Crux Epicure Habano Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Crux first announced the Epicure Habano nearly a year before it actually started shipping. It finally hit the shelves in June of 2023. The Epicure Habano uses the same Nicaraguan binder and fillers as the first two Epicure lines (Connecticut and Maduro), but changes the wrapper for a habano seco leaf from Nicaragua. Like most other Crux cigar the cigars are rolled at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua. We reviewed the maduro version back in 2020 and gave it a 92.

The Habano will complete the Epicure trifecta and we couldn't be more excited for this cigar to get in the hands of customers across the country. We are blessed to work with Plasencia Family making some of the highest quality cigars in the world and the Habano is no exception.

Jeff Haugen, president of Crux Cigar

Crux Epicure Habano comes in four vitolas: Corona Gorda 5 3/8 x 46 $11.25, Robusto 5 x 50 $11.99, Toro 6 1/4 x 52 $13.49, and Gordo 6 x 60 $14.49. All are presented in boxes of 20.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6 1/4″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Blender: Jeff Haugen
Number of reviewers: 5 – Kevin J. (maninblack77) Diana (ArmyRN) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Angel M. (Angel) Noah S. (Noah)
Price: $13.49
Age: 1 Month
Release Date: June 2023
Contributed by: Crux Cigars

Initial Impressions – Crux Epicure Habano Toro

Appearance: 94

“This cigar looks impressive in the hand. The mocha color wrapper is eye-catching with several visible veins. The seams are tight and nearly invisible and it is finished with a nicely applied double cap. When I look at the foot there is a combination of light and dark tobaccos that are bunched tightly together.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 93

“The aroma is soft and delightful, a delicate mix of musty and sweet with not a lot of distinction between the wrapper and foot. Leather, barnyard, and milk chocolate seem to be the most prominent notes.” –Noah S. (Noah)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Upon lighting this cigar, I am greeted by a mixture of sweet chocolate and savory notes. Digging a little deeper I find a pleasant, yet delicate, spice note. At the halfway point, of this cigar, I push some smoke through my sinuses. The smoke has a dark note about it. A combination of anise and white pepper. The mouthfeel is heavy leaving a pleasant finish that lasts for a few minutes after the smoke is gone.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Red pepper starts this smoke and it remains on the tip of the tongue and lips. It is more pronounced on the retro but mixes nicely with wood and undefinable sweetness lurking in the background. I am left with an oak wood note that has a slight floral hint in the background. Further in, the red pepper has receded some and the cigar reminds me of butter cookies. This is mixed with mild nuts and the oak wood.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Thus far this smoke has been dead consistent with only a couple of minor transitions entering the second third. Cedar, black pepper, and floral notes sit front and center with just enough sweetness from the dried cherries to balance out the natural spice. Peanut shell joins the finish, adding a little saltiness to the mix and a little creaminess to the mouthfeel. The retro continues to showcase the most intriguing marriage of flavors with the same delightful combo of black pepper and fresh baked bread. About halfway through the second third, the draw loosens up a bit, and the smoke output increases. The better draw adds some heat to the smoke which seems to have unlocked some additional flavors. The floral notes have faded away at this point and have been replaced with subtleties of cinnamon and honey which further balance a smoke that is already incredibly smooth.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“In the second third, everything remains fairly the same with lots of leather, cedar, sweet tobacco, and a background of black pepper, it is a bit bitter on the tongue. The smoke remains a bit dry and a little warm.” –Angel M. (Angel)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The final third doesn't see any changes in flavors. Again there are hints of chocolate, leather, and some baking spices. I was hoping for some more earthiness and maybe toasted oak. Very muted flavors. Far from a bad cigar but rather a pedestrian type of experience. It definitely had difficulty keeping my interest to the end.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“With an improved draw and subsequent increase of airflow and heat, this smoke seems to have really settled into its own upon entering the home stretch. The lineup of flavors has remained virtually the same however they are undeniably more robust when compared to the first half. The natural spice of the black pepper and cedar is perfectly complimented by the subtle sweetness of dried cherries, honey and cinnamon. A salty nuttiness trumps all on the finish that has become long, creamy and savory. Late to the party, chocolate joins the black pepper and baked bread on the retro, further bolstering the complexity another notch. As this stick approaches the nub a noticeable nicotine buzz washes over me closing out what has been an immensely enjoyable smoking experience.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Overall Impressions – Crux Epicure Habano Toro

Draw: 90

“Even though the draw was never tight enough to create any major heartburn, I had to work harder than I would have liked to for a mediocre amount of smoke. I have no doubts that the tight draw played a major role in subduing the flavors throughout the first half of this cigar.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Burn: 94

“The burn line stayed fairly straight with a couple of touch ups needed to bring it even again. The ash held for about 2 inches before it dropped on its own. The ash was a medium gray with a very dark center and looked to be very compact as expected upon the initial inspection of the cigar.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Construction: 91

“From the outside the cigar looked impeccable but the bunch had some issues. This made the smoking experience a little trying.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 90

“Again, I'm not saying this is a bad cigar. Far from the truth. I just thought the flavors were too muted and one dimensional for my liking. Nice flavors of chocolate, leather and baking spices at times but nothing really stood out to me. Perhaps a smaller vitola would see a more robust experience. I wouldn't reach for this cigar again in this size. Good not great in my opinion.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“This was a very earthy cigar. The red pepper, with some receding, could have stayed in the mix for me and would have added something to the overall flavor notes had it stayed in play. The oak wood was nice but too much at times. With the addition of the dark espresso, the cigar definitely became a better experience for me. Not a bad smoke but I felt it needed a little bit more of different flavors in order to be excellent.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

“The flavor profile was pleasant but the burn issues made it a little hard to get into a rhythm. I'm not sure if this is an isolated issue to this cigar or something bigger. When I find out what this cigar is I will smoke it again and give it another try.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Overall, this was a very good cigar, a little on the dryer side for me, but not so much to make it a deterrent. The flavors of leather, cedar, sweet tobacco and black pepper continued throughout the whole cigar. Although there were not too many flavor transitions, considering I enjoyed the flavor it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family who like a stronger Medium to full cigar.” –Angel M. (Angel)

“With the exception of a perfect draw, this cigar checked off almost every single box for me. From start to finish the flavors were perfectly balanced and complimentary of one another, the smoke was silky smooth and just enough transitions took place to keep things interesting. A trouble free burn, impeccable construction and nice nicotine buzz all heightened an already stellar smoking experience. Admittedly the draw was tighter than I prefer for the entire first half of the smoke. Not only did I have to labor to get a decent mouthful of smoke, but once the draw improved towards the end of the second third it became pretty obvious how the lack of airflow subdued the flavors early on. It was during the second half that this cigar truly shined and I can't help but wonder how much greater it could have been had the draw been consistent throughout. No doubt I will give this smoke another shot in hopes that I snag one with a better draw.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 113

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Crux Epicure Habano Toro – Blind Cigar Review