd that i couldn’t give it a perfect rating. I am very curious to know what I smoked.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“I enjoyed this cigar from start to finish. I would easily suggest my friends to try out this blend, and I am looking forward to finding out what it. Easily a 5 pack buy.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“This is a cigar that is a must have for your humidor. Sit back and relax and this will take you on a journey. It is one for novice and experienced smokers.” –Kevin S. (KBS1153)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 67
Appearance
Aroma
First Third
Second Third
Final Third
Draw
Burn
Construction
Overall Experience
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Cigar Info
Vital Stats:
Initial Impressions
