I've said it before and I’ll happily say it again: When Casdagli –formerly known as Bespoke Cigars— produces a limited edition Maduro, you buy the freakin’ Maduro!  Their batting average is high enough on regular production cigars, but their limited releases have an unprecedented track record. 

This cigar crushes it on so many levels: the presentation, mechanics, flavor profile, and price-point seem to over deliver.  I’ll always expect great things from Casdagli, but this cigar keeps rising to the occasion and then some. 

Upon lighting the closed foot to sample the wrapper, I experienced something akin to chocolate-covered espresso beans washed down with Guinness.  Once the whole cigar was lit, an interesting concoction of soft leather, Whoppers candy, mild coffee, whipping cream, and tangy earth took the stage.  

The term complex is used several different ways in the world of cigars, and the Grand Café Maduro exhibits one of my favorite manifestations of complexity: a swirling buffet of flavors that refuse to sit still for longer than a puff or two.  This cigar denies my palate the satisfaction of easily fitting into a cookie cutter profile, as each of the flavors take turns in the spotlight with varying secondary tasting notes to form an amazing number of delicately nuanced expressions. 

Dropping the first ash, caramel and cedar add themselves to the growing list of cast members in today’s extraordinary rendition of Hot Damn, this is a Great Cigar! Produced by Jeremy Casdagli, written and directed by Hendrick Kelner, Jr. of the Kelner Boutique Factory. 

I believe this is where I’ll take my leave and contemplate the mysteries of the world in a way that only someone with an excellent cigar can.   

Cheers to a wonderful week ahead, Ladies and Gents! 

Suggestions

If you know that you’re already in the Casdagli fan club, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up some of these Grand Café Maduros or anything else in their portfolio. 

If you haven’t experienced Casdagli yet, I’d highly recommend that you try the sampler pictured below that includes one of the same cigars I smoked today.  

If you’re considering a worthy pairing, I’d suggest Coke Zero for the non-alcoholic choice and Benjamin Prichard’s Double Barreled Bourbon Whiskey for those that prefer a little more octane in their glass. 

If you're up for some additional reading, take a look at Jeremy Casdagli's Small Batch Interview! 

Tell Us!  What are YOUR thoughts on the Casdagli Traditional Grand Café Maduro? 

View Sampler