Wrapper: Nicaraguan Engañoso
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican/Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6 x 50 Box-Pressed
Purchase Link: Crux Limitada Redline
CRUX LIMITADA REDLINE REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: This cigar feels lighter than normal so I'm expecting a quick burner. White pepper and cream. The pepper fades after a cool second and exposes the mild nature of this stick. Solid construction, but holy smokes this cigar just nose-dived (nose-dove?) into some bitter coffee.
Second third is still dragging through cream and bitterness. Had to touch up the burn. I've noticed that the filler isn't burning evenly (coning) and I don't believe it's because I'm smoking too quickly.
Final third, same ol' situation. Picking up some vegetal notes with the bitterness. Not in my wheelhouse.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Vegan chicken.
Pairing Suggestion: Caramel Frappuccino.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
CRUX LIMITADA REDLINE REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: The first half of this cigar brings a complex assortment of earth, bread, chocolate, peanut, cream, coffee, sweetness, cinnamon, caramel, slight citrus, and a light pepper on the finish. The coffee ramps up in the second half to dominate the profile.
The burn and draw were both on point. It dried out my mouth more than I'd like, so smoke this with a drink on hand. One other note: the ash just wouldn't fall off. If you get to pick a cigar for a long ash competition, this cigar would be a good choice.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Coffee.
Pairing Suggestion: Stout.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
CRUX LIMITADA REDLINE REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: The wrapper of this softly box-pressed cigar gives off some sweet floral notes, a little bit of barnyard and tea leaves. Pleasant. From the cold draw, more of the sweet floral notes mix with sweet mild tobacco and a light hint of spice on the lips.
You guessed it, floral notes. Some creamy chai, overly roasted nuts and black pepper spice help build the mix. Further in, clear cashew and walnut notes with some fresh bread. Still tasting the chai but far in the background...also, a suggestion of cumin.
Midway and things have become decidedly stronger with wood notes prevailing on the palate and in retro hale. However, there’s a smooth, creamy texture to the whole experience and a finish comprised of soft pepper spice, leather and faint dried apricot. As far as mechanics go, nothing to report. Tons of smoke and a perfect burn.
Heading into the end, tobacco notes are stronger, but I’d still call this a medium-bodied smoke. Lots of wood, earth and leather notes with most of the nuance flavors disappearing. Still enjoyable, just more basic.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Chillin with your favorite band on vinyl.
Pairing Suggestion: Lighter-bodied porter.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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