"My only wish for this cigar is that it was longer purely for the sake of having more incredible smoke to enjoy. Every puff from the first to the last was chock full of immensely robust and pleasant flavors that were well balanced, complimentary of one another, and consistent to a tee. A perfect draw produced mouthful after mouthful of creamy smooth smoke and despite a few minor touchups, the smoking experience was trouble-free and thoroughly enjoyable. In my opinion, the complete lack of transition in flavor is appropriate and almost preferred given the short length of this cigar. Anything more would be a lot to keep tabs on over such a short period of time. Cigars this short certainly have their place and this one would be perfect for a lunch break or any other circumstance where time just isn't a luxury. 10 out of 10 will smoke again!" -Noah S. (Noah)
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·"After getting off to a disjointed start this cigar found its bearing quickly. It delivered a delicate and delicious flavor profile that is easily approachable to all levels of cigar smokers. I found it to be nub worthy and down as far as I could take it. This the light to medium body smoke would make it appropriate for a first, or last, cigar of one’s day. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, or tea, and enjoy one." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"After leaving the blocks a little slow this cigar found its stride in the second third and never looked back. It is a refined smoke that will only get better with time. There were a few rough edges earlier on but ultimately the smoking experience was very pleasant. This would a great cigar to start your day with a beverage of the smoker’s choice. The profile is easily approachable for any level of smoker. I would seek it out again once I know what it is." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
Ferio Tego unveiled its first regular production line, the Ferio Tego Summa, at the PCA trade show. The Summa blend utilizes tobaccos from three countries and is noted for its balance and intensity of body and flavor.
"With a smoking time south of an hour, this smoke was quite literally short and sweet making it a shoo-in for a lunch break or any other occasion where time is not a luxury. It is hard to say with absolute certainty whether or not the missing chunk of wrapper right at the foot was intentional or not. The fact that the wrapper was not torn and the uniformity of the transition where the wrapper begins leads me to believe that this feature had a purpose. Regardless, it showcased and highlighted in an intriguing way just how much the wrapper leaf contributes to a cigar's aroma, blend, and flavor profiles. Without it, the cigar would certainly not be the same. Aside from the obvious transition that took place once the burn line reached the leading edge of the wrapper, this smoke was dead consistent with regards to flavors. A smoke this short doesn't need a ton of transitions and with such enjoyable flavors, I couldn't be happier in their absence. Not only were the flavors right in line with my preferences, they were well balanced and the smoke was buttery smooth. A top-notch draw and trouble-free burn were the cherries on top of an incredible smoking experience that I can not wait to have again." -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.
"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)
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.
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·"When a cigar doesn't feature a ton of transitions and only minor changes throughout the smoke, I often wonder if the redundancies amongst the notes make for a boring review. Thankfully for me, this cigar was anything but boring and I wasn't the slightest bit mad at the lack of transitions! From start to finish, my palate was greeted with the smoothest of smoke that seemingly got creamier with each and every puff. A splendid balance of flavors and a complex mix of notes that were creamy, nutty, tangy, sweet and spicy had my tastebuds swooning the entire time. The near perfect draw, trouble free burn and solid nicotine buzz only added to an already incredible smoking experience that I can not wait to have again. I for one am excited to pair this smoke with a number of different beverages and I can definitely see it landing in my normal rotation of favorites." -Noah S. (Noah)
"I think what I liked most about this cigar is that it serves as a reminder of how enriching the blind review process can be. Preconceived notions influence so many decisions and I find it to be a breath of fresh air when I get to experience something that I never would have chosen for myself in a completely subjective manner. I never would have picked a cigar of this length to smoke. Not only do I think that it looks silly, such a lengthy cigar never feels comfortable in the hand. Although the overall experience wasn't my favorite, it was far from awful and there were a handful of things that I truly liked about this cigar. In addition to a stellar draw and burn, the number of transitions that took place made it seem as though a different cigar was being smoked with every third making for a truly unique smoking experience. With regards to flavor, this cigar really shined the most throughout the latter part of the first third all the way through the second. Not only were the flavors balanced, complex and enjoyable but the smoke was buttery smooth. Had the initial puffs and final third been a little less harsh and more inline with my palate it certainly would have been given higher remarks. Although I wouldn't seek out this particular vitola, I am interested for the reveal as I would certainly give this blend another shot assuming it is offered in a different size." -Noah S. (Noah)