Kristoff Sumatra Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The Kristoff Sumatra was the featured new released for Glen Case and his Kristoff brand at the 2009 IPCPR trade show in New Orleans. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, Brazilian binder, and filler including Cuban Seed Dominican, Cuban Seed Nicaraguan.

Kristoff Sumatra comes in 5 different sizes: Matador – 6.5 x 56, Robusto – 5.5 x 54, Torpedo – 6.25 x 52, Churchill – 7 x 50, and Lancero – 7.5 x 40. It sells from $9-10 per stick.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5 1/2“
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: Charles Fairmorn Factory
Blender: Glen Case
Number of reviewers: 5 – Kevin A. (Kevin A.) Sean F. (fullermaine) Matt Cade (CadeTNCC) James H. (Keikan Jim)Vance T. (Vance)
Price: $9.00
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: 2009
Contributed by: Kristoff Cigars

Initial Impressions – Kristoff Sumatra Robusto

Appearance: 88

“The dark brown wrapper is veiny and oily to the touch with a few soft spots present when squeezed gently between two fingers. The pigtail cap twists off easily although it’s hard to determine if there’s adequate airflow without additional cutting due to the closed foot.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Aroma: 91

“Notes of bakers chocolate, natural tobacco, and barnyard are coming from the foot and body of the cigar. Pre-light draw, which is actually pretty good, gives a slight wet grass note, with a little bit of cinnamon spice and cocoa as well.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“There is both notable mint and sweetness present on the cold draw. Black pepper and a dry woodsiness are immediately noticeable through the nose upon ignition. The draw reveals notes of strong French Roast coffee, mesquite, and just a touch of mineral. I do have to perform a single cut of the cap in addition to twisting the pigtail off and the result is a smooth draw and copious smoke production.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“There is a solid blast of pepper at first light that does a good job of clearing out the sinuses. After that, the cigar settles into a medium-full-bodied profile, with stone fruit at the forefront. Cocoa, espresso, leather, and earth are present behind the stone fruit. There is an underlying creaminess that keeps everything smooth, with a slight hint of sweetness. The retrohale has quite a bit of black pepper, but it is a smooth burn. There is also a floral note that is present in the retrohale and sits on the tongue between puffs, adding a very interesting layer to the flavor profile of the cigar. Strength right now is solidly medium. Burn has a definite curve to it but is not in danger of going wonky at this point, and the draw is just about perfect.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Second Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“In the second third is very similar to the first third with sweet earth and espresso notes with some cedar in the mix. Retro is as smooth as I’ve ever had with just a hint of white pepper. I am really enjoying this cigar.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

“The bitter tea notes give way to a variety of notes. Notes of sugar, licorice, and almond balance out the bitterness.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Final Third

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

“Strength kicks up a slight notch to match the body getting into the final part of the cigar. One notable change in the retrohale is the floral note hitting big time on the finish. It had sort of diminished in the midsection of the cigar but it is back and very noticeable. The main profile has not changed, tho the pepper has faded away, giving way to strong espresso and cocoa. The creaminess is still there, which in my opinion keeps the cigar from turning bitter and holding everything together and making it enjoyable. Right towards the end, for the last 10 mins of smoking time, walnut entered the profile to add a very well-balanced nutty element to the smoking experience. It would have been even better has this developed sooner in the cigar, but was good nonetheless. Burn and draw have been excellent throughout.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“The strength increases back up to full medium territory in the final third, primarily due to the renewed energy of the black pepper through the nose. The draw transitions once again and now the mesquite woodsiness is overshadowing the coffee. Construction remains very good, most noteworthy is the impressive smoke production. Thick clouds of grey smoke just pour off of this cigar like a campfire log.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Overall Impressions – Kristoff Sumatra Robusto

Draw: 98

“Just the right amount of resistance to allow ample smoke output without being airy.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Burn: 95

“The cigar had an impressive burn throughout the smoking experience and it required zero touch-ups whatsoever.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Construction: 93

“Burn, draw, and flavor delivery were all superb. Doesn’t get much better.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91

“I really enjoyed this cigar. I was a little worried about the pepper blast at the beginning, but it smoothed out and was enjoyable. Not overly complex, but not linear in flavor profile either. It had just the right mix and developed nicely as it went along. This is a cigar I would be proud to hand my experienced smoking friends, and even those less experienced looking for a medium to full-bodied experience without the strength making it tough for them. I am looking forward to finding out what this one is!” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“With the bitter start to this cigar, it turned around quickly. Nice notes of sweetness, nuttiness, and wood round out this stick. I’d give this cigar a second chance after the rough start.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“While I didn’t love it, I did enjoy this cigar. I appreciated the transitions from coffee heavy to mesquite dominate flavors on the draw and the retrohale was well-balanced with the addition of mineral in the second third to help curb that strong black pepper note a touch. Add in satisfactory construction across the boards and I would certainly smoke this cigar again given the opportunity.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“Point blank…… I loved this cigar and will seek it out once I find out what it is.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

“It’s been a minute since I’ve been that impressed with a new-to-me cigar. I’m super curious to find out what it is, who makes it, and where I can buy more! From start to finish it was a masterpiece of intense, albeit balanced flavors.” –Vance T. (Vance)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 71

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Kristoff Sumatra Robusto – Blind Cigar Review