"I can say with complete transparency that this cigar was a solid performer overall and that the flavors were very enjoyable. I love leather, baking spices, and nutmeg flavors in a cigar but with a bit more punch. I was hoping for more cocoa or chocolate flavors or perhaps some coffee notes. I'd definitely try this cigar again and could perhaps enjoy this with a morning coffee. A great overall smoking experience. " -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
"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)
"WOW is all that comes to mind!!! I have a handful of cigars that I consider to be my favorites. All of which check off all the boxes, all of which are consistent, all of which are flavorful and complex and all of which I know I will enjoy whenever I grab them out of the humidor. This stick fits that bill and more! Even though this smoke started off one-dimensional for a short amount of time, the flavors were delightful and far from dull. What stemmed from there was nothing short of incredible! Ripe with an abundance of complexity, flavors, and a series of transitions that told an intriguing story, this smoke proved to be a unicorn in my eyes. My only wish is that this cigar was twice as long to prolong the enjoyment. After one round I am ready to buy a box!" -Noah S. (Noah)
The Crux Epicure Habano, rolled at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua, began shipping in June 2023. With high-quality Nicaraguan binder, fillers, and a habano seco leaf wrapper, it received overall positive reviews for its flavors and draw.
"Overall, I would say, this was an excellent cigar. Although the flavors did not transition much from third to third, considering I enjoyed all of these flavors it was very pleasing. I would definitely recommend this to individuals who, like a little bit bolder of a cigar, considering it was medium to full throughout most of the cigar." -Angel M. (Angel)
"This was an interesting cigar for me. The flavor notes were very unusual but somehow so melded that it was a challenge to identify them separately at times. The balance of un-peaty bourbon notes with the sweetness of figs provided a very unique flavor. Mixing in wood and on occasion nuts, gave this cigar a very savory yet sweet flavor profile. Additionally, the medium strength allows this cigar to smoke any time of the day. I found it to be an ultra-relaxing cigar. Easy to smoke, perfect viola, and an interesting flavor profile. Definitely worth keeping some in the humidor." -Diana (ArmyRN)
"Even though the draw was tighter than ideal for the first third and the lineup of flavors doesn't match what I typically reach for when choosing what to smoke, this cigar was immensely enjoyable! I am quite fond of this particular vitola as the change in ring gauge and proportions of binder, filler, and wrapper all but guarantees an interesting progression or transition of flavors that I tend to think of as a story the blender is telling through the leaves. Not only did the profile of flavors build upon one another from start to finish but so did the strength which is always a plus in my book. After a bit of a slow start, this cigar truly shined in the latter two-thirds when the flavors were most balanced, complex, and robust. The smoke was incredibly smooth throughout and the flavors were clearly defined which always makes for a nice experience as I don't have to think too much about what I am smoking. This is exactly the kind of smoke I like when I am deep in a great conversation amongst great friends." -Noah S. (Noah)
The "Crafted By JR: Crowned Heads" cigar, a collaboration with Crowned Heads and Jon Huber, offers a medium-bodied profile with Nicaraguan fillers and an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Priced at $11.50 per stick, the reviewers enjoyed it for its balanced flavors, good construction, and enjoyable smoking experience, despite some one-dimensionality.
"Hats off to the torcedor who expertly rolled such a beautiful cigar and hats off to the blender for the incredible balance of flavors that dazzled my palate. From the first puff to the last this smoke was nothing short of stellar! Spice bombs typically aren't my go to when I reach in the humidor but this one hit different as the abundance of spice was offset and balanced with just the right amount of sweet. The contrast of flavors was enjoyable and intriguing enough that I didn't miss the lack of significant transitions and it certainly did not detract from the overall smoking experience. I would love to try this cigar again and would love to pair it with pint of a bitey flavorful IPA or a nice spiced rum on the rocks." -Noah S. (Noah)
"Looking at this cigar I would have never expected the smoking experience I got. This is a fine example of not judging a book by its cover. This beauty had body and depth that has to be experienced. Bright and direct shifts in profile is welcomed for such a large cigar. There was never a moment when I wanted it to end. I will be on the look out for this cigar when I find out what it is and so should you." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)