Warped Cigars – Black Honey

Origin: El Titan de Bronze (U.S.A.)
Size: 5 x 48
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Strength: Medium Plus
Reviewed by: Jesse

Returning since its last release in 2017, Black Honey by Warped Cigars showcases a luxurious Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper with a smooth and oily finish. The cigar greets with prelight notes of light spice and a floral sweetness. Upon lighting, the first puffs deliver a prominent floral essence, complemented by woody sweetness and a subtle white pepper spice on the palate. Progressing into the second third, the cigar introduces faint notes of oak and earthiness, enriching the complexity of flavors. Approaching the final third, a peppery zest becomes more pronounced, accompanied by a delicate citrus undertone. Black Honey strikes a remarkable balance between sweetness and spice, underlaid with subtle earthy tones, making it a dynamic and flavor-rich experience.

Recommended for:

  • Aged Nicaraguan tobacco enthusiasts.

  • Smokers who appreciate a dynamic, multifaceted flavor profile.

Similar to:

  • La Vereda – Crowned Heads

Arturo Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Natural

Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 6 x 47
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium
Reviewed by: Simon

The Gran Reserva series stands as the cornerstone of Arturo Fuente Cigars, with the Flor Fina 8-5-8 being its most celebrated size. This cigar features a toothy, visually striking Cameroon wrapper encasing a meticulously blended set of binder and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic. Post-cutting, the tight cold draw offers hints of cider and spice. Upon lighting, the initially tight draw quickly loosens, allowing the cider and spice notes to evolve and be joined by a complementary woodsy flavor, with the spice growing in intensity during the first half. As the cigar progresses, the cider note gracefully transitions into a profound earthiness, perfectly harmonizing with the robust spices. The Flor Fina 8-5-8 boasts a medium to short finish and maintains an even burn throughout, eliminating the need for touch-ups.

Recommended for:

  • Medium-bodied cigar enthusiasts who appreciate a spicy, flavorful, yet smooth smoking experience.

Similar to:

  • Arturo Fuente Hemingway

Tatuaje 20th

Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6 3/8 x 54 Grand Chasseur
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Double Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
Reviewed By: Matt

Celebrating its anniversary, Tatuaje introduces the 20th Anniversary line, a regular production series that stands as a testament to quality craftsmanship. This cigar combines Nicaraguan fillers, a double binder, and an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that is both silky and slightly toothy, offering a springy yet smooth feel. The cold draw reveals subtle, yet distinct, sweet pepper notes with an overarching creaminess. Its semi-closed foot ensures easy lighting. The initial puffs exude a pleasant woodsy taste and aroma, reminiscent of a serene evening by a campfire. The smoke is light and airy, surprising for a cigar with such a dark wrapper. It delivers a blend of mild spice and sweetness that intensifies into the second third, alongside the initial woodsy flavor. The construction of the Tatuaje 20th ensures subtle and smooth flavors, a smooth retrohale, and a medium to short finish. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of earthy, woodsy, spiced, and sweet notes, striking a perfect balance without being overpowering. The result is an exemplary medium-bodied cigar, rich in flavor yet gentle on the palate.

Recommended for:

  • Those who enjoy a medium-bodied, earthy cigar with complex yet subtle flavors.

Similar Recommendation:

  • Oliva Series V

Wildfire Cigars - The Revivalist

Size: Corona (5 5/8 x 46)
Wrapper: Mexican Claro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Indonesia, Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Reviewer: Jesse

The Revivalist from Wildfire Cigars features a milk chocolate-colored Mexican Claro wrapper with a subtle, lightly oily sheen. The cold draw reveals layers of dried fruit, nuttiness, and a hint of sweetness, all enveloped in a firm draw. Upon lighting, a harmonious blend of sweetness, spices, and woody undertones emerges, offering a complex and captivating profile. As the cigar progresses, the woodiness becomes more pronounced, evoking nuances of a campfire. The smoking experience concludes with a creamy base, accentuated by bold spices on the retrohale, resulting in a robust and memorable finish.

Recommended for:

  • Enthusiasts of Nicaraguan tobacco who appreciate the distinct spice characteristic of such blends.

  • Aficionados who are partial to Mexican Claro wrappers and enjoy pronounced woody and campfire-like undertones.

Similar Recommendations:

  • Foundation Olmec Caro