Cigar Head Fred has built a reputation for delivering honest and insightful cigar reviews. In his latest video, he takes on the Roma Craft Maestranza Catalonia, a small but intriguing 4×50 ring gauge cigar. While it starts with promise, Fred ultimately finds the smoking experience less than satisfactory.
First Impressions: A Smooth Start
The Roma Craft Maestranza Catalonia catches Fred’s eye with its understated, smooth appearance. From the first draw, he notes excellent airflow and an inviting flavor profile that hints at chocolate and spices. This initial impression sets up high hopes for a complex and enjoyable smoke.
First Third: Spices and Sweetness
As the cigar burns through its first third, Fred describes a complex flavor profile. Spicy retrohale sensations are balanced with notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and bread. This combination creates a rich and inviting start, showcasing some of the craftsmanship Roma Craft is known for.
Second Third: A Shift in Flavor
Entering the second third, the flavor profile begins to evolve. Fred highlights the emergence of white pepper, bitter black coffee, and subtle earthiness. While these flavors add depth, they also begin to veer away from the initial sweetness that made the first third so appealing.
Final Impressions: A Bitter End
Unfortunately, the final third of the Roma Craft Maestranza Catalonia leaves Fred disappointed. The earthiness becomes overpowering, and the cigar ends on a strongly bitter note that detracts from the overall experience. Fred categorizes the cigar as a “tosser,” a term he uses for cigars he does not enjoy.
Overall Rating: A “Greycliff” Experience
On Fred’s tier system, the Roma Craft Maestranza Catalonia earns a “greycliff” rating. This signifies a cigar that starts off average with some potential but fails to deliver a satisfying overall experience. While Fred appreciates some of the early flavors, the bitter and overwhelming conclusion makes this cigar one he won’t revisit.
Final Thoughts: Not for Everyone
Fred’s review of the Roma Craft Maestranza Catalonia serves as a reminder that even cigars from reputable brands can miss the mark for some smokers. For those curious about its unique flavor profile, it may still be worth exploring, but it’s clear that this particular blend may not appeal to everyone.
Have you tried the Roma Craft Maestranza Catalonia? Share your experience in the comments below!