Big Sky Bitterroot – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Most cigar enthusiasts know that once upon a time, many many cigars were rolled in the U.S. When you think of cigars made in the U.S., you probably think of Miami and Tampa. What you may not realize is that cigars were once rolled in Montana. In 1905, the state of Montana was home to 107 Cigar factories with only around 240,000 people in the area at the time, that comes out to around 1 cigar factory for every 2,200 people. During this time, tobacco was imported to Montana from around the world from countries like Jamaica, Java, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Big Sky Cigar Co. was created with this rich history in mind, and that is the focus of our review today. We will be looking at the Big Sky Bitterroot line.

Big Sky Cigar Co. was founded in 2019 and has since released 8 different cigar lines, each named after a different river in the state. The Big Sky Bitterroot uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and filler. It comes in just one size, a 6 x 54 toro. The cigars are rolled at Tacasa S.A. in Nicaragua, which is home to some other brand you might recognize such as Cubao by Ortega and Veritas cigars.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tacasa S.A.
Blender: Carlos Sanchez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Kevin J. (maninblack77) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Price: $12.00
Age: 8 Months
Release Date: 2022
Contributed by: Big Sky Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions – Big Sky Bitterroot

Appearance: 94

“The light-brown wrapper looks dry and has a fine tooth from top to bottom. The seams are tight and the cigar feels good in the hand. It is finished with a triple cap that is nicely applied.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 94

“The aroma is ever so light but getting some pepper and potato flavor from the center part of the cigar.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

First Third

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

“The cigar opens with a floral sweetness on the palate. This is fortified what some earthy undertones. The retrohale has peppery notes that tingle the sinuses. The mouthfeel and finish is light.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Used my soft flame to toast the foot. Immediately there were notes of salted cashews, caramel, and graham crackers. There were also some slight white pepper notes. Mild to medium in body and strength but a very good start to this review. The ash held on for over an inch before I knocked it off.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Second Third

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

“The floral notes continue to be the main attraction as I smoke into this second third. This is a herbal note that is making an appearance on the sides of the palate. The retrohale has stayed the same. The mouthfeel and finish have taken a step up.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“The dirt and earth taste has completely vanished and a sweet fruity tea flavor took over. Occasionally it pushes into a bit of an astringent bug spray kind of flavor that is off-putting, but it disappears after a puff or two.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The spice and heat on the palate have decreased to more tolerable now. More notes of starch and salt have increased. Retrohale is spice but now not as intense.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“The final third didn’t offer up any new flavors but that was ok. There were still a lot of salted cashew notes as well as caramel and graham cracker. Smooth finish with some lingering flavors. Definitely a mild to medium bodied smoke.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Overall Impressions – Big Sky Bitterroot

Draw: 89

“The draw was clean and easy from start to finish. It creates plenty of cool thick smoke.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Burn: 95

“The burn was very impressive with only one or two touchups needed.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Construction: 97

“The bunch and wrapper were excellent. The ash was strong and held on for about an inch at a time.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

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

“This was a really hot spicy smoke to the point of too much for me. However, if you are looking for a spicy cigar then others will like this cigar more. The notes of starch and salt I really liked just wish it was more balanced with the spice.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“This cigar, although milder than I’m used to, was a very impressive performer with the construction and the flavors presented that worked so well. I’d try this again as a morning cigar or one I’d try with a fresh palate to really discern the flavors and aromas. I’d recommend this to new and seasoned smokers alike.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“The wrapper had issues, caused by me, but the cigar performed perfectly. I could only imagine how this would have gone if I didn’t drop it. This has a very appealing flavor profile that will attract many people. I will seek out a few when I know what it is.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“This somewhat seemed like a cigar with a completely different cigar in the middle. The opening and closing thirds were very earthy with a nice baking spice note. While the middle third was a sweet fruity tea flavor that occasionally bordered on bug spray. I don’t know that I’d go back to this cigar again but I didn’t dislike smoking it.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 92

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Big Sky Bitterroot – Blind Cigar Review