I usually don’t find myself enjoying a cigar with that red pepper flake profile as much as I did this one. Initially there was an off-putting bitterness that lingered numbingly on my lips after the cold draw (from the wrapper)…Once that wore off my lips I found the cigar was pretty enjoyable, especially during that buttery crostini with red pepper flake section. Scoring took a bit of a hit on complexity, there were a few good notes in the start but it quickly became one dimensional throughout the rest of the smoke.
Discover the exceptional craftsmanship of Rojas Cigars, crafted by the visionary Noel Rojas, who escaped the confines of Cuba to pursue his passion in Miami, Florida. Renowned as the King of Small Gauge Cigars, Rojas’s journey from the streets of Cuba to creating finely balanced cigars is reflected in every blend.
Wrapper: Ecuador habano maduro/Binder: Nicaragua/Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Toro/ Size: 6″x50
Factory: Rojas Cigar Factory/ Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Slightly toothy, grocery paper bag feel. Light notes of leaf and milk chocolate powder
Partially closed foot. Light notes of cocoa cereal
Bitterness on the lips. Grassy, fresh hay
The cigar kicks off with a bold, pungent mesquite char, accompanied by a notable bitterness from the wrapper that began from the cold draw. Progressing to an inch in, the intensity softens to a more subtle char, accompanied by a subtle array of secondary flavors like walnut, ginger root, birch bark, and occasional hints of cola plant. The draw has been somewhat snug, but only a modest pull is needed to produce a satisfying amount of smoke.
Into the second third the robustness strengthens with a mesquite retro. The flavor profile change to a lightly buttered crostini with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes. I found it quite savory and enjoyable until the butter notes fade at the half way point, leaving only a sharp chili pepper heat with a cedar spiced retrohale.
The final third comes with more of that red pepper flake/chili heat as the dominant note until just a little before the nub when it gains a robust savory note. Soon followed by a menthol like senstation on the charr-y retro.
