A.C.E. Prime Cigar Company made its debut at IPCPR 2019. They went big and sponsored the trade show, and had a large beautiful booth. They also launched four new lines, two of which were made with former NBA players: M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins and M.X.S. by Tiago Splitter. M.X.S. means Maximum Excellence and Success. The company was started by entrepreneur and sommelier Luciano Meirelles.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Dominique Wilkins played for the Atlanta Hawks for eleven seasons and was a nine time all-star. The M.X.S by Dominique Wilkins has a Mexican San Andres wrapper with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. It comes in one vitola a 6 ½ x 54 toro and comes in 20 count boxes. It is produced at Tabacalera Pichardo and blended by Don Eradio Pichardo. Pichardo is from Havana, Cuba and runs the factory with third-generation tobacco agriculturist Don Eradio..
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro Length: 6 1/2″ Ring Gauge: 54 Country of Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera Pichardo Blender: Eradio Pichardo Number of reviewers: 4 – Alan(Eulogy) James H. (Keikan Jim) Kevin J. (maninblack77) John I. (John I.) Price: $17.00 Age: 5 Months Release Date: July 2019 Contributed by: A.C.E. Prime Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 93
“Attractive cocoa colored wrapper with some slight grit to it. Several veins are very prominent. No triple cap present just a simple cap. Dry wrapper with very little oils present. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Aroma: 91
“Leather and earth off of the wrapper and a touch of cinnamon from the foot. Nice.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
First Third
Blind Cigar Review: ACE Prime | M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins
Flavor: 90 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Usually, I don’t get a flavor on the draw that I had on the pre-draw but there is a licorice note on the finish. Mild amounts of pepper, leather, and malt round out the profile with a nice firmness of the draw. The burn is a little uneven so far but it doesn’t require a touch up and I wish that the smoke was a bit creamier. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“The first few puffs bring out those dry grass flavors and also a very dry cocoa. Almost like the powdered cocoa used in baking. Very mild so far with muted flavors. Nothing stands out yet with that wow factor. Even the retro is flat. Let’s hope the second third improves upon this. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Second Third
Flavor: 92 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
Blind Cigar Review: ACE Prime | M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins
“The second third had a slight flavor change and added a mineral element which enhances the initial sweet raisin from the the first third giving this stick a dessert quality. Burn remained uneven but the smoke output was plentiful. Retro remained smooth. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“The middle third begins with a burst of bright kind of carbonated fizz. This smoke has a lot of the classic Cubanesque “”vanilla cream soda”” kind of profile but with an added depth and roasted richness. Super good thing. Flavor shifts toward the end of the third and settles back into sweet coffee notes.” –John I. (John I.)”
“Took almost till the end for a real profile change to occur. It’s still quite anise forward but there’s a pine note in the background that adds a pleasant depth to the draw. A touch more pepper than the previous two thirds and a slightly bitter herbal note round out flavors.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“As I get to the final third, the burn has corrected itself completely and the flavors have remained consistent. Sweet raisin with a slight mineral quality that dances in and out of the profile at will with a smooth white pepper retro. Strength has ramped up slightly but it is not overpowering by any means. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
Blind Cigar Review: ACE Prime | M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins
Overall Impressions
Draw: 91
“Nice. A bit stiff at the start, but quickly opens up and draws very well for the remainder. ” –John I. (John I.)
Burn: 90
“It never burned razor sharp but I did not have to touch it up or do any relights. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Construction: 88
“The construction was solid but the burn issues in the beginning cost it some points. This stick had a solid firm feel and the ash was solid and held on tightly before falling off in chunks. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“I think if I was more of a fan of anise I would have enjoyed it far more. The smoke output was good, draw was fantastic, and the flavors that were there were bold and rich but was a bit monotone in flavor considering the size of the cigar. It’s not bad but it’s just not for me.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Overall I really enjoyed this cigar. It was not very complex but was a tasty treat regardless. I’d smoke this one again but wouldn’t seek it out. ” –James H. (Keikan Jim)
“Had high hopes for this as maduros are more along my liking but the cigar never took off flavor-wise and those that were present were fairly flat. Not a bad cigar but easily forgettable. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)
“Really stellar smoke. Nice transitions of sweetness, brightness, a bit of salt, a little coffee. Strength progressed well. Great fun throughout. I’d kick a puppy for more of these. Well, maybe not a puppy, but definitely a cat. ” –John I. (John I.)
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: ACE Prime | M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins
Overall Score – 91 – Very Good
Blind Cigar Review: A.C.E. Prime | M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins
Summary
"Overall I really enjoyed this cigar. It was not very complex but was a tasty treat regardless. I'd smoke this one again but wouldn't seek it out. " -James H. (Keikan Jim)
