Edition One came on the scene earlier this year as a mystery for most cigar enthusiasts.  The band features Kyle Gellis' name yet the brand belongs to his brother, Devin Gellis.  Cloud Hopper is crafted at TABSA and is an AGANORSA puro.  It was also mentioned in 8 Cigars We Expect to Dominate the 2017 Top 10 Lists post.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99

Binder: Nicaraguan ’99 and Criollo ‘98

Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitola: No. 88 (5 x 48)

Factory: TABSA

Production: Regular

Purchase Link: Cloud Hopper

EDITION ONE CLOUD HOPPER REVIEW - OREGON

Summary: This buckskin colored Robusto offered little insight from the wrapper and foot.  Light spice and some dry hay and leather mixed together leading me to believe this may be a smooth operator.  After torching the foot, light floral notes, cinnamon, some white pepper and wood notes presented in the profile.  The draw was perfect and the burn sharp. Towards the end of the first third, there were caramel notes with a touch of sweetness shining through.  Those were buried slightly below dominant wood and floral notes.  All of it was working together quite well.  The further I progressed through the cigar, the more smooth the profile became.   One of the most impressive aspects of this cigar was the construction.  Two words...rock solid.  The burn was perfect and the ash held on forever.

The last half of the cigar began to take on a very creamy feel to it.  The smoke was smooth and coated my palate.  Wood notes, light hints of floral sweetness and mild spices all mellowed together to make this medium body, medium strength stick a winner.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this you probably like lots of half and half in your Americano.

Pairing Suggestion: I’d pair this with a coffee that has floral notes.  An IPA, without overbearing hops flavors, would do well too.

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend:  I’d go fiver with this one and then decide if you need a whole box of medium strength sticks.

EDITION ONE CLOUD HOPPER REVIEW - WISCONSIN

Summary: This cigar was pleasant and enjoyable, though the one I smoked didn't bring much complexity to the table. It was a creamy cigar with a lemon & cedar tang to it, and also had notes of cashew and hay. After the first couple inches, light pepper and sugary sweetness added to the flavor profile.

The flavors went together well to create a smooth and mild experience. I enjoyed smoking it, though it didn't give me any sort of 'wow' factor in any of the flavors. I was left with a pleasant light pepper on the finish.

The draw was on the loose side. Burn was good. Overall construction was pretty good.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like creamy smokes, this could be your guy.

Pairing Suggestion: Morning coffee or tea.

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend:  I'd start with a single and go from there.

EDITION ONE CLOUD HOPPER REVIEW - CALIFORNIA

Summary: Starting out with carrot cake on the palate and pepper on the retrohale.  About an inch down the flavors transition to saltine crackers. The pepper spice has pulled up on the reins a bit making this an all around medium strength and body stick. 

The second third is giving me some sweet dough (though not of the carrot varietal). My only complaint so far is that the ash is a bit flakey. I can’t place the herbal notes that are coming into play so I’m just going to say “tea.”

Getting into the final third the wrapper is splitting on me. Strength is picking up some. Still a rockin’ smoke, but this wrapper is beginning to be a nuisance. Flavors have remained steady to the end with the exception of a rare blast of honey sweetness and chocolate. The wrapper finally gave out completely with about an inch and a half left.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this, you probably like post-dinner bocce ball.

Pairing Suggestion: I’ve never recommended this before but I’d pair this stick with some port.

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend:  Easy fiver. Really enjoyed this smoke.

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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