J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta Doble Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. officially launched Angel Cuesta Cigars, a new line that pays homage to one of the founding figures of the esteemed Cuesta-Rey brand, Angel LaMadrid Cuesta. Revealed initially just before last year's PCA trade show, these cigars have a storied background, once being the preferred choice of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, dating back to the early 20th century.

Handcrafted in The American Room at J.C. Newman's El Reloj factory in Tampa, Florida, Angel Cuesta cigars are meticulously rolled using an Ecuadorian Havana Rosado wrapper, complemented by a diverse blend of binder and fillers sourced from three different continents. The line is offered in three distinct sizes, each featuring a pigtail cap and presented in cabinets of 20. The sizes include the Doble Robusto (5.5” x 56), Doble Toro (6.25” x 52), and Salomones (7.25” x 57), with MSRP ranging from $18.00 to $22.00. Due to the intricate production process undertaken by only two skilled rollers, producing a limited 150 cigars daily, the Angel Cuesta cigars are limited.

This limited availability extends to select TAA members, with plans for broader distribution to premium cigar retailers in the U.S. twice yearly, alongside availability at J.C. Newman's Factory Store in Tampa. This review will explore the unique qualities of the Angel Cuesta line, highlighting its historical significance and the craftsmanship behind its production.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6“
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Factory: El Reloj
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 5 – Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) Kevin J. (maninblack77) Chad M. (Chad Tchad) John A. (Bostoneo) Mickey T. (irratebass)
Price: $19.00
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: April 2023
Contributed by: J.C. Newman

Initial Impressions – J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta Doble Toro

Appearance: 93

“This cigar has a unique appearance. Starting with the closed foot and finishing with a nipple cap it definitely catches the eye. The wrapper has a light oily sheen to it with several dark spots. The vein structure is a flat spider across the entire body of the cigar. It is rolled tightly and finished with a triple cap.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 90

“Lots of barnyard and chocolate on the body. Faint hay on the foot.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

First Third

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

“The opening puffs are a combination of dry grass, sweetness, and woodiness. The sharpness settles down about the time I hit the quarter-inch mark. The smoke, on the palate and in the sinuses, come together to impart a profile that cedar cedar-heavy with some citrus undertones. As the third comes to an end a creamy texture starts sneaking in. This makes the smoke rounder and more complete. The mouthfeel is light-medium while the finish is medium in length.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“After toasting the foot, I got a lot of dry cocoa, leather, and some white pepper on the retrohale. There was a nice mix of flavors thus far. Mild to medium-bodied in strength and body but a very impressive first third.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Second Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Well that beautiful wrapper I raved about has started to unravel near the foot and below the homemade band, but this hasn't hindered its performance or flavor. The flavors have shifted slightly to more coffee notes and there is a creaminess element on the retro with complements each other like coffee and cream tend to do. I worry about the wrapper but we shall see how it goes.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Moving into the second third, the profile remains on the milder side with slight earthy and black peppery flavors. As I continue to smoke through this third, the flavors remain constant and straight-forward, never changing.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“This cigar has hit its stride. The tannic cedar notes are long gone. Replacing it is a fantastic cinnamon note; It fires up the entire palate. The retrohale has morphed into a fresh baked soft-batch cookie character. If I pay a little attention to the smoke there is a sprinkling of fresh mint leaves. The profile is so inviting at this point. The mouthfeel, strength, and finish have all ticked up another notch.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Well I did some maintenance on the wrapper… it helped a bit, but it was still ugly. The cigar however continued on and did not disappoint. Same flavor profile as the second third and not real changes…”-Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Impressions – J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta Doble Toro

Draw: 93

“The draw was really good and right on point could bring good smoke and air through the cigar.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

Burn: 90

“Again, no issues with burn as well. Razor sharp.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Construction: 92

“A very well put together cigar. The bunch was done well so feel that the ash held on for an inch at a time before I rolled it into the ashtray.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)”

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium

Experience Overall: 90

“Although the first third had some sharpness to it the flavor profile was enjoyable for the whole smoking experience. The ease of smoking makes this a very approachable cigar for a level of cigar smoker. I can easily see myself lighting up another as soon as I know what it is.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“This was a very good cigar that performed great from beginning to end. Mild to medium in body but packed full of enjoyable flavors. This is a cigar that can easily be enjoyed any time of day. Lots of cocoa, leather, roasted nuts and some white pepper on the retro. I'd recommend this to new and old smokers alike.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“This was again not a smoke I would want to revisit. It was one-dimensional with just a musty flavor. The Retrohale was gasoline in flavor and strength burning the sinuses. The construction was good and the burn and draw were good but the flavors did not go well with my palate. I couldn't finish the last third of this cigar.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. While this one didn't provide anything new and interesting, what it did well was keep decent flavors of earth and light pepper, with some nuances of minerality throughout. The construction and draw were near perfect for a slow burner as this one lasted me nearly 90 minutes. Would I reach for it again, probably not, however, it was pleasant enough not to avoid it. This would be something decent to smoke when you don't want your taste buds blown to oblivion.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Overall this was a very good mild to medium strength cigar that gave me plenty of nut flavors as well as coffee, and some cream on the retro. I would definitely smoke this again and in this size. Usually, I would prefer a Robusto, but this size I feel is perfect for this stick.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 87

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J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta Doble Toro – Blind Cigar Review