Sancho Panza Double Maduro Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Just prior to the PCA tradeshow last year, Matt Booth and General Cigar launched a refresh of the Sancho Panza brand by way of a complete rebrand and re-blending of all three lines including Sancho Panza The Original, Sancho Panza Double Maduro, and Sancho Panza Extra Fuerte. All three of the blends in the line now have a new look and feel, along with new tobacco blends to go with it. While General Cigar did not have a booth at the show, these cigars were on display in the Room101 booth, a brand which General had just acquired.

Matt Booth, Justin Andrews and the HATSA factory worked together to create new blends for all three cigars. All of the new Sancho Panza blends are described as medium to medium-full bodied are are said to have more complexity than their previous releases. All come in 20 count wooden boxes with the new Sancho Panza logo that was created by Booth to give a nod to the Latin culture and vibe of West LA (CA).

Sancho Panza Double Maduro is a hearty smoke made with a sungrown Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with Nicaraguan Esteli binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos chosen from a range of growing regions and primings. Sancho Panza Double Maduro is a medium to medium-plus smoke.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: HATSA
Blender: Matt Booth, Justin Andrews
Number of reviewers: 4 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Isaac M. (The Nothing) Quinn (quinnpins269) Jai P. (Jai)
Price: $7.49
Age: 8 Months
Release Date: July 2022
Contributed by: General Cigar

Initial Impressions – Sancho Panza Double Maduro Robusto

Appearance: 92

“The first appearance was a little rough. The cigar was lumpy and bumpy from foot to cap. There were a number of small tears and imperfections in the wrapper as well.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Aroma: 86

“I’m picking up some tobacco and tea before lighting the cigar.” –Jai P. (Jai)

First Third

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

“The cigar opened up with an interesting combination of white pepper and heavy mineral notes. The mineral notes were similar to an aluminum can to your lips. It was off-putting at first, but it faded away as was not as noticeable.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“This started off strong with coffee and the slightest hint of cocoa. There was a natural vegetable sweetness. Before the beginning third finished the taste moved to meat and vegetables, quite delicious.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Second Third

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

“Spice starts to die down, leaving cherries and wood. The draw is nearly effortless and the burn is ok. Wood becomes a more defined cedar and the cherry notes begin to die down as well.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The second third comes into play and I am picking up black tea and  some earthy tones with a little spice.” –Jai P. (Jai)

Final Third

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

“Cherries also depart leaving wood as the entire profile for the last third. The burn needed corrected in the last third. Draw continued to perform famously.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The dry cedar smoke continued into the final third for me. It was accompanied by what could be described as salted peanuts. It was an interesting combo that I enjoyed at first. Ultimately I found myself reaching for some water as my mouth had begun to dry out. It was not the best way for the review to end. The last few puffs did not offer much more than a slight bitterness on the dry smoke.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Overall Impressions – Sancho Panza Double Maduro Robusto

Draw: 93

“The draw was just the slightest bit firm, but not problematic.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Burn: 91

“Relatively straight burn, I did notice a few times after tapping the ash it got a little wavy. But it always corrected itself.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Construction: 88

“Very solid construction behind the less than stellar appearance of the cigar.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 88

“A very enjoyable cigar worth a box, would keep a couple in rotation.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“This cigar was outstanding. I definitely enjoyed every minute of it. Flavor profiles are just right where I like them. I don’t think I could stop saying good things. I’ll admit was not impressed by the aroma at first, but once the fire was set, everything about the cigar was what I want out of an experience.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“The profile had its moments that I was very invested in. Unfortunately, they did not hang around for long. The overly dry and salty final third is what really turned me off for the cigar.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“Overall, this wasn’t a bad cigar. I don’t generally waste my time with a cigar that won’t stay lit, but this tasted too good. The first thing I noticed was the flavor of black tea. As I continued to smoke there were earthy tones that compliment the tea flavor quite well. About halfway through, a hint of spice was introduced to the palate, adding a layer of complexity. As the cigar rounded out, there was a nice balance of black tea, spice, and some mildly sweet earth notes.” –Jai P. (Jai)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 65

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Sancho Panza Double Maduro Robusto – Blind Cigar Review