J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto No. 5 – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Maximus was originally created to celebrate the company’s 110th anniversary back in 2005. At the time, this represented J.C. Newman‘s most premium offering. As they often do, the company collaborated with the Fuente family to handle production. In this case they also enlisted the Oliva family to supply tobacco. The Maximus was designed to be a bolder versions of the original Diamond Crown cigar.

The Diamond Crown Maximus takes the original Diamond Crown Maduro blend, and replaces the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with an Ecuadorian Sungrown. It comes in 7 different sizes: Double Corona 8″ x 50, Churchill 7″ x 50, Double Belicoso 6 3/4″ x 54, Pyramid 6 3/8″ x 50, Toro 6″ x 50, Double Robusto 5″ x 56, and Robusto 5″ x 50.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia
Blender: Carlos Fuente
Number of reviewers: 5 – Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Kevin J. (maninblack77) Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi) John I. (John I.) Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Price: $12.50
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: 2005
Contributed by: J.C. Newman

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 91

“This is a stout rustic-looking cigar. The wrapper looks like a stained piece of dark walnut wood. It is very veiny. They running in every direction on the body of the cigar. There is an even tooth covering from the top of the cap to its foot. The seams are tight and near invisible. It is finished with a single cap.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Aroma: 90

“Aroma from the body is faint, a bit of chocolate and salt. From the foot wood and spice cabinet, even a bit of cherry.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

First Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The first few puffs are a complete curveball. A wonderful dried fruit covered in a dark chocolate note takes the lead. That quickly falls away and there is an undertone of cereal grain develops. After several minutes I push a little smoke through the nose and this amplifies the sweetness. As the third closes a mixture of nougat and candied jalapenos which fires up the finish. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“Fires off with the whole spice cabinet–coriander, allspice, cinnamon, cumin. Along for the ride is coffee, leather, and wood. It’s really bringing along the whole flavor wheel. Slowly things settle in with supple leather and allspice (Jamaican, not deodorant.) The retrohale features a mild lumber yard sensation, not enough to really be a flavor. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The second third begins with a nice transition into more earth and coffee notes. The chocolate flavors are still there but are taken over by the roasted coffee and earth. Medium in strength but packed full of bold flavors. I thought that with the amount of oils on the wrapper that it may burn a tad crazy but it is really impressive with the burn line. Extraordinary thus far. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“Into the second portion, the grassy flavors have faded and have morphed into an oily walnut and leather. Through the nose the smoke has remained full of black pepper. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Final Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The pepper now is the leading note of the profile. Tingling the tip of the tongue with every puff. The pine needle

essence, in the retrohale, does its best to keep it all in check. The finish is super long now cause of the tingle on the tip of the tongue. It stays very noticeable long after you blow out the smoke. As I reach the last half inch of the cigar the dark chocolate note returns. If I think about it long enough I think of it as a pepper-crusted dark chocolate candy bar. The cigar finally lives up to its darker appearance. All of this ticks up the final body and strength to medium-full/strong. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“The final portion of this cigar is finally operating appropriately. Probably would have been an enjoyable smoke if it were not for all of the construction issues earlier on. There are now some nice earthy notes, and a lot of dark roasted coffee and wood going on. Likely would have been a nice medium-full to full experience. ” –John I. (John I.)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 94

“This cigar had a clean and easy draw from start to finish. Little to no resistance creates tons of smoke with each puff. I could set it down for minutes and come back to it as if no time had passed. ” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

Burn: 93

“The ash held well for entire thirds. No touchups required. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Construction: 91

“The construction was pretty spot on for this sample considering the nice appearance, burn performance, draw, and overall experience. ” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

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

“This cigar started off a bit rough for me…I really don’t like the initial flavors. Fortunately, the flavors changed through each section and ended up firmly in my full-bodied preferential wheelhouse. For me, the journey was pleasant and the ending was such that I would have gladly grabbed another. Based upon the finish, this is something I would definitely try again.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“This is why I love cigars and I love trying new things. This cigar hit all the right notes and each flavor was right in my wheelhouse. When a cigars tobaccos work in unison to give you bold flavors, it makes for a very enjoyable experience. I would definitely try this one again. And again. And again.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

“This was a great cigar that changed on a few occasions. At times it was light and sweet then it would switch it up to a more darker, spicy, and rich profile. This is why blending is so important. When done right it can take you on a journey. This would make a great after-dinner cigar while you sit and reflect on the events of the day. I will be grabbing a few, once I know what it is, to have on hand to end my days with.” –Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)

“The construction here was an issue. Lopsided burn and a compromised draw likely resulted in overworking this and getting pretty quickly into an acrid, bitter state. After working through these issues, the finale seemed like it would likely have been an enjoyable experience. There were a lot of dark rich flavors hinted at, especially at the end, in what seemed to be a fairly full-bodied experience. I’d try another in hopes that the construction faux pas was the exception rather than the rule.” –John I. (John I.)

“In the end, this cigar didn’t have a whole lot to offer after the beginning. The burn was great, but otherwise, I found this cigar to be unremarkable and forgettable.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 69

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto No. 5 – Blind Cigar Review