Top New Cigars (October 30, 2023)
NEW CIGARS FROM ESPINOSA, BOLIVAR & MORE REVIEWED!
All this trick-or-treating during the day bums me out. What’s the fun of dressing up in scary costumes while the sun is shining? Yet, there is a silver lining. Being done before dark frees up my entire evening to enjoy some new premium cigars.
This week in our TNC series, I’m reviewing four fresh blends in the Famous Smoke Shop humidor, including the latest Espinosa La Bomba, can’t-miss exclusive seconds from Jose Fuego, and more!
Halloween falls tomorrow, and that means you have about one week to enjoy what’s left of 2023 without dealing with the real nightmare—the holiday rush. Treat yourself now and thank me later. You’ll need these cigars to survive the coming onslaught!
Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead IX
Wrapper: Nicaragua Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
We all should know the La Bomba name by now. Among the strongest cigars available, and earning monikers such as ‘Nuclear,’ ‘Atomic,’ and even the hilarious ‘F-Bomb.’ Suffice it to say that Espinosa’s latest iteration—Warhead IX—has some potent shoes to fill.
The blend is said to be heavily laced with Ligero. Additionally, Warhead IX’s tobaccos are exclusively harvested from Nicaragua to ensure an extra-strength formula. I found rich, spicy flavors with an abundance of earth and sweetness thanks to a rarely-used Nicaragua Broadleaf wrapper. One thing’s for sure: Erik hasn’t lost his touch. Bring a sugar packet. You’ll need it.
Nicaraguan Factory Seconds
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Ever notice those deals at Best Buy where the $2000.00 TV is only $1299.00 because someone at the factory chipped the plastic in the back? You can’t even see the ding. And that 4K picture comes through just as brilliantly. You just saved 700 Benjamins. Unreal, right? And that’s basically the idea behind Nicaraguan Factory Seconds.
Jesus Fuego makes lots of cigars. So many in fact that like any handmade product, some just don’t end up looking as good. Like those blem TVs, they work just the same. They taste and burn like first runs. But a wrapper blemish here and a minor discoloration there means that they were rejected for presentation boxes. The question you must ask yourself: what’s more important—flavor or vanity? Savings or status? My opinion: you burn ‘em anyway. Being pretty won’t prevent them from turning to ash. Try a bundle; thank me later.
Bolivar Gran Republica
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Brazil Arapiraca
Filler: Brazil, Colombia, & Nicaragua
There’s something special about the tanginess of Brazilian tobacco. It’s instantly recognizable—like the first note of a top Billboard hit. Especially when it comes to Arapiraca. And though Bolivar Gran Republica’s blend is wrapped in Ecuador Habano, it’s the tobaccos from the home of the Seleção Canarinha that truly shine. A mix of bold-yet-sweet and savory flavors compete on the palate with unwavering complexity. Finally, subtle notes of caramel, mocha, and warm spices linger on the finish of each puff.
Fosforo
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua Condega & Esteli
To be honest, Fosforo (Spanish for match) doesn’t come from cigarmakers most would recognize. The duo responsible: Jose Palacios of Garmendia (who makes West Tampa Tobacco’s blends) and Jeff Mouttet, a former finance professional turned tobacconist. What impresses me is that the cigar is the stuff of the American Dream. Mouttet makes a house brand for his shop, hands out a few samples at his first PCA show, and then has everyone asking if they can get more. The rest is history; the brand obviously (because here we are) went national. And I can see why everyone requested seconds. A blast of full-bodied chocolate, dark coffee, and sundry spices—what’s not to want? Plus, if Connecticut ain’t your thing, Maduro is available for preorder now!