Reinado C29 – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Back in August of 2021, Antonio Lam announced that the Reinado brand would be returning to the market.brand. The first cigar back on shelves was the Grand Apex. Then, in May of last year, he announced a second brand new line, the Reinado C29. The only blend info disclosed is the wrapper, which is an Ecuadorian Connecticut. The name comes from the “C” in Connecticut for the wrapper, and the fact that it went through 29 iterations of the blend before becoming final.

The Reinado C29 comes in just one size, a 5 x 52 robusto that sells for $10. It comes in 5-pack paper bundles. Both the blend and factory are undisclosed, but Lam has said this is not a limited edition release.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Undisclosed
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Factory: Undisclosed
Blender: Antonio Lam
Number of reviewers: 5 – Sean F. (fullermaine) Randy B. (randobush) Noah S. (Noah) Angel M. (Angel) Chris M. (Chris)
Price: $10.00
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: August 2022
Contributed by: Reinado Cigars

Initial Impressions – Reinado C29

Appearance: 94

“At first glance, this Robusto is appealing to the eye and overall inviting. Although not oily or toothy, the naturally colored wrapper is soft and silky in texture and there are no obvious blemishes.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Aroma: 90

“Off the wrapper, I get a faint mix of hay, cream, and pepper. The foot adds some apricot and natural tobacco to the mix.” –Chris M. (Chris)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“With a draw on the loose side, the smoke output was tremendous but the first few puffs on this stick were a tad bit harsh. Out of the gate, the flavors were somewhat one-dimensional, on par with what I encounter the majority of the time when I smoke a Connecticut. A dry toast was the standout early on which was accompanied by a definite spiciness that was only present on the retro. It didn’t take long for this smoke to smooth out and after the first half inch, all of the harshness had faded away. The flavors remained dry with a prevalence of charred oak and a citrus zest acidity that bit the tongue on the back end of the exhale. The retro became less intense but still spicy with notes of white pepper.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“I am a 1/4” in and I’m liking this cigar quite well so far. The draw is perfect. The smoke output is perfect. The finish is long and lasts nicely on the palate in between draws. I’m getting salted butter, coffee, roasted cashew, chicory, paprika, and a bit of cream. Retrohale is good with just a pinch of white pepper zing that I find very tolerable! Surprisingly, there is already enough strength to cause slight perspiration on the top of my head. I like it!” –Randy B. (randobush)

Second Third

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

“There is an elevation of cocoa and cream getting into this third. It definitely knocks the citrus back a fair amount, and the mossy cedar slightly. The original layer of mixed spice has smoothed out a bit as well. Currently, it resembles white and black pepper, with a bit of cinnamon, dropping the bite of the red pepper. Around the midpoint, a toasted bread mixes in.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“In the second third, the pepper is dropped to the back, although it is still present. Notes of cedar and sweet tobacco are dominating at this point. The smoke smoothed out a bit, but then, towards the end of the second half started to dry out once again, but as stated before it is not off-putting. There is a slight bitterness on the back of the tongue, but not so much so that it is a deterrent.” –Angel M. (Angel)

Final Third

Flavor: 94
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Sweet cinnamon notes round out this cigar.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“The spice profile starts to pick up through the finish. It’s mixing really nicely with the creamy earth, cocoa, and mossy cedar. Only getting a minimal amount of citrus, and only occasionally at this point. Toasted bread and cream pick up coming to the nub.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Impressions – Reinado C29

Draw: 95

“A slight cut off the cap provides a very loose draw, moderate smoke output.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Burn: 96

“Uneven burn in spots that corrects itself. No touch-ups were needed.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Construction: 96

“This robusto was rolled very well with tight seams, firmness that was just right, and nice touch of a double cap.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Overall Strength: Mild-Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Light-Medium
Experience Overall: 93

“A great cigar I’d want in my humidor. Notes of sugar, black pepper, leather, and cinnamon. Great draw, burn, and construction. I’d smoke this cigar again. Grab a few sticks and share the enjoyment with friends.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“I enjoyed this cigar immensely, from prelight all the way until its fruition, and tasty end!
The appearance, draw, burn, construction, and wowzer complex flavors that transitioned so wonderfully, kept me more than satisfied throughout the whole experience. Kudos to the manufacturer!” –Randy B. (randobush)

“At first puff, I was certain my experience with this smoke was going to be lackluster and in line with what I get from most Connecticuts. Connecticuts have their time and place. There is certainly a handful that has knocked my socks off, but for a guy who generally reaches for something more full-bodied they are generally the exception and not the rule. I am pleased to say that I was wrong about this stick! What started off as one-dimensional and harsh, subtly transitioned into a smooth and dynamically flavorful cigar. The final third is unequivocally where this stick shined with a rich and meaty flavor that left my mouth watering. Had the first two-thirds echoed the last, it would certainly be a favorite of mine amongst lighter-bodied cigars. Next time I might pair this cigar with a light roast coffee to start my day off right.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“Overall, a good cigar. Definitely a little on the lighter side with white pepper dominating through the first and halfway through the second third. The final third is where the cigar really picked up for me, the smoke smoothed out very significantly and the vanilla and cedar worked well together. I would definitely recommend the cigar to someone with a lighter palette. The cigar would go great with a flavored whiskey, lager-type beer, or white wine. I was able to take this down to a nub without too much heat or off flavors.” –Angel M. (Angel)

“My hope is that burn issues aren’t a huge issue across the board with these, because I found this to be a very pleasant smoking experience. I’d easily rotate these into my morning smoke selections. I bet they’d be excellent paired with coffee.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 57

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Reinado C29 – Blind Cigar Review