The Diamond CrownBlack Diamond was first shown off in the 2013 Cigar Family Charitable Foundation Toast Across America coffin but wasn't shown again until the 2015 IPCPR Trade Show. Even then the blend was not final and did not see the official release until IPCPR 2016.
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.
The blend uses a Connecticut Sungrown wrapper, with Dominican binder and filler. It is rolled at the Fuente Factory, Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia and comes in boxes of 20. There are three sizes: Emerald (6 x 52) — $20, Radiant (4 1/2 x 54) — $17, and Marquis (5 1/4 x 56) — $19.
“I compare reviewing to something like speed dating and upon first appearance it definitely caught my eye. A few blemishes in the wrapper, however it had a nice dark mocha wrapper with nice veins that aren't sticking out. ” –Brian L. (Brian L.)
Aroma: 89
“Great smell of chocolate as I lit the cigar. I knew this was going to be an excellent cigar to start my afternoon.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Right off the bat, smooth dark chocolate and espresso. Nice white ash.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“I call this my appetizer, let's kick this cigar experience off right is all I ask. So far it has hit on a few flavor notes I like. Even the slight bitterness is enjoyable as it mixes with the cocoa sweetness. The burn is great, the ash is stacking nicely. ” –Brian L. (Brian L.)
Second Third
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The overall profile remains the same in the second third, mineral-heavy earthiness still dominates although a black coffee note does join the party around the halfway mark. ” –Matt Cade (CADE)
“Dark chocolate changed over to milk chocolate, hints of coffee and earth.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
Final Third
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Well we are rounding 3rd and heading home!! The final third has been enjoyable. Again the burn is great and the flavor profile isn't overly complex but comes full circle at the end. I really enjoyed the way this cigar kept burning very evenly without touch ups needed. ” –Brian L. (Brian L.)
“Great even burn. Chocolate and tea notes still hitting my pallet. Finally had to knock the ash off. Grayish-white ash still present.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)
“Solid construction all around with a very strong ash and very smooth draw” –Matt Cade (CADE)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full Experience Overall: 94
“It's a straight forward inoffensive cigar, with few transitions and not a lot of complexity by anyone's definition. But with solid construction and those very prominent core flavors I found myself enjoying it. Retrohaling is a must with this one!” –Matt Cade (CADE)
“Grab a box, you won't regret the purchase. I smoked it to less than an inch before putting it out. ” –Sean F. (fullermaine)
“A great smoked to relax with while trying to stay warm on this wonderfully balmy negative 12 degree evening. Yes, that's farenheit. Cheesey horror movie playing, feet up, cup of coffee whis is a perfect pair for this one, and just puff away. I enjoyed this cigar, good flavors, great construction, and a solid ash. ” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“We shall see what this ended up being and hopefully it's something up my alley or I may have to reconsider the cigars I purchase and sell. ” –Brian L. (Brian L.)
"It's a straight forward inoffensive cigar, with few transitions and not a lot of complexity by anyone's definition. But with solid construction and those very prominent core flavors I found myself enjoying it. Retrohaling is a must with this one!" -Matt Cade (CADE)
