The Smoking Gun Cigar Review September 15, 2016 Havana Soul

Toro – (6 x 52)

Here's another find from the Cigar King exclusive collection. I'm so happy to have found this place! These store brands have been carefully blended, created and rolled to produce a very good cigar- good on the tongue AND the wallet. This Havana Soul is another fine example of a great smoke that you can't find anywhere else. While you might think this blog is only focused on the brand of one company, I've been smoking several blends in the past weeks and taking notes on a wide range of cigars from many different companies. Those reviews will be posted soon. But, in the short term, I thought it would be fun to try all of the different house blends made for Cigar King and compare the flavors and quality of some of the internets best-selling cigars, that are also available in my local brick and mortar cigar shop.

A little history: As I started doing some research on this cigar, I found it had an interesting history. Although it has been recreated and re-blended several times, it still comes across as a premium example of a medium to full Nicaraguan cigar.

The first version was a collaboration between Mitchel Hirsh and Don Pepin Garcia. It was blended and manufactured by Don Pepin Garcia, at the El Rey de los Habanos factory in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, Florida. It was well-acclaimed and very popular. However, that cigar was discontinued in 2007. In 2010, Rocky Patel reintroduced the line, and despite its success, ended production within a relatively short period of time.

Finally, (I believe in 2015), a collaboration was born between Mitchel Hirsh and A. J. Fernandez, using the same blend and tobaccos from the original production. This modern Havana Soul is produced at the Tobacalera Fernandez factory, located in Esteli, Nicaragua. I've never had one of the original DPG version of this cigar, but I can't imagine it could be any better than the newest incarnation.

Just like before, I'll list the questions and give an answer for each based on my personal smoking experience:

What are you smoking?

Havana Soul – Toro (6 X 52)

Who makes it?

It's made exclusively for Cigar King by A.J. Fernandez.

Where's it from?

Its made in Esteli, Nicaragua at the Tobacalera Fernandez Factory.

What other sizes are available?

The only size available is a Toro (6 X 52). It is a limited run of 200 boxes of 20. You might want to try

it sooner rather than later. I don't think they'll last very long.

How much does it cost?

The Cigar King website has it priced at $37.95 for a five pack, $69.95 for a ten pack or $129.95 for an attractive black lacquered box of 20. I think my two individual sticks cost around $9.00 each.

How well is it constructed?

The cigar is beautifully constructed. I don't know how they do it and I know it doesn't make sense, but it looks well-finished and rustic at the same time. There are small veins throughout the wrapper and it has a nice oiliness to complement the dark color of the wrapper. The cap is a traditional three liner. I usually don't talk about bands, but this one is a classic. It has definite “old word charm” and raises the sophistication level of the overall appearance of the cigar. It has a nostalgic feel that, I imagine, is what a cigar looked like 100 years ago. (I'm not that old!)

What’s the blend (or, at least, the wrapper)?

The blend is an aged Nicaraguan filler and binder with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. The cigar is aged for one year after being rolled. This produces very rich flavors and aromas. I caught nice leather and barn notes on the wrapper and a hint of vanilla and cocoa on the foot.

One thing I've not discussed in my blog is a dry draw. Many cigar smokers and experts say you can taste a good amount of “what the cigar is all about,” by cutting it and taking a few draws before you light it. I do this, especially when I am reviewing a cigar. It allows me to taste the raw quality of the tobaccos used in the blend. You will often taste things you've never experienced when smoking. On the Havana Soul, I was able to pick out more of the richness that was about to come and a hint of sweetness that I didn't expect. Try it sometime. It's a good way to start developing your palette and tasting all those “hints and whiffs” that many cigar reviews talk about. (You can also tell if your cigar is plugged before you light it and find out if the cigar you have chosen sucks...or doesn't, as the case may be).

How did it light?

It was a good light. I used a Xikar double torch lighter. If you'd like to know more about lighters and lighting, read my article called, “Cigar Etiquette #2 – Lighting and Smoking.”

How's the draw?

The draw was a little on the firm side. But, this gave the cigar a good “mouth feel,” which I really like. Not too loose...not too tight.

How does it burn?

I smoked two of the Havana Soul Toros and had no problems with either. They burned evenly and perfectly.

Is there a predominate flavor/taste?

As I smoked the cigars, I did notice a lot of rich flavors that came in and out as I went through the cigar. However, for me to mention everything might be a bit overwhelming and convoluted. As I've said before, you might not taste the sames things I do. I have very strong flavor preceptors, so I'll make it general. It was rich and spicy. I did get some pepper notes, that I have to mention. If you like that Nicaraguan spicy pepper taste, you'll like this cigar.

Did it change as you smoked it?

The cigar did change as I smoked through it. In the second third, it became a little bolder and in the final third (almost exactly two thirds of the way through the cigar), I tasted a strong black coffee quality. It was so present and tasty, it made me want a cup of joe. But, it was at ten in the evening and I didn't want to be up all night.

How would you describe its strength: mild, medium, or strong?

It is, definitely, on the stronger side of medium, with a finish I would call the lighter side of bold.

Would you smoke it again?

Yes, please! I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of some well known Nicaraguan blends I've had in the past (spicy and rich).

Should I try it?

You should! I think it's a great price (especially by the box). I think you'll have trouble finding a comparably price cigar of this quality.

Do you have an extra that you’ll give me?

No. But, you can order them online at www.cigarking.com or pick some up at Cigar King, in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you get the last box of 200, please let me know and please share. You owe me something for telling you about them!

Conclusion:

The Havana Soul by Cigar King and A. J. Fernandez is a fantastic cigar that is sure to be sought after and considered a classic when it's gone. It's rich and bold, spicy and delicious. I hope that Mitchel Hirsh can continue to come up with the same quality of fine cigars he has produced through his great collaborations with major blenders and factories. However, if the FDA gets its way, we may not be able to enjoy anything new. If you don't know about the new FDA regulations on cigars, please look it up and support the cause of cigars. We have to make our voices heard if we want to continue smoking new and exciting blends.

If you do happen to stop by Cigar King or order on-line, tell them you read one of my reviews and want to try a cigar I've suggested. Also, if you have a stick you would like to know more about, please let me know. I'm happy to tell you what I think and share my knowledge and research with you.

So, that's it for this review. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through this page. I'm always happy to answer questions or tell you about what I've been smoking. Also, if you liked,

appreciated or hated my review, let me know. I want to be a resource for the everyday cigar smoker. You don't have to be an expert, you just need an hour or so to enjoy a good cigar.

And, remember: don't let other people tell you what to smoke. If you like it, smoke it!