Full disclosure, I’m not a big fan of spicy Mexican food (I enjoy it but I’m a gringo)… Despite this, I found these flavors intriguing in a cigar. I kept anticipating a blast of heat to follow these flavors but they (thankfully) never came through…Even on the retro. I gave it a 40 Enjoyability to be fair but if those notes are your jam, this could easily be higher rating than my personal preference. Pair with: Lemon-Lime soda, Mexican Lager or Light Ale.
Room 101 Cigars was founded in 2009 by Matt Booth after a chance meeting the year before with Dylan Austin – then Director of Marketing for Camacho Cigars, now President of Davidoff Americas – while preparing an event for the Room 101 lifestyle brand. Almost 15 years since their first cigar was released, Room 101 has amassed a cult following one lounge, retailer event and trade show at a time. Room 101 Cigars was acquired by Scandinavian Tobacco Group in 2022, where Booth currently serves in the role of Creative Director.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan / Binder: Nicaraguan / Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: Robusto / Size: 5 x 50
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua/ Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Leaf with a light mushroom funk
Cinnamon raisin bread. Light mushroom
Earthy
A little less than an inch in on a slightly wavy burn I get a light cinnamon but no burn on the retro. There is a subtle sweetness hiding in the background as a cayenne hot sauce flavor takes over. There’s no heat but it has that throaty bite. Notes gets more savory, like a chili relleno or enchilada with salsa verde.
Mexican dish vibes continue… More spice comes into play; chili flake & black pepper with a floral undertone that gets bolder further in the third.
Much the same but begins to take on a light tang… like hot pepper jelly topped with cinnamon. Halfway through this last third a roast coffee sits on my palate.