The Smoking Gun Cigar Review October 13, 2016

Cigar King – Cuban Heirloom Connecticut

Churchill – (7 x 50)

I'm almost through all of the Cigar King exclusive cigars. I hope you're enjoying reading about them and are enjoying smoking them as well. Here's one more to add to the list: the Cuban Heirloom Connecticut, made by Perdomo. I think this is the first Connecticut I've reviewed. It is a mild, yet tasty wrapper. If you're looking for a great “early morning, on the patio, with a good newspaper and a cup of coffee” kind of smoke, this Cigar King example fits the bill!

Here's what I found:

A little history:

The Cuban Heirloom Connecticut Cigars were created exclusively for Cigar King by Nick Perdomo, of Perdomo Cigars. These cigars are crafted by Cuban artisan blenders and rollers to deliver great quality, flavor and (one thing that's important to many cigar smokers) LOW COST! They are made at the Perdomo Factory using three-year-aged tobacco and finished with a beautiful, honey gold-colored Connecticut wrapper. I believe the line's been around since 2003, but I will have to check some sources to make sure. I do know it's been a mainstay of Cigar King for many years and is a favorite of many of their customers.

As always, I'll list the questions and give an answer for each—based on my personal smoking experience:

What are you smoking?

Cigar King Cuban Heirloom – Connecticut – Churchill (7 X 50)

Who makes it?

They are made exclusively for Cigar King by Perdomo Cigars.

Where's it from?

They are produced at Tabacalera Perdomo's manufacturing operation based in Estelí, Nicaragua. The facility is so big that it's referred to as "El Monstro" (The Monster). The main building is 88,000 square feet, and is the second-largest cigar production facility in Nicaragua).

What other sizes are available?

Along with the Churchill (7 x 50), there is a 556 (5.25 x 56), Robusto (4.88 x 50), Toro (5.55 x 54) and Torpedo (6 x 54). These cigars are also available in four different wrappers (Connecticut, Cameroon, Sun Grown and Maduro). Not all sizes are available in all wrappers. The listing above is just for the Connecticut wrapper.

How much does it cost?

Now, this is where it gets interesting. These cigars come in Mazo (a Spanish word meaning “a group of,” or in this case a bundle of) 20 and range in price from $71.95 to $74.95 (with on-line discounts). That equals less than $4.00 per stick! The individual price of my sample was $6.95. This brings me to a good point. Don't be afraid of buying bundled cigars. Some of them are extremely high quality smokes. Cigar manufactures often will put premium cigars in bundles (instead of boxes) to keep the cost lower for the consumer. Ask your local cigar dealers if they have any good bundled cigars, and they will lead you to some often overlooked, but great, cigars.

How well is it constructed?

This is a very well constructed cigar. But, would you expect anything less coming out of the Perdomo factory? The wrapper has that lovely honey brown color you would expect in a Connecticut, with small veins and a traditional cap. In addition, it has a nostalgic gold band, that harkens back to the classic pre-embargo Cuban cigars.

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

As I said earlier, this cigar is made from vintage tobaccos (aged three years), with a Connecticut wrapper and a Nicaraguan-grown Criollo binder and filler.

How did it light?

The light was very good. I always like the first draw of a Connecticut wrapper cigar. They are so light and clean tasting.

How's the draw?

Perfect and even, throughout.

How does it burn?

It was incredibly even, like a row of soldiers marching in formation. Consistency and perfection!

Is there a predominate flavor/taste?

On my first nosing of the cigar, I got hints of light leather and spice, but there was an underlying sweetness. It smelled a little like plum brandy. (I think it's called Slivovitz. It's rich and sweet and will definitely keep you warm on a cold night).

The dry draw was exactly the same flavors as I had smelled. But, as I said before, the first draw was clean and light. I did notice some citrus notes (like a good IPA), but they weren't strong, just present. However, there was no noticeable sweetness. There were light hay and grassy notes.

Did it change as you smoked it?

Oh, yes! That's one of the great things about a Nicaraguan filler and a Connecticut wrapper. You really get to experience many changes as you smoke. The second third was very "Cubanesk" in flavor, with hints of milder spice and pepper (not black pepper, but more like white pepper). It was mild, but rich. The finish was much bolder, with hints of sweet coffee and cedar.

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

This is a Connecticut wrapper (but Nicaraguan on the inside), so it's, certainly, not mild, but not strong either. I would put it on the lighter side of medium.

Would you smoke it again?

Oh, yes! Even for someone with a preference for stronger cigars, it was a great smoke. I like lighter cigars in the morning and this one is going on my breakfast menu.

Should I try it?

Yes! If you're looking for a quality (but less expensive) cigar to fit into that Connecticut niche, I think you should give it a try. There are some trendy brands trying out Connecticut wrappers on their already well-known blends, so we know Connecticuts are becoming more and more popular. Why spend $10+ when you can smoke a tasty example for under $4? Now you can- with confidence!

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

Sadly, no. But, you can find them at Cigar King, in Scottsdale, or order them online at www.cigarking.com whenever you want. Anyway, why are you always asking me for cigars?

Conclusion:

If you're looking to try a Connecticut wrapped, Nicaraguan made cigar that is a home-run in quality, taste and cost, look no further. I think you might have found one of your new favorites. Mitchel Hirsh and Nick Perdomo have crafted a beautifully balanced and flavorful cigar that will excite your palate and not empty your cigar buying fund. Although these are bundled cigars, they are of the “Calidad” (look it up – I can't keep telling you what everything means), that you would expect of Cuban craftsmanship and cigar blending.

The Cuban Heirloom Connecticut Churchill can be found at Cigar King is located at 7830 E. Gelding Dr #100, in Scottsdale and can be found on-line at www.cigarking.com. I'm not sure if the name “Heirloom” refers to the crop or to something being handed down, but I'll hand down this information; “You should try this cigar. You won't be sorry.”

Well, that's the end of another Smoking Gun review. I hope you've enjoyed the read. Maybe you're just catching up here and asking, “Why all the Cigar King exclusive reviews?” Because, 1) I love trying new cigars; 2) I think Cigar King is the best cigar store in Phoenix, and; 3) lt's interesting to taste so many different sticks (that are made by many different and well-known manufacturers) that have been produced by the same person.

You know how most cigars within the same line have similarities in flavor profile? Well, these Mitchel Hirsh collaborations are all different. The only similarities are quality, construction and cost. They're all worth a try!

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!