Blind Cigar Review: Crux | PB5 Toro

Cigar Info

Just prior to the 2015 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show, Crux Cigars showed off a new limited edition that used a proprietary wrapper that would get an a new vitola every year. The Crux Limitada PB5 is blended around an Engañoso wrapper, grown in the Estelí region of Nicaragua that the company secured the rights to in 2012. Underneath this new leaf is a Connecticut broadleaf binder and five different fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, blended with the goal of making it the fullest cigar in Crux's portfolio.

For its debut, a 5 3/4 x 54 box-pressed toro was selected, priced at $11.99 per cigar and with 5,000 cigars produced, split into 500 boxes of ten. No shipping date was announced at the time of its unveiling or at the trade show itself, and months would pass before the word finally came that the PB5 was heading to stores at the end of March 2016, with all 500 boxes accounted for according to the company.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 5″ 3/4′
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Enganoso
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic
Factory: Plasencia S.A.
Blender: Jeff Haugen and Joel Rogers
Number of reviewers: 5 – Isaac M. (The Nothing) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Adam B. (Bushboy) Mickey T. (irratebass) Stefan (Stefan)
Price: $11.99
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: March 2016
Contributed by: Crux Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“This cigar is a boxed pressed toro which immediately catches my attention and interest. Wrapper is a lighter shade of brown an looks to have a barber pole cap. Double cap has two distinctive shades that adds character. Not sure if this was intentional or not, but definitely looks cool. There are a few wrinkles in the wrapper near the foot that will hopefully not affect the burn. This cigar is very rounded at the cap, and very square at the foot. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Aroma: 90

“This cigar had a great vegetal aroma of light tobacco. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

First Third

Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The initial flavors presented a solid burst of black pepper quickly followed by rich creamy peanut butter. During the first third of this cigar I got that profile over and over… Pepper followed by a peanut butter finish. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Nice mild/medium smoke starting out, getting that powdery coca which almost feels like a dusting on tongue & lips. Plenty of nut flavor and wood on the finish. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Second Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Entering the second third I'm seeing the black pepper fade slightly on the palate and the nut flavors morph into a stronger nut… I'd say it's walnut. The smoke has remained oily and leaves my palate slick and also keeps the finish long. Through the nostrils the smoke has increased in pepper zing which is an interesting contrast to the lessening pepper on my palate.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Graham cracker flavor has taken center stage on the second third. Molasses and brown sugar are also detected. The burn has been spot on since a little wavering after lighting. Very cool, dry smoke. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Final Third

Flavor: 84
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Final third still has fruity flavors, although it reminds me more of a plum than before. Very earthy undertones with a slight hint of spice. Cumin flavor almost. Lots of flavors still, although the strength is not there. Medium strength for sure. Grass and hay on the finish. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

“Again no change up in the flavor department, again not a bad thing, sometimes a cigar doesn't need to change up constantly to keep my attention, just as long as it's good and consistent. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 94

“The draw was pretty spot on, which I was happy with. I could imagine it to be easily troublesome with the partial pressing.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Burn: 92

“The burn on this cigar was remarkably even and the smoke remained cool until the last inch. I was a bit surprised at the rate of burn which was faster than I expected.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Construction: 89

“Other than the wrapper wrinkles found at initial inspection, the construction of this cigar was fantastic. Great burn line, great smoke output, and overall a really nice cigar.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 86

“I initially thought that, due to the shape of this cigar, that there seemed to be a gimmick to it. That thought proved true while smoking this cigar. There was never a good cohesiveness to the flavors, let alone flavors that I find palatable. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“This was a cigar of twists and turns… At times peppery and spicy, and at other times creamy and rich. I wish the finish would have continued along these lines as the strong charred ending literally left a bad taste in my mouth. Perhaps another sample would fare better with more rest.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“This cigar was very enjoyable. Very surprised how many flavors I detected throughout the smoke. Strength never kicked me in the teeth either, which is very nice. This cigar will be enjoyed again after the reveal. I could recommend this to my friends of all cigar experience levels. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

“Overall this was a nice cigar. It didn't blow my mind or anything, but it was an enjoyable smoke and I would probably smoke more or have a few in my humi.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“My stick was rolled too loosely, it burned hot, and it tasted more bitter than I would have liked… Personally, I couldn't wait for this smoke to end.” –Stefan (Stefan)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 96

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Crux | PB5 Toro

Overall Score – 88 – Good