Saga Solaz Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

De Los Reyes released a totally new line at the 2019 IPCPR trade show, Solaz. While a typical Connecticut cigar might be considered a morning cigar, the name Solaz specifically means “the leisure after work,” so it is meant to be more of a cigar to be enjoyed after you get off work.

Solaz also happens to be the first cigar from De Los Reyes and Saga that ventures into the mild area of strength. It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut claro wrapper, and Dominican binder and fillers from on Reyes family farms. Solaz comes in three sizes: Robusto (5 x 50) – $8.30, Churchill (7 x 48) – $9.00, and Gordo (6 x 58) – $9.50. All are presented in boxes of 24.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: De Los Reyes S.A.
Blender: Nirka Reyes
Number of reviewers: 4 – Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Randy B. (randobush) Allison T. (The Yoga Ash) Diana (ArmyRN)
Price: $8.30
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: September 2019
Contributed by: De Los Reyes

Initial Impressions – Saga Solaz Robusto

Appearance: 89

“Light brown semi-smooth wrapper. There are some veins and seems noted. Very dry wrapper to the touch.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

Aroma: 83

“I get little to no aroma from the prelight sniffs. Barnyard and fresh hay emanates from the foot ever so slightly.” –Randy B. (randobush)

First Third

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

“Very light smoke. Mild cinnamon flavor with a touch of citrus flavors, there is a mild harsh flavor on the tongue. Retrohale is mild black pepper that is not very strong.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“Right off the first puff, I’m hit with dried oak bark, black coffee, baking spices, sweet cayenne pepper, & smoked paprika. The finish is med-long, with the spices hanging around until the next draw. The retro is nice with a slice of cayenne and baking spice love affair going on. The mouthful of smoke on the draw is quite satisfying.” –Randy B. (randobush)”

Second Third

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

“The wood notes seemed to turn more to cedar as the smoke progressed. The floral notes were pretty much dissipated and replaced by more of the baking notes of butter and cinnamon. I picked up a whiff of caramel that seemed to go in and out at various times.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

“Going into the second third, the baking spices and smoked paprika take the forefront, with sweet cayenne and Luxardo cherry singing backup. The burn is close to razor-sharp, with zero burn issues. The body and mouthful of tasty smoke is still prevalent. Towards the end of the second third the dry oak bark comes back in and blends nicely with the baking spices. Retro is outstanding.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Final Third

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

“The last third is transforming into a good experience from the train wreck that happened in the first and second thirds of 1227. The bark of the burnt ends of salt and pepper smoked brisket, split oak, fresh cream with a hint of nutmeg.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

“As I progressed from the second to the last third, the cigar picked up a hint of sweet cream mixed with the butter and cedar. The strength never really changed for me but I did enjoy the transitions of flavor notes that stayed in the same families but varied as to their intensity and presence.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Overall Impressions – Saga Solaz Robusto

Draw: 94

“The great construction made 1227 draw like a champ which also lead to a burn.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

Burn: 93

“Razor-sharp burn with zero maintenance required. Nice and slow or as fast as you please, but I could walk away from this cigar for 3 or 4 minutes and the cherry was still happy and waiting to be nurtured.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Construction: 94

“Even with the slight crack in the wrapper that I noticed at first inspection, this cigar held up handily and the crack actually never erupted. I was able to smoke right through it and there were no other issues throughout the entire smoke. For a thin wrapper the cigar did amazingly well.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Overall Strength: Mild-Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 87

“Overall, a very light cigar. Mild flavors of cinnamon and citrus. Retrohale of black pepper. There was a harsh flavor that I really did not like that was of cherry wood.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I really did not want to smoke another cigar this evening, but needed to get the review in, so this cigar made it a “glad I did” smoke. The flavors, transitions, retrohale, & performance, and the mouthfuls of thick delicious smoke made this a good evening to the weekend. Cheers.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“If this cigar wasn’t for Blind Man’s Puff I would have dumped 1227 in the ashtray in the first few draws due to the horrible tasting notes. Especially the bitter celery & coping paper. However, I powered through and found the last third to be excellent along with the burn, draw & construction.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

“I really enjoyed this cigar. The vitola was perfect for me and the flavors were quite nice. I enjoyed the baking notes mixed with the wood and the butter and cream made this a smooth cigar for me. I didn’t miss having any pepper or hot spices mixed in. This is a cigar I could smoke any time of the day and thoroughly relax without having to keep an eye on the burn while enjoying the subtle complexity of the flavors.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 69

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Saga Solaz Robusto – Blind Cigar Review