"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)
"This was a tale of transitions as the cigar changed so much from segment to segment. I love the fact that it never was boring and eased me into the final portion which was large and in charge in regard to flavor and nicotine power. I absolutely did not want this cigar to end and only put it down when I couldn’t hold it due to heat. Absolutely recommended!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Southern Draw Cigars has announced Jacobs Ladder – The Ascension as a new Famous Smoke Shop Exclusive for 2021. Starting next year, it will be available elsewhere as well. The format is a 5.5 x 52 Belicoso Fino. This special version of the Jacobs Ladder has been rolled and aging since 2016 and is made to honor the 21st birthday of Ethan Jabob Holt, the person after which the cigar is named.
"Flavor profile notwithstanding, this was a smooth and easy smoke. If you're a fan of floral cigars, with a simple expression that you don't have to think a lot about, this could make a nice Sunday morning cigar with a cup of tea and a good book. But it's a miss for me." -Vance T. (Vance)
Crowned Heads is bringing back their limited edition version of the Le Carême blend this year. Originally released in 2018, and making a limited edition comeback in 2021, the cigar is now back in its same 5 1/2" x 52 format. While the regular production line of Le Carême is trunk-pressed, the Belicosos Finos are round.
"Overall, this was an enjoyable cigar with very mild flavors, it remained medium bodied and light throughout the experience. The smoke started off fairly creamy and dried out throughout the cigar but never to a point of dislike. I would definitely recommend this to individuals with a lighter palette and would consider smoking again for sure. It would go well with any light flavor drink from clear soft drinks to lager beers and white wines." -Angel M. (Angel)
"This was a pleasure to smoke and was perfect to go with a cup of black coffee…until the nicotine slapped me in the face! Then a couple sips of a sugary drink fixed me right up! The smooth flavors were really nice, and the overall experience was one I’ll remember. I’m ready for another one right away!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
"Personally, it is a miss for me. I found the flavors to be muted with a thin body and poor burn. Hopefully, this is an outlier and the others had a more positive experience. The way that it is smoking to me, I'm not sure where it would fall into my rotation. It isn't bold enough for a nighttime smoke and it's too mild to stand up against a cup of coffee. " -Alan (Eulogy)
"The flavors on the cigar were interesting and complex from the get-go. While the strength never passed a solid medium the taste was a journey starting with a sweet floral beginning into the more spicy cedar middle followed by a super complex end with nuts and pepper. The ash and burn were pretty much perfect. My only real complaint was how fast it smoked timing in at just over an hour. I will be grabbing some more of whatever this is for a nice morning cigar." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
AVO Cigars has announced that the Belicoso size in their AVO Classic line would be making a return soon. The Belicoso was last seen in 2005 and will only be a limited production run this time with 2,000 boxes of 25 cigars being sold only in the United States.