January 28th, 2019

Vitola: Robusto (5 inches by 52 ring gauge)
MSRP: $10
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Nicaraguan Viso, Seco and Ligero from Esteli & Jalapa

Xiphos brand owner Brad Longanecker is a good friend of mine, and is partly responsible for me being thrown out of a cigar lounge for the first and only time. But that’s a story for another time. So here we go...

First third

The initial light and draw were smooth and easy. I noticed a smooth retro-hale without any of the burn that normally comes at the beginning of a cigar. Notes of leather and chocolate, along with hints of spice and earth, were also present.

Second third

The chocolate and spice notes continued to build, but not in an overpowering fashion. This was a good feature for me, as I’m not the biggest fan of overly spicy cigars.

Final third

At about forty-five minutes in, I realized that the cigar was almost finished. Now, the chocolate gave way to more of an earthy flavor, and the spice was still noticeable but understated.

Conclusion

I am a big fan of this cigar. And the fact that it comes in a pressurized can and not a box only adds to its charm. I paired it with a pour of Savannah Bourbon, and the combination was perfect. So go out and get yourself a few. You just may find a new cigar for your regular rotation.

Rating

Pre-light: 10/10 (leather)
Light: 9/10 (easy to light)
Draw: 10/10 (great draw start to finish)
Construction: 9/10 (very good looking cigar)
Flavor: 9/10 (nice transition of flavors)
Strength and body: 9/10 (medium)
Average: 9/10

Chad “The Hangman” Potier
Producer, The New Talk 106.7 FM