Blind Cigar Review: Hechicera | Maduro Robusto

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 4.5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabricas Unidas
Blender: Christian Eiroa
Number of reviewers: 5—–Stefan (Stefan) Jiunn (jliu) Sandeep (Djangos) Robert (NavyPiper) Wes (SosaCub4Life)
Price: $7.46
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: August 2014
Contributed by: C.L.E. Cigar Company

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 92

“A very good looking stogie that measures at 4 1/2X48. Very dark, almost black Maduro wrapper, that has no blemishes. Head is very rounded and the cap is centered and smooth. Seams are tight and well blended.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Aroma: 91

“Wrapper smells of heavy barnyard stank and flowers. Foot smells of barnyard and white pepper. Cold draw tells namely dry cardboard and white pepper.” –Jiunn (jliu)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Starts off with strong black pepper and understated wood, and a charred element on the backpalate and finish that is followed by very faint licorice notes. 1/4″ in there is an addition of coffee flavor on the palate joined by some almost caramel-like sweetness on the backpalate and finish. Close to the first third’s midpoint, the flavors mellow out while strength dials down from full to medium-full. The flavor profile then transitions to one dominated by cocoa, charcoal, black pepper and licorice. Smoke output is relatively high so far, and personally I wish it wasn’t as it reminds me of burning charcoal. Toward the end of the first third, there is another flavor transition, the profile being now driven by notes of caramel, anise and licorice bitterness.” –Stefan (Stefan)

“Cigar started off great. Flavors detected were a spicy pepperiness, a sweet rich tobacco and a little sage brush. Draw is great, ash is a dark salt and pepper, and lasted a little over an inch before dropping off. Great smoke output.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Second third’s flavors, for the most part, reveals an amplified first third’s flavors. The charred wood and oily black pepper is intensified leaving the semi sweet cream less of a player. The lingering finish is still a dominant oily black pepper. Strength and body still at a solid medium.” –Jiunn (jliu)

“The spice has faded some but is still there. The cigar is creamy and coats the entire mouth which lets the spice linger. I had to retouch to get the burn back on track.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The final third has the same intense leather and cedar that is now increasing in intensity. The pepper is also still present in every puff. The intensity of the pepper increases towards the end. The strength of nicotine is also increasing as the cigar gets to the end. The burn and draw are good to the end. Overall, a very good cigar.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“During the final third, the peppery spiciness really ramps up and by about the half way point that’s all there was flavor wise. Smoked it ’til I scorched my fingers. Really hated to say goodbye to this one.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 96

“Draw was good.. maybe a bit tight throughout.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)

Burn: 90

“Burn line was wavy and ashy.” –Stefan (Stefan)

Construction: 94

“No issues with the construction. There were no issues with the wrapper or the draw.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 89

“Flavors were average, lacking dynamism and falling flat for the most part. The tight construction played a major part in my overall disappointing smoking experience.” –Stefan (Stefan)

“This was a run of the mill “fair” cigar. I would recommend this cigar to someone who enjoys a spicier and bolder cigar. In my opinion, many cigars give these flavors. Unfortunately, these notes are not in my preferred flavor wheelhouse. Easy pass for me.” –Jiunn (jliu)

“Overall, the cigar was great with its intense leather and cedar flavors. The pepper also adds a level of complexity to the experience. I will definitely try this again.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“Overall, this was an excellent stogie, with my only complaint being that it was too bloody short! This really reminded me of an Illusione Rothschild. I smoke the regular ones regularly as the creator and owner of the brand has a B&M in Reno. If this is what it is, I’m stoked that they came out with a Maduro line!!!” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“Overall, the cigar was good. It did have some burn issues, but the flavors were pretty good. I’d like to smoke it again to see if the burn problems were just this one stick.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 52

Edit

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall
Stefan	90	88	85	85	85	95	83	85	85
Jiunn	83	88	85	85	85	97	95	95	85
Sandeep	92	95	90	90	90	97	97	95	90
Robert	90	88	90	90	90	90	88	90	92
Wes	95	97	92	95	92	95	85	95	92

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

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Blind Cigar Review: Hechicera | Maduro Robusto