Blind Cigar Review: Cubariqueño | Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural Toro

Cigar Info

Cubariqueño Cigar Co. announced their fourth regular production line, Protocol Sir Robert Peel, back in June before the IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas. This is a regular production cigar. Protocol Sir Robert Peel will come in both natural and maduro blends. This is the first time the company is offering more than one wrapper for a blend. Like all other Protocol cigars, it is rolled at Erik Espinosa's La Zona Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The Protocol Sir Robert Peel comes in one size, a 6 x 52 box press toro. It is offered in 10-count boxes and sells for $119.50 per box. The natural blend uses an Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The maduro blend uses the same filler and binder but changes the wrapper to a Pennsylvania Broad Leaf.

Sir Robert Peel is considered the father of modern day policing. Cubariqueño Cigar Co and its owners Bill Ives & Juan Cancel who are police officers and this fits with the company's police theme.

“We left no stone unturned for this release. Both cigars are smoking phenomenal and we took the packing up to the next level.” stated Juan Cancel.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: La Zona
Blender: Juan Cancel, Bill Ives, Erik Espinosa
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Alan (Eulogy) John A. (Bostoneo) Mickey T. (irratebass) Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Price: $11.95
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: July 2019
Contributed by: Cubariqueño Cigar Company

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 89

“The cigar appears to be a 6 x 50 factory pressed.  Has a very light brown wrapper with minimal veins, very smooth wrapper, and a firm bunch with a triple cap.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Aroma: 91

“Smells amazing. Smells of cinnamon molasses and hay. There is also a spice that is emitted from the wrapper as well.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Very complex cigar a great many things going on here. A jalapeno spice for starters as well as baking spices. A sweet tartness that I cant place for the life of me cigar is on the lighter side if medium in strength. Both draw and burn are performing satisfactory enough. Cocoa joins the profile.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Post light up, loads of almonds, cream, black pepper and a pinch of salt start things out with a BAM! An inch in, things begin to smooth out. Subtle notes of earth/mushrooms, light leather and vanilla oak delight the palette. What a delicious treat. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Second Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Subtle notes of earth/mushrooms, light leather and vanilla oak continue in a great medium flavored profile. On the back half, the profile switches up a bit. Buttery rich notes of vanilla and leather take main stage. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Continuing on the cigar starts to open up a bit more and gives me flavors of bread and raisins along with a nice sweetness hiding underneath. As I near the end of the second baking spices with white and black pepper mix tend to wake up my palate a bit more. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Final Third

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

“There's been a slow rise in strength since the beginning, it's not overpowering but is certainly noticeable from when I started. I'm getting a cola note but it isn't sweet; just that nice bubbly feel. Leather, cedar, rich tobacco, and red pepper are the most noticeable flavors but there's a sort of unsweetened syrupy mouthfeel too. ” –Alan

(Eulogy)

“Buttery sweet cream notes are in bloom here while Iron like earthiness lingers on the tongue. Towards the end, black peppery brown butter notes and a slightly bitter note ends the show. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 88

“It started very loose at the beginning. At about the halfway point it started to tighten up just a bit but I think that was because there was a hole in the ash line due to a slightly under filled spot. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Burn: 93

“Slightly wavy throughout but it didn't need a touch up or relight. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 89

“Not bad aside from the burn issues. Ash actually held on for about two inches at a time…..I honestly haven't had a cigar do that for me in awhile. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 90

“Was a wonderful experience, when I first looked and smelled this cigar, I was ready to light it.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“I really liked the cigar overall. There were noticeable changes in the profile from start to finish, the smoke output and quality of smoke was awesome, and it felt like a balanced experience in terms of strength and flavor. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Overall this was a decent smoke with the first half being my favorite. Rich buttery notes dominated the profile throughout and provided ample amounts of deliciousness for nearly and hour and a half. Recommended for those who enjoy mild and medium bodied sticks, this would be a good staple to add to almost any aficionados humidor. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This was a decent cigar which wasn't mind blowing by any means where I'd have to rush out and buy a box, but there were plenty of flavors to hold my attention and left me curious and anxious with each puff. Would definitely try it again and possibly purchase a fiver. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“When I put this cigar down onto the ashtray for the last time, the only thing I could think about this cigar was “average.” It did it's job as a cigar, but not much else. I'd relegate it to wrenching or yard work duties. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 89

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Cubariqueño | Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural Toro

Overall Score – 89 – Good