Blind Cigar Review: Sindicato | Particulares #1

Cigar Info

Particulares has been around for a long time and originally traces it roots back to Cuba in 1895 with both a brand and a factory sharing the name. Eventually the brand ended up at Aganorsa Leaf (Casa Fernandez) in the early 2000’s. At the 2016 IPCPR Trade show Sindicato announced they would be the distributor and marketer for the line.

The cigars are an attempt to replicate the feel of the Cuban brand, using Habanos style dress boxes and logo designs similar to the original. This latest iteration uses the look of original while the blend uses all Nicaraguan tobacco including a corojo wrapper. The cigars come in 7 sizes: #1 (6 1/4 x 48), Belicoso (6 1/8 x 52), Belvederas (7 x 52),Cesenta (6 x 60), Corona Gorda (5 1/2 x 48), Deliciosos (6 x 54) and Robusto (5 x 52).

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro 
Length: 6 1/4″
Ring Gauge: 48
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Shade Grown Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacaos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA)
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Mickey T. (irratebass) Alan (Eulogy) John A. (Bostoneo) James H. (Keikan Jim)
Price: $7.95
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: August 2016
Contributed by: Sindicato Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“Box-pressed cigar which appears to be a toro in shape. Has a light brown, an almost yellow wrapper that is smooth to the touch with only visible seams, but they are minimal.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Aroma: 89

“Scents of wood, light barnyard, and sweet cream fill the nose with delightful aromas while the cold draw results in a very similar yet a sweet strawberry finish.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Let’s light er up! Huge medium leather notes come rolling in without any harshness on the initial half inch. The draw is superior here, right at the perfect level you want a fine cigar at these days. Creamy notes come rolling in as well after puffing on this box-pressed toro for a few minutes, adding to the complexity this medium-bodied stick has. Superior notes on woodsy tasting smoke and aroma come into play heavily during the back end of this third, simply delicious.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Dry draw is wide open with cedar and a touch of cinnamon. Once lit I get a sharp cedar zing and white pepper. The flavors burst in your mouth on a thick chewy cloud of smoke. Very nice. Once it going well, notes of baker’s spice take over with a mixture of white, black, and red pepper. It’s not hot but you can feel the tingle in the back of your throat.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Second Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Sweetness and nuttiness are still there, but butter & cream have stopped by to say hello.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“I was worried that it was going to stay a fairly monotone but I’m picking up some sweetness from the tobacco now. A little bit of bread has also joined the profile along with the cedar and leather from before. It’s not entirely dissimilar to the previous third but much better rounded.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Spice has joined the party, and he ain’t leaving. Spice is overpowering this cigar now along with dirty/earthy tones. The cigar has become very woody and quite harsh honestly.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“The final third starts out with damp peanut and leather notes. As the damp flavor profile fades away, thankfully, the profile shifts to a more pleasant roasted nut and leather profile, a bit stronger in body and strength. With two inches left on this sample, it goes sour and becomes unenjoyable and is quickly set aside.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“Nice amount of resistance from the draw and the cream volume of smoke is quite impressive.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Burn: 94

“Not corrections straight as an arrow the whole way with a very strong ash.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Construction: 96

“Even draw, no soft spots and an overall solidly constructed cigar.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

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

“I must buy all of these cigars. Get them while you can. Hopefully, it is not a limited edition cigar.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“This cigar was interesting. Started out nice and mild with sweetness, nuts, butter, and cream, and then BAM spice, earth/dirt moved in and totally changed and in my experience ruined it for me. The cigar would probably pair nicely with your first cup of coffee, and probably wake you up for the day, but I wouldn’t smoke this expecting to relax with a mild smoke, because you may be disappointed.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Once the sweetness joined the profile it mostly changed my opinion of the cigar. It added such a nice dimension that really rounded out the profile. It still won’t wow you with unique flavors or anything but what it offers is a solid experience. The creaminess and effortless nature of this cigar is the real wow factor.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Overall, a cigar with mixed feelings. While the first third was the best, the second third a bit boring, and the last third making a small gain on enjoyment, overall it was decent, enjoyable, but could have been better. Also notable was how long this cigar lasted, 90 minutes for me, and I am a quick smoker typically. While this was a smoke you’ll definitely want to try, my impressions from this sole sample have left me needing to try another to verify my thoughts.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“As I’ve said throughout this review, this was a solid cigar but it doesn’t beg me to come back for more. Good but not great.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 93

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Sindicato | Particulares #1