Blind Cigar Review: Alec Bradley | Project 40 Maduro Robusto

Cigar Info

Last October, Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced a maduro version of their value line Project 40: Project 40 Maduro. Project 40 is a part of the company’s ‘Experimental Series’ of which there are expected to be more releases. The original Project 40 06.52 scored a 92 in our blind test.

The name for Project 40 comes from a scientific concept used to help determine and influence a person’s mindfulness and happiness. Company founder Alan Rubin believes the soothing influence of premium cigars are fulfilling to cigar smokers and causes tranquility and the feeling of being in control. The Project 40 Maduro is the next chapter in that journey. Rubin has stated that a premium cigar with the right blend and price tag is the key to happiness. The blend fo Project 40 Maduro blend uses a Mexican San Andres wrapper, Brazilian Habano binder and all Nicaraguan filler. Each size sells for under $7.00 which includes 05.50 (5 x 50) MSRP $5.75 per cigar, 06.52 (6 x 52) MSRP $6.25 per cigar, and 06.60 (6 X 60) MSRP $6.50 per cigar. Both current Project 40 cigars are rolled at J Fuego Cigar Co De Nicaragua in Estelí.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Brazilian Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: J. Fuego Cigar co. De Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Alan Rubin
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Alan (Eulogy) Mickey T. (irratebass) John A. (Bostoneo) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $5.75
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: October 2020
Contributed by: Alec Bradley Cigars

Initial Impressions – Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro Robusto

Appearance: 93

“Nice size, toothy wrapper, and a pretty fudge brownie hue all make for an attractive cigar. The seams are very tight and the double cap is large and well applied. There is a slight difference in the thickness of the roll especially in the foot of the cigar as it’s far narrower than the middle.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Aroma: 91

“Scents of leather, with a very slight hint of fragrant earthiness, hit the nose while a cold draw reveals flavors of that same earthiness amplified.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Upon light up, I am greeted with raisin-like leather with a lingering cane sugar flavor lingers on my tongue. This perfume-like aroma and flavor start to build on this profile and provides a unique medium profile to this stick. Draw and burn are spot on with this sample, I am quite impressed.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Cold draw is loaded with sweet cherries and chocolate. A good amount of the sweetness from cherries and chocolate stick around after lighting it. As far as I’m concerned, they can stick around all they want. There is little to no pepper and the bit of spice I do pick up from the retro, is more baking spices than anything else.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Second Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“A very nice leather room note. The finish has improved. It had kind of a bitter finish until this point, it’s not appealing but has improved. Sweet bread joins, ash has held on until this point.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Much of same sweetness continues in the second third. I’m not completely surprised, as the cigar isn’t very big, so thirds is a bit of a stretch. Either way, it’s straight-forward and enjoyable so far.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Final Third

Flavor: 84
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“Very similar to the first two-thirds. A little bit of anise, earth, baking spice, leather, and a mild amount of pepper. The fundamentals are solid in terms of smoke output and burn though and I’m finding it to be an effortless experience though.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Profile has not changed, which tells me complexity isn’t going to happen here. That’s not always a bad thing, and in this case, it’s been an easy-going enjoyable session.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions – Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro Robusto

Draw: 91

“Draw was very good throughout the cigar.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Burn: 88

“Wavy burn with no touchups required.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Construction: 88

“Looked great, tight seams, well applied triple cap, and other than the slightly off roll was perfect.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 83

“Cigar was pretty good. The final third had new balance that was not present in the first and second third. Notes were still wood and sweet bread. Very nice cigar although it had a rough start.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“I found myself smoking this to the nub so I must have enjoyed it. The burn and smoke output were both top-notch but I was missing a bit of progression in terms of flavors. It was by no means bad or monotonous in terms of flavor though. I can strongly recommend this for just how well it performed.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“What can I say? This cigar was not for me. I would be willing to give it another shot, but this particular cigar did not give me any real flavor options, only at the very beginning. The rest of the stick was just burnt tobacco flavors.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Overall, this cigar did not satisfy my need for something in my wheelhouse as well as construction, although everything was great in the first two-thirds construction-wise. As the cigar progressed, it became more and more perfumed until having burning issues and sour notes just spewed forth, turning me off to it completely. All said, not my jam, probably not many other folks either. If you feel inclined, go ahead and give it a try.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This was a good cigar that offered some good sweet notes of cherries and chocolate. Nothing fancy or overly complex. Just straight-forward flavors. It would make for a nice after-dinner cigar, paired with a moderate proofed bourbon or rye.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 83

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Alec Bradley | Project 40 Maduro Robusto