Cigar Review: Capoeira Graduado

Well the first cigar they sent me I never heard of which didn’t surprise me. According to the [description], this cigar features one of my favorite wrappers a Brazilian Mata Fina, and the correct pronunciation is kapu’era. The cigar comes from Jesus Fuego and utilizes mostly organic fertilized tobacco.

Cigar: Capoeira Graduado
Size: 5 x 50 (Graduado/Robusto)
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina (Aged 4 Years)
Binder: Costa Rican Corojo
Filler: Honduran & Nicaraguan Corojo, Mexican San Andreas
Strength: Full
Twitter: @CigarMonster

Appearance and Construction: At first glance there is no mistaking this is a Brazilian Mata Fina. The gorgeous looking wrapper is blemish free with minimal thin veins and a very oily sheen to it. Despite feeling a little light to the tough this exquisitely rolled stick has no soft spots and a well packed foot. The triple cap is perfectly formed and almost a sin to snip. The gold and black band has a military feel to it with the font used and star as Capoeira is a Afro-Brazilian art that joins martial arts, music and dance that is sometimes known as the “Dance Of War.”

Flavor & Notes: Prior to lighting up the cold draw of the cigar is rich with flavors that remind me of sambuca with a touch of espresso, while the foot of the cigar has a nice tradition mocha to the nose. The cigar has my interest piqued at this point and I am hoping it fulfills my need for a good cigar. Once lit there is no question this is a cigar from J. Fuego as there is some similarities to his other lines. The first third has some spicy notes of pepper and a nuttiness to it but the short finish has a sweet mocha. As we enter the second third of the cigar some coffee notes begin to emerge along with continued nuts, some wood. As we conclude the final third of the cigar the notes begin to fade some and we are left with a nice wood finish with a subtle sweetness.

Smoking Characteristics: The first thing that caught my attention was how much smoke this cigar produced when lit especially when resting when a wisp of smoke continued from both end of the cigar on a regular basis. Not sure if it is a good thing or bad thing so please comment but personal I liked it as it created a nice aroma. The cigar burned perfectly even although the first third was a little fast before the cigar slowed down, or perhaps it was me. The draw was exquisite and the medium colored ash held on well.

Conclusion: I didn’t expect much out of this stick because well I am a cigar snob. But hey, admitting it is half the battle, right? I was impressed by this stick and if you are a fan of J. Fuego this might just be worthy a box purchase. Me personally I will hold off on that, because well I’m still a cigar snob, but that doesn’t make me a bad person.. does it?

Rating: 89