Paulie’s Quick Ash Cigar Review: ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion Robusto
The Call to ADVenture…
‘Taste it or pay the price,’ booms the voice upon opening a box of ADVentura’s Barbarroja’s Invasion. I mention this because the last thing you expect when breaking the seal on a box of cigars is a thinly veiled warning from what I can only assume is a seafaring fellow with a peg leg and an eyepatch. And possibly a parrot. But I digress. The real story is probably best told by ADVentura Cigars themselves.
Having recently transitioned from production at Tabacalera William Ventura —home to lines from Caldwell and Room 101— ADVentura has established their own facility, Tabacalera Mina del Rey, where they now produce their entire cigar portfolio. And Barbarroja’s Invasion is advertised as offering a ‘darker and more aggressive take,’ which is enough for me to heed the call. And Barbarroja’s Invasion is advertised as offering a ‘darker and more aggressive take,’ which is enough for me to heed the call.
ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion Quick Ash Video Cigar Review
note: We made a mistake in the video. This cigar is no longer made at Tabacalera William Ventura, rather production was transitioned to Tabacalera Mina del Rey—Adventura's new facility.
The Specs
Factory: Tabacalera Mina del Rey, Dominican Republic
Size: 5” x 52 Robusto
Strength: Medium Plus
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Presentation: 20-count box
Behind the Blend
With a Mexican San Andres wrapper over a Dominican binder and Dominican Medio Tiempo, I can already tell I’m going to love Barbarroja’s Invasion. The reason why is simple, I’m partial to San Andres wrappers and Medio Tiempo tobacco (due to their richness and punch).
Even though the components are enough to tantalize, ADVentura ramps up the richness in Barbarroja’s Invasion by using aged tobaccos. According to the company, the raw leaves were aged between 4-5 years and the finished cigars for 4-5 months.
Then there’s the closed foot. While this allows smokers to get a taste of the Mexican Andres wrapper in its pure form—without the influence of the binder and filler tobaccos—some may find this leaves something to be desired due to potential lighting/burn issues, an initially tight draw, and the unadulterated strength of the San Andres leaf. All that being said, I’m agnostic regarding it.
The Cheat Sheet
Now, onto Quick Ash Review’s signature breakdown – Highs, Lows, and Whoa's – where I break The Adventura Barbarroja’s Invasion down into its defining moments:
- High: The entire experience was a high point for me. But if I had to isolate a single standout feature of ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion it would be the flavor profile’s richness and balance.
- Low: There wasn’t a low point. But if I have a nit to pick, it would be the closed foot I mentioned earlier. While construction was excellent overall, one of the cigars I smoked prior to this review had a wonky burn. A minor issue at best.
- Whoa: This is a serious cigar for those that seriously like cigars . While some might give a hairy eyeball to cigars with a box that talks back to you and a lineup based around 2 fictional characters (ADV and Mckay), sleeping on Barbarroja’s Invasion would be a grave disservice to your palate. ‘Taste it or pay the price’ indeed.
Let’s get down to it, then. It’s the flavor of Barbarroja’s Invasion that’s going to get you. I’m talking about notes of dark chocolate, citrus, earth, black pepper, floral notes, and slightly sweet creaminess. Not all at once, or in any particular order necessarily. But it just makes sense. Balanced, rich, and entertaining, and possibly complex. Keeping in mind that there are no set rules for complexity, your experience may differ.
The Last Word
If you can’t tell by now, I enjoyed ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion. A lot. So much that I’ll buy some to share with friends.
Make no mistake, this blend is standout but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, for those preferring rich, balanced, medium+ cigars with depth and nuance—it’s worthy in every way.
Pro Tip: Patience is rewarded while lighting Barbarroja’s Invasion. And don’t pull too hard initially—even if the draw is on the tighter side. It will open before you know it.