J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The J.C. Newman El Baton has been around for a long time. The brand has technically been around since 1914 when it was made with Cuban tobacco. J.C. Newman brought it back from extinction in 2008 becoming the company’s first Nicaraguan cigar. After being on the market for some time, it had been going under the radar amongst the company’s other line refreshes of the Perla del Mar and Brick House variety. That was until 2022 when the line was again re-blended and repackaged.

The blend for J.C. Newman El Baton uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, with Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The cigars are rolled at J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. It is offered in four viotlas: Robusto 5 x 54, Belicoso 5 x 56, Double Toro 6 x 60, and Double Torpedo 6 1/4 x 56. MSRP ranges from $7.70 – $8.70 and all come in boxes of 25.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Belicoso
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 56
Country of Origin: Nicaragaua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragaua
Filler: Nicaragaua
Factory: J.C. Newman PENSA
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 4 – Sean F. (fullermaine) Noah S. (Noah) Chris M. (Chris) Angel M. (Angel)
Price: $7.90
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: August 2022
Contributed by: J.C. Newman

Initial Impressions – J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso

Appearance: 96

“The wrapper on this belicoso/short torpedo is a nice, muddy, milk chocolate brown. There is a light oily sheen as well. Two small water spots don’t diminish from what I would call a textbook roll on this cigar. Absolutely beautiful.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Aroma: 95

“On the wrapper, I pick up a lot of sweet tobacco, Heavy amounts of cedar, vanilla, and baking spice. On the foot I am smelling a musty hay, accompanied by sweet tobacco.” –Angel M. (Angel)

First Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Right off the light, I get a cinnamon bread up front, with an even mix of soft woodiness, brown sugar, and cream beneath. As I get a little further in an occasional floral hit attaches itself to the woodiness. Coming up on an inch and the cinnamon bread starts to level out.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“Right out of the gate, this cigar is insanely smooth with mouthfuls of rich and buttery smoke. Although simple, flavors are robust and enjoyable, similar to what I would expect from a solid Connecticut which is a bit surprising since the wrapper is certainly darker. The flavors are natural with a lot of cedar and a fair amount of notes that resemble a freshly baked loaf of bread. What follows is a medium finish that is somewhat dry. The retro echoes the smoothness of the smoke and introduces a touch of sweetness with notes of sweet cream and vanilla that rounds out an immensely enjoyable smoke.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Second Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Although the finish is becoming a bit longer and the strength is jumping up a few notches, the flavors have remained about the same upon entering the second third. The notes resembling freshly baked bread have dropped off a bit while cedar remains the starring role. Baking spice has joined the mix but it is by no means overpowering. The retrohale has remained smooth and subtly sweet with a harmonious mix of sweet cream and vanilla that is truly contributing to longer finish and creamy mouthfeel.” –Noah S. (Noah)

“In the second third and actually in the last part of the first third, I felt the cigar flavors opened up to a really pleasant transition. The generic tobacco, transitioned into a nice sweet tobacco, the white pepper disappeared and a nice coca flavor came in with the cedar ramping up a bit more. the smoke texture was nice an smooth and cool in temperature.” –Angel M. (Angel)

Final Third

Flavor: 95
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Black pepper notes linger and mix with notes of black licorice.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“Coming in to the final third and I start to get a light green bell pepper adding to the occasional draw. The floral wood sits just barely above the sweet country white bread. The cream seems to have drowned the butter for now, and the cinnamon and white pepper are resigned to the finish and retrohale only. The brown sugar and floral notes pick up creeping towards the nub.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Impressions – J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso

Draw: 95

“Perfection from beginning to end. No poking needed to enjoy.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Burn: 97

“A couple of minor touch-ups were needed to correct a slightly wonky burn but overall this stick burned like a champ!” –Noah S. (Noah)

Construction: 98

“A firm roll from head to foot, barely noticeable seams, a LONG triple cap, and no apparent blemishes are all signs that this cigar was rolled by a skilled and masterful torcedor.” –Noah S. (Noah)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 96

“One word, perfection! Everything about this cigar was spot on. The construction, aroma, burn, and ash were excellent. A great mixture of notes. Notes of peach tea, black pepper, walnut, jalapeno pepper, and black licorice. I didn’t want the cigar to end. Grab this cigar and stock your humidor. You won’t regret it!” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“This smoke didn’t feature a rollercoaster of transitions or over-the-top complexity and in my opinion, those qualities are certainly not prerequisites of an incredible cigar. Rather, I tend to put a premium on a stick that intrigues my palate with abundant flavors that are not only smooth but also balanced enough to keep my attention. This cigar accomplished all of that and more while maintaining similar flavor profiles from start to finish. What stood out for me the most was how smooth the smoke was from the first puff to the last which ultimately led to the incredible smoking experience. Simply put, this is just another banger that I can’t wait to add to my collection!” –Noah S. (Noah)

“The flavors in this cigar were well balanced and very refreshing. I wish that the burn would’ve held up a bit better, but even if this was normal for the burn, I’d recommend it. I’d say this would make for a great day opener, as it isn’t very bold or strong. I’ll be excited to find out what this was so I can pick up a few more.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“Overall this cigar was just to my liking, the flavors married perfectly with each other and became more pronounced as you smoked. The smoke texture, draw, and temperature were spot on. I would most definitely recommend this cigar and hope to procure some for my personal rotation.” –Angel M. (Angel)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 78

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso – Blind Cigar Review