Cigar #1: The first smoke of this was conducted during evening. I think this cigar could be smoked at any time of day, even though the intensity was light to me. This is probably best suited for the morning, though.
The wrapper was gorgeous, hitting all the points we look for. This also was the first cigar in my memory that I did not have to touch-up one single time after lighting up. Another truly beautiful cigar. The transitions were subtle and difficult to pin down the subtle differences in flavor notes so it was hard to give a good score in that field, but I certainly would take this cigar every morning if given the option. Just light it up, pour a cup of coffee, and smoke away without worry. 1h30m smoke time. Temperature in low 70’s, at 60-65% humidity outdoors. Rainy and cloudy.
Cigar #2: Second time around, I decided to smoke this in the morning. Oddly enough I gave it a lower total score which I will explain, yet still feel this is best suited for the morning because of the light intensity and minimal flavor shifts between thirds.
Round 2 draw a bit looser and opened up at the halfway mark. It began to tunnel, and I don’t believe the filler was quite full in this spot. The cigar actually went out at this point and needed a complete re-light. It was smooth-sailing from here, though.
1h40m smoke time. Temperature in low 70’s, at about 80% outdoor humidity. Rainy and cloudy.
Before releasing their first Fuerte y Libre blend in 2019, Greg Free and Ed Pouncey had already dedicated 5 years learning everything they could about cigar making. Enthusiasts first, the brand’s origin story begins in a very relatable way for many fans of premium tobacco: over a drink and a cigar. That conversation would be the catalyst for what would, with production time, become a 7 year journey to release their first cigar with Tabacalera El Hoyito.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut / Binder: Dominican Piloto Cubano / Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano, Mexican San Andreas
Vitola: Toro / Size: 6 x 52
Factory: Tabacalera El Hoyito / Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Leather, Smoky, Aged natural tobacco
Cocoa, graham cracker
Bread, caramel
Mild sweetness, charred wood, hint of chocolate and toast. White pepper on the retro with a hint of clove
Toast, pepper, mild sweetness, mild grassy flavor
More grass, increased pepper on the tongue and lips, mint
