Lampert The Gatsby – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last year, Lampert Cigars shipped their refreshed “Gatsby” line to retailers, presenting a 6 1/7″ x 52 torpedo format. This update introduces new packaging and cigar bands, yet maintains the original blend known from the Don Patron. The Gatsby boasts a combination of aged tobaccos, including a two-year-old Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, a three-year-old Ecuadorian binder, and fillers comprising three-year Dominican and five-year Peruvian Pelo d'Oro tobaccos.

Produced by Tabacos de Costa Rica, the Gatsby continues as a regular production offering. It is sold in boxes of ten, with a suggested retail price of $16 per cigar. This release aims to provide continuity for fans of the blend while offering a fresh aesthetic appeal.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Torpedo
Length: 6 1/7″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru
Factory: Tabacos de Costa Rica
Blender: Stefan Lampert
Number of reviewers: 4 – Jessica (Stogie Sister) Sean F. (fullermaine) Chris M. (Chris) Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Price: $16.00
Age: 8 Months
Release Date: June 2023
Contributed by: Lampert Cigars

Initial Impressions – Lampert The Gatsby

Appearance: 96

“This chunky torpedo has a pretty immaculate roll. Minimal veins decorate the oily reddish brown wrapper. There is a light tooth on the wrapper too.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Aroma: 89

“Slightly sweet aroma with hints of wood and hay.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“This cigar starts off with rich cedar and freshly tanned leather up top. Lightly creamed coffee and a mild molasses sweetness sit just beneath. There is a very minimal amount of peppercorn spice on the finish and through the retrohale. I start to get a slight saltiness around an inch down. The balance seems to shift a bit from draw to draw, with an occasional bitter note from the cedar.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“Woody part of the cigar. Notes of hickory and oak are coming through.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Second Third

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

“When into the second third, a brightness enters the profile which adds to the wood and nut. Retrohale brings some complexity now and gives milk chocolate and more nut to the profile.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“The blend remains very mild and naturally sweet. The primary flavor has become the woody oak, but I'm beginning to get a slight touch of white pepper, especially on the retro-hale. I've also been having some coning issues with the burn, even though I've set it down and tried to give it time to even out.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Cigar is still bright in the final third with hay, cedar, and a hint of cream on the draw. While the retrohale brings about a richer body to the cigar and accentuates the profile present and extends the finish.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“A softer cedar and leather lead still. Vanilla bean and cocoa both mingle with the creamy coffee at this point. The sweetness shifts again, from agave to more of a brown sugar. The peppercorn and nutmeg combo picks up slightly, and a bit of cinnamon adds to the mix. Saltiness is still very light, but back to consistent on the draw. The spice profile and brown sugar pick up coming up on the nub.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Impressions – Lampert The Gatsby

Draw: 96

“The draw was often a bit too open, which is surprising for a torpedo. There were several times I had to take several puffs to get a decent mouthful of smoke.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Burn: 98

“Perfection! No touch-up or relight needed.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Construction: 92

“It was actively snowing while I smoked this. That might have had an effect on the waviness of the burn. Even if it didn't, it self-corrected, so no complaints.” –Chris M. (Chris)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 91

“With the cigar being a lighter and smooth profile, I had to remind myself to smoke on tempo.
It's very easy to smoke this cigar too fast. I would definitely smoke this cigar again. I think it would pair great, bringing a fullness to the cigar, with creamy or slightly sweet tea/iced tea.” –Jessica (Stogie Sister)

“As a fan of different-shaped cigars, this torpedo shape was absolute perfection. Notes of cedar, hickory, oak, tea, toast, and coffee. From construction, appearance, burn, and draw, this was a perfect cigar. Didn't want the cigar to end. Pick up a few for your humidor or a box to share with friends. Can't wait to smoke this cigar again.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“Though this cigar started a little unbalanced, it definitely kept getting better as I got through it. With a moderate level of complexity and smooth transitions, it held my interest pretty well. I'd smoke one again, and honestly think that a bit of rest might even out the first third a bit. I'll be curious to see who produced this blend.” –Chris M. (Chris)

“While not very complex, the cigar had a consistent and enjoyable flavor. It started with a sweet tea-like taste and a woody oak note, then transitioned into a solid, oaky cigar flavor. A mild white pepper spice was present on the retro-hale throughout. Although some construction and burn issues were a bit annoying, this was a pleasant, mild cigar perfect for a morning smoke. I would smoke it again.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 79

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Lampert The Gatsby – Blind Cigar Review