United Cigars Red Anchor The Admiral – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

United Cigars says the Red Anchor was was one of the world first boutique cigars all the way back in 1772 in Holland. Since acquiring the rights to the brand last year, United Cigars has re-released it to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Only 250 boxes of the United Cigars Red Anchor were made and sold out almost immediately at the 2022 PCA trade show. The revitalized version of the blend is rolled at Hendrik Kelner Jr.‘s factory Kelner Boutique Factory, or KBF.

The Blend for United Cigars Red Anchor uses a Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wraper, Dominican Monte Plata binder, and San Vincente, Habano ’92, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf fillers. It comes in boxes of 25 and each cigar has an MSRP of $25.00.

Not only is the cigar rolled and blended by the Kelner Family, but their roots are also from Holland where Red Anchor began. For the 2022 release, it only comes in one size, a 6 x 52 toro called The Admiral. Presumably, the release the following year will also be limited and in a new size. Red Anchor is described as a medium plus in body and medium in strength.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Factory: Kelner Boutique Factory
Blender: Hendrik Kelner Jr.
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Quinn (quinnpins269) Jai P. (Jai) Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard) Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Price: $25.00
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: September 2022
Contributed by: United Cigars

Initial Impressions – United Cigars Red Anchor The Admiral

Appearance: 89

“A slightly uneven cap on top, took away from the appearance a little bit. But the light brown wrapper was smooth to the touch, with only a few small veins throughout.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Aroma: 88

“Typical barnyard aromas came along the length, with a bit of dried chili at the foot.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)”

First Third

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

“As the first third kicks off I am picking up a nice citrusy mango flavor.” –Jai P. (Jai)

“A very distinct and spicy walnut wood with some leather. being walnut, it is a little bitter but very enjoyable. The draw is acceptable and the spice is a very nice addition to the profile. The burn is already a little wonky and I hate that because this cigar tastes very good.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Second Third

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

“I had to slow down a little into the second third. I noticed I was smoking a bit quickly and it started to heat up. The draw has been good to this point but is just a smidge on the loose side. I did start to pick up on hints of black pepper that went well with the creamy cocoa. The smoke continued to stay on the dryer side for me.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“I am picking up notes of wood, leather, and black pepper on the second third.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

Final Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The strength bumped up to a solid medium for me in this final third. The black pepper stuck around giving it a bit more spice. I took it down to the nub before setting it down to end the review.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“Final third came to life after a relight and started showing a lot better flavors. Tastes were vegetal, tobacco, dry grass, and mesquite wood. The retrohale also mimicked the raw mesquite flavor. I finally allowed myself to give up on this cigar when it needed a third to relight in this final portion.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Overall Impressions – United Cigars Red Anchor The Admiral

Draw: 88

“The draw was so bad that I’m not sure how much of the cigar length, when finished, was shortened because of cutting versus actually smoking the cigar.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Burn: 85

“Their were times the burn did get a little wavy. It did seem to correct itself shortly after tapping the ash. I did not need to touch it up at all though.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Construction: 90

“Nothing to complain about, but missed the mark of perfection.” –Jai P. (Jai)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 84

“Pretty much any amount of inattention would result in a relight or touch up. Half of the cigar would burn and it would take some time for the other half to catch up. There were no visually identifiable flaws, but I am sure there had to be something off kilter about the construction to have such a tight draw and tough burn. I would not be eager to smoke it again, but it was not unsmokable.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Solid medium overall smoke. This is a blend I would reach for again, especially in this vitola. The construction and profile were both well done and made for a pleasant experience.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“This cigar started out quite nice with an easy light that led to a smooth draw with nice hints of citrusy mango on the palate! Sadly, the flavor was monotone until it changed to what could be best described as soap.” –Jai P. (Jai)

“Wasn’t bad until the last third where that bitter taste kicked in. The burn was annoying at times with the unevenness.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

“I’ll tell you what, at the very beginning. I was excited for this. I was intrigued by the tart citrus but just as soon as it came around it all fell apart again. The draw was horrible. The burn was horrible. These guys need to go back to the kitchen because I smell something burning. I don’t think I ever got more than 10 minutes of a halfway decent experience out of this cigar.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)”

Smoking Time (in minutes): 92

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

United Cigars Red Anchor The Admiral – Blind Cigar Review