Ponce Sumatra Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Ponce Cigar Co. was started in 2021 by Frank Vazquez. He previously worked for Corona Cigar Co., a retailer with locations in Orlando and Tampa, for 6 years. Ponce‘s first release, which came out in May of 2021, was simply called the Ponce. Now it has been renamed the Ponce San Andrés. We gave that cigar a score of 92 in our blind tasting. Now, the company has released their sophomore release, the Ponce Sumatra.

While the original blend came in just one size, this Ponce Sumatra is offered in three sizes: Robusto 4 7/8 x 50 $11.50, Corona Largo 6 1/4 x 46 $11.75, and Toro Corto 5 1/2 x 54 $12.00. All come packaged in boxes of 11.

The blend for Ponce Sumatra uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra, corojo binder from Ecuador, and Dominican negrito piloto cubano, Dominican olor viso, and a Nicaraguan HVA hybrid grown in Condega fillers. Like the original blend, Ponce Sumatra is made at MJ Frias Cigar SRL in Tamboril, Dominican Republic.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 4 7/8″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Ecuadorian Corojo
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: MJ Frias Cigar SRL
Blender: Frank Vazquez
Number of reviewers: 5 – Mickey T. (irratebass) John A. (Bostoneo) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Alan (Eulogy) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $11.50
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: May 2022
Contributed by: Ponce Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions – Ponce Sumatra Robusto

Appearance: 93

“This is a very nice looking robusto-sized cigar that is showcasing a reddish brown hued wrapper leaf with light veins and a rustic toothy feel. The wrapper is very nicely applied and there appears to be a triple cap. Overall a very attractive and apparently well-made cigar.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 93

“The cigar’s aroma is off-putting but also a good sign. Putrid barnyard and bitter coffee aromas permeate from the wrapper.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The first flavors are tangy leather and light earth with a really nice pepper zing on the retrohale. After the first inch, the leather faded and the vanilla spice notes hinted in the aroma developed. The strength, which had started out powerfully, has faded to the mild-medium level and is a perfect pairing for my morning coffee.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Let’s light this bad boy up! Off the initial light, loads of peanut shells, salted cream, and other nut flavors come through in a delicious medium-bodied smoking experience. After the initial inch, the profile really does mellow out nicely into a comfortable medium smoke. This stellar profile ends with some sweetness lingering as this third closes.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The wondrous wasabi almonds stick around, and I will continue to enjoy them. I mean, why look a gift horse in the mouth, right?” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“Sort of a soft profile in the middle. There is dry leather, cedar, baking spice, mild pepper, and a cola mouthfeel.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The leather has transitioned into more of a coffee flavor now. The sweetness keeps lingering, but mostly on my lips and palate. This cigar has been pretty mild so far… I’d say a mild to medium, but more mild… anyway, the strength is starting to pick up in this final stage. The sweetness is starting to fade and more earthy tones have woke up. The cigar went out on me sadly, with an inch to go.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“That gift horse I referred to is coming around the last turn in this race and is steadfast in its wasabi almond delicacy. Complexity be damned, this cigar is firing on all cylinders and I’m enjoying each and every puff.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions – Ponce Sumatra Robusto

Draw: 95

“Not much to be said here as it is solid with v-cut.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Burn: 89

“The burn on this cigar was quite awesome except when I was on the final third, it began to get quite wavy.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Construction: 92

“I truly love it when the ash doesn’t accidentally drop and this cigar kept me happy! It looked great and performed really well… these facts, paired with the blending have me well pleased!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 93

“Overall this was a good cigar. Stayed at a mild to medium, but closer to mild until the final third where the strength did increase to a medium. The cigar had a sweetness that kept messing with me, I never did pinpoint it… I’m a failure. I got leather, spice, some bread, and eventually coffee. My draw was way too tight to really enjoy the cigar, the cigar held up as I said until the final third and finally gave up the ghost on me with an inch to go. I would like to sample this cigar again to give it another go.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“This is a supremely consistent and flavorful cigar. Construction was top-notch as the burn and draw were simply phenomenal. Very well-balanced flavors of cedar, leather and creamy black pepper provided a superb smoking experience with this moderately complex cigar. I’d definitely pick up a fiver of these to enjoy again, it was a balanced and overall fantastic smoke!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This was a great morning cigar with my coffee. It started off with a bit of a blast to wake my palate then settled into a really flavorful profile that lasted until the end when the profile ramped up and brought the smoking experience full circle. This was very enjoyable to me, and confirms I will look for more to smoke in the future. Definitely recommended!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The highlight was just the relaxing experience I had. It was effortless in the draw and burn with ample smoke output allowing me to just enjoy the experience. It has a classic profile that doesn’t require too much thought and that’s just what you need sometimes.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“There comes a time when a cigar really sings for you. Like that catchy song that has a chorus that just resonates in your head and you find yourself tapping your feet to the rhythm. The cigar isn’t a complex orchestration, but more like that fun song. Yielding a pleasing combination of wasabi and salted nuts, it left me wanting more. I will most definitely be looking forward to the reveal, so I can get my hands on more and hit repeat.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 86

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Ponce Sumatra Robusto – Blind Cigar Review