ATL Wise Blood Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Back in February of this year, Luciano Cigars and ATL Cigar Co announced ATL‘s fifth regular production, Wise Blood. The name comes from first novel of Georgia author Flannery O’Connor of the same title. You can read more about that description in our original press release coverage here.

Wise Blood is the cigar collaboration between ATL Cigars and Luciano Cigars Master Blender Luciano Meirelles. This is, however, the first ATL cigar to be produced and distributed exclusively through Luciano Cigars. The cigar comes in four viotlas: Lonsdale 6 1/2 x 42 ($9.99), Robusto Extra 6 x 50 ($10.49), Robusto 5 1/4 x 54 ($10.49), and Gordito 4 x 60 ($10.99). The blend uses an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado HVA wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut binder, and filler from three Nicaraguan regions. Wise Blood was first shown off at the TPE (Total Product Expo) trade show in Las Vegas earlier this year. The cigars are packaged in 20-count boxes.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5 1/4″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado HVA
Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Luciano Tabacos S.A.
Blender: Luciano Meirelles
Number of reviewers: 5 – Mickey T. (irratebass) Doug S. (Unpossible_1) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Alan (Eulogy) John A. (Bostoneo)
Price: $10.49
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: April 2023
Contributed by: Luciano Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions – ATL Wise Blood Robusto

Appearance: 89

“This cigar is presented in a robusto format and is wearing a light, leathery brown wrapper leaf that is toothy with plenty of small veins. The cap and seams are basically invisible and everything just feels right to me.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 93

“With a cold draw I am able to tease out flavors of leathery cream & salted Brazil nuts. On the nose, A wonderful bouquet of cream, nuts and leather amaze me.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“The first flavors of this cigar are lightly spicy and have a significant savory sweetness. Through the nose I’m getting a mild pepper kick but it’s really pleasant and may be my favorite aspect of the opening third.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“First thing I notice is some orange zest, with a sweetness almost like a Creamsicle. Such a complementary and delicious combination to kick things off. I’m also picking up a little warmth of cumin and coriander that is more prominent with the retrohale.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Moving into the second third, a prominent kettle corn sweetness begins to develop alongside complementary flavors of leather, salt, and sweet peppers. I am truly enjoying this cigar at this point with its wonderful additional caramel flavors towards the end and delightful smokability.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This third actually has some flavor. I’m able to pick up notes of cream, coffee, sweet cedar, leather, and spicy red pepper. The draw is a little tight but the smoke has a nice body to it. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“No change in the flavor in this third, however the strength did go back to a mild/medium. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“The last third is here and, while clocking in at a medium-full body & strength, exudes flavors of caramel sweetness, freshly cut wood, and a salty finish on the tongue. This profile remains true until the end when things slightly shift towards a sweet soy sauce.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Overall Impressions – ATL Wise Blood Robusto

Draw: 90

“I did a deep V-cut on this and found it to be a touch restrictive. The smoke output was still nice though with a creamy smoke and nice mouthfeel. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Burn: 92

“I was very pleased with the rate and sharpness of the burn on this sample. I did choose to perform one touch up near the end to correct a bit of a waver but I attribute that to the breeze outside.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Construction: 92

“Very good construction with this cigar. The ash held on for about an inch, and the cigar never heat up or became bitter. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 91

“Overall this was a good cigar, but it did burn way too fast for me. The notes I picked up were wood, nuts, and some must flavors. I would smoke this again. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“I was quite excited with the way things started and the potential it had, but this cigar really didn’t follow-through. Flavor profile tapering off and then going bitter was such a huge turn off for me. Really was not something I would desire to repeat and can only hope that my experience was not the norm.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“This was a very pleasant cigar to smoke. It eased me into the experience with soft and pleasant flavors then ramped up to the fuller bodied and flavored cigar I prefer. I would gladly smoke this often and would happily recommend it to a friend.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The first third of this was a rough experience. I found it to be far too peppery as it was burning the tip of my tongue. After it had level out it was slightly more enjoyable but still missing something. Its not good or bad but feels more like a waste of time as you can smoke something you enjoy more. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Overall this was a fine smoke that started strong out the gate with big bold flavors and strength. Initially with a bold statement upon lighting up, this cigar tapered off into a pleasant semi-sweet flavor bomb as it continued to smoke, showing its softer side as it burned down. Construction can be improved by slightly building the cigar a bit tighter as it did have a slightly loose draw, which required patience when smoking this wonderful cigar. I would smoke this one again!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 85

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

ATL Wise Blood Robusto – Blind Cigar Review