Over 25 years ago, in celebration of J.C. Newman Cigar Company’s 100th Anniversary, Stanford Newman enlisted Carlos Fuente, Sr., to develop “the best cigar in the world” regardless of price or how long it would take. The result of this project was the original Diamond Crown and Diamond Crown Maduro cigars.
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.
Diamond Crown is rolled in the Dominican Republic at Fuente’s Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. Each Diamond Crown cigar passes through three inspections and is aged in lots of 50 in cedar curing rooms for a minimum of twelve months. The blend for the Diamond Crown Maduro uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Dominican binder, and 5 Different Fillers from the Caribbean and Central America.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto Length: 5 1/2″ Ring Gauge: 54 Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Caribbean, Central America Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia Blender: Undisclosed Number of reviewers: 5 – Lauren S.(Lauren S.) Estevan Z.(TheRealBanzi) Allison T.(The Yoga Ash) Jason H.(Jokey Smurf) Jonathan R. (J.Lee) Price: $13.95 Age: 6 Months Release Date: 1995 Contributed by: J.C. Newman
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 93
“1053 reminds me of the rich dark chocolaty look of a Dove bar with Rice Krispies in it, as it has a toothiness to it & a stripper glitter dusting effect on the wrapper. The cap falls way deep on the hip & definitely will support the nice deep V cut that people like.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)
Aroma: 93
“The wrapper aroma is rich with sweet compost and smells like it has spent some time fermenting in the good way. The foot is mainly mild tobacco.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“The first puffs on this cigar were quite tight and as a result the smoke feels a bit thin. The flavors, however, are anything but thin and bring a Cajun spice kick to my palate and sinus. Otherwise, the main flavors are a slightly bitter charred wood a hint of sweet barnyard. I’m liking it so far.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“Man, there is almost no smoke production to start off. Early notes are light with some floral notes and some crisp citrus on the tip of my tongue. Had to re-cut and use a draw tool at about the 15 minute mark. This makes it a little better but still has a long way to go. There are some pleasant notes of eucalyptus in the retro that helps with the finish but overall this is a hard third to get through.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
Second Third
Flavor: 88 Strength: Mild-Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“This third opens with the wrapper cracking in at least two spots. I had to check my humidor and it was right on, in terms of RH, so it had to be the construction. Carrying on, the flavor profile changes to a much darker notes. Molasses, cacao, and some espresso. The third closes some buttery crackers and some nice anise in the retro. It has made up for the last third.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
“The crack followed me into the start of the 2nd third with that slight white pepper in the back ground to the earth & mineral upfront. The burn has straightened up which was nice right up until the wrapper cracked, again & went out with waxy beach sand dryness.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)
Final Third
Flavor: 88 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The final portion has shown me the largest flavor shift as the power completely left the cigar and the flavors primarily shifted to sweetness and light compost.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“The final third continues with the nice chocolate bark taste only now it’s added just a bit of strength. Occasionally I’m getting a slight burnt flavor but not in an overly unpleasant way.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“The draw was ALL over the place with the cracks in the wrapper & the tight draw that made me do a re-cut in the last 3rd.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)
Burn: 91
“Due to the tight draw, the burn was wonky throughout. I had to touch it up a few times.” –Jonathan R. (J.Lee)
Construction: 84
“Overall this was an attractive sample but the sight wrapper flaws and draw issues weigh negatively in the rating. Hopefully this sample was an anomaly.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Overall Strength: Mild-Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 86
“While not the most complex cigar it had a enjoyable flavor throughout the entire stick. The chocolate bark flavor through the majority of the cigar gave a perfect sweet and salty balance. The smoke production and ease of draw makes this a blend I would return to often for the right price.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“So I must start off with this statement: I need to smoke this cigar again to get a true idea of what it is all about. That being said there are some high notes but that can not overcome the tight draw. This is the number one killer of any cigar for me. Disappointing…” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
“Wrapper Popping Cracking, Tight Draw, Wonky burn, Last 3rd was the best part because it actually cleaned most of it’s problems” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)
“Taking the draw concerns out of the equation, this was a cigar full of enjoyable flavors. I would definitely try another if given a chance… there certainly are worse ways to pass 90 minutes!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“Consistent earthy flavors such as hay/straw, dates and figs with a light/medium body at most. A few white pepper notes in all thirds. The tight draw made this stick a challenge to smoke and enjoy.” –Jonathan R. (J.Lee)
"So I must start off with this statement: I need to smoke this cigar again to get a true idea of what it is all about. That being said there are some high notes but that can not overcome the tight draw. This is the number one killer of any cigar for me. Disappointing..." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
