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Size: 5×52, Robusto
Wrapper: Honduran Sun-Grown
Binder/Filler: Honduran
Strength: Full
Price: Box of 20, $130
Grade: 9.1
In business since 2005, Honduras Caribbean Tobacco is located in Miami, FL with production facilities in Honduras, which they own and operate themselves. The Maduro from HCT is specifically grown in Trojes and is a 100% sun grown cigar, and a Honduran puro. They offer this cigar in four sizes: Gordo (6×60), Torpedo (6×54), Churchill (7×50), and the size we have on deck for today, the Maduro Robusto (5×52).
I could not dig up a ton of information on this smoke but they do offer a few other blends, and the information about their offerings is located online at
www.carmelocigars.com.
We here at Toasted Foot love boutique cigars and that, coupled with one of my favorite tobacco regions, has my anticipation high on this toast.
Pre-light, 1.7:
The first thing I notice when pulling the HTC from the humi is the striking appearance. It has a great heft to it with a dark, toothy, wrapper that really stands out. The sun grown aspect of this smoke is evident from the appearance of the wrapper. The cap is a bit sloppy and the label is not an eye-catcher, but otherwise it is a solid looking smoke. The pre-light aroma is of heady tobacco with some spice at the foot. The cold draw produces a solid base of earthy Honduran tobacco with a really dark and spicy finish.
Burn, 1.8:
The Honduran puro burns well with no touch ups or re-lights required. The draw is nice, smoke temperature is pleasant, and the ash holds well. No complaints on the burn from me, solid and easy to smoke.
Flavor, 2.8:
The first puff on the Maduro produces a toffee note with an earthy tobacco base and a hint of spice. I am not going to break this cigar into thirds, as it is pretty consistent throughout. The base layer is that earthy Honduran tobacco with some leather in the mix at times. The spice is there but I don’t really pick up a lot of sweetness that is usually present with a maduro smoke. The finish is heavy on the palate and the only transition I notice is at the end of the second third. The cigar really seems to open up a bit and the tobacco, spice, and outer notes really come together in a nice blend.
Overall, 2.8:
I took this one to the nub for a number of reasons. First, I like the heft of the smoke in my hand, second the construction was excellent, and lastly the flavor profile is one of my favorites. At around six bucks a smoke, this is a no-brainer if you like Honduran smokes. Though the cigar was not as complex as some may wish, it was flavorful and rich. Solid smoke at a solid price.
(Total: 9.1)
[Reply]
Thanks for the review Matthew!
The Man and his sister whom own the company are out of New Orleans and are some great cool people to hang out with. We hung out a few times after IPCPR this year. Caroline is one cool young woman and her brother is real easy going and laid back. He does not look like your typical cigar company owner.
They make some good cigars. Famous has some of them and The "El Bigote" was on Cigarmonster this afternoon. Their cigars are deffinately worth a try!
[Reply]
Originally Posted by thebayratt:
Thanks for the review Matthew!
The Man and his sister whom own the company are out of New Orleans and are some great cool people to hang out with. We hung out a few times after IPCPR this year. Caroline is one cool young woman and her brother is real easy going and laid back. He does not look like your typical cigar company owner.
They make some good cigars. Famous has some of them and The "El Bigote" was on Cigarmonster this afternoon. Their cigars are deffinately worth a try!
Cool Shawn; I've got an El Bigote that I haven't smoked yet, did you like it?
[Reply]
