El Artista Cimarron Connecticut Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The El Artista Cimarron line debuted at IPCPR of 2018. In the US, the Maduro and Connecticut version are available. The Sun Grown is only available outside the US. The Cimarron Maduro uses and Mexican San Andres wrapper and we reviewed it here, giving it a 91. The Cimarron Connecticut uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper. All the blends share the same internals of Negrito binder, grown by El Artista on their farms around Tamboril, and a multiple coulty filler blend including a T-13 Hybrid developed by Radhames (Ram) Rodriguez.

Each blend comes in three vitolas available, a 5 x 54 Robusto, 6 x 50 Toro, and a 6 x 60 Double Toro. Pricing starts at $7.20 per stick. The name Cimarron is an homage to the Cimarron regions of the U.S. Ram went to college in upstate New York and took a trip to the Rockies and was impressed by the Cimarron valley, mountains, and river.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Negrito
Filler: Dominican Republic, United States, Columbia
Factory: Tabacalera El Artista
Blender: Ram Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Isaac M. (The Nothing) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Adam B. (Bushboi)
Price: $7.20
Age: 2 Years
Release Date: August 2018
Contributed by: El Artista

Initial Impressions – El Artista Cimarron Connecticut Robusto

Appearance: 91

“This sample is sporting a light brown Connecticut shade wrapper leaf that is just a touch toothy and has a few light veins. The seams are invisible and the cap appears to be expertly applied. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 91

“Smelling the outside of this cigar makes my inner fat kid happy with hints of sponge cake and cream. This makes me think of the original Hostess Twinkies. The foot of the cigar adds a nice oak note as well as some fresh black coffee. Taking a few pre-light draws and I am greeted with some sweet corn essence. A nice light profile to start me off. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

First Third

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

“Upon lighting this cigar I get a delicate French oak. Very sweet early on with a bite of nutmeg that tingles the palate on the finish. This is the primary flavor profile for the third. Pushing some smoke through my nose and I am met with a nilla wafer essence that stays around for the whole third. The ash is slightly flaky but holds on for the entire third. The finish is medium in length cause of the nutmeg.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Graham crackers immediately came to mind when lighting this cigar. It quickly transitioned to a plain wood taste. There was a bit of white pepper struggling to make itself known.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar is smoking beautifully and is light and airy. Flavors of toasted marshmallows with a woody, almost bitter finish. Not unpleasant bitter, but a welcomed contradiction to the subtle sweetness. Retrohale is the highlight. ” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

“The flavor profile keeps marching on with the French oak and nutmeg on the palate and nilla wafers in the retrohale. They are spots where some new notes try to jump in, raw peanuts and mint are what I’m able to pick out, but they are short and fleeting. The finish stays medium and the ash falls off at about the 2-inch mark.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Final Third

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

“Toasted marshmallows and campfires are prevalent from start to finish. The strength grew as the tar and flavors built. Definitely a lighter cigar and can we smoked with a cup of coffee in the morning. Slight bitterness on the aftertaste, however not unpleasant.” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

“White pepper refused to be ignored. While it was present in the beginning, now it is in full effect to finish the cigar. It was omnipresent, and overwhelming, on the palate and retrohale.”-Isaac M. (The Nothing)”

Overall Impressions – El Artista Cimarron Connecticut Robusto

Draw: 91

“This was a fabulous draw. Just the right amount of resistance made for a nice, cool burning cigar with loads of smoke per draw. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Burn: 95

“The one bright spot for this review was the burn. I had no issues with the burn and was impressed with the razor-sharp burn line.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Construction: 90

“Absolutely fantastic construction. The initial inspection had a larger vein on one side of the cigar which never came into play or altered experience. Zero issues. Bravo to the roller.” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 88

“This was a quick burner for me, at least for the size. I had a feeling going in because of the weight that was going to be the case. Overall the cigar was good, and if you’re into white pepper flavors, then this would be a great cigar for you. There were some interesting flavors to enjoy. For me, though, the white pepper was just too much and I wouldn’t rush out for another. “-Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“Listen this will not be the most complex cigar you ever smoked. That being said it hit on a flavor profile and executed it well. Everything was balanced from start to finish. This makes me want to reach for another. To me, it feels like the perfect morning cigar. It will complement a cup of coffee well. Grab a few and give it a shot. Enjoy” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“This was a challenge for me to finish. Since it was for a review I powered through but any other cigar would have been put to rest during the first third. The flavors were rough and unpleasant, and the smoke ultimately made my mouth tender and my sinuses sore. Hopefully, this was just an anomaly and the other reviewers had a much different experience. Based upon my experience, I’ll stay far away from another. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Overall this was a pretty good smoke. The flavors were a touch muted, but the overall smoking experience was delicious. This cigar didn’t ever wow me, but was delicious and I will smoke another.” –Adam B. (Bushboi)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 77

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

El Artista Cimarron Connecticut Robusto – Blind Cigar Review