Paulie’s Quick Ash Cigar Review: Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro
A Chunk of Burning Love
Yes, it's short. Yes, it's squat. But don't mistake the Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro for just another Nub knockoff. This cigar carves its own identity with a distinctive blend that delivers the "sweet spot" experience from first light to final puff.
After appearing and here and there as an individual size among Alec Bradley cigars including Double Broadleaf and Magic Toast and in a limited edition Father’s Day sampler (with Alec & Bradley Kintsugi and Gatekeeper), the Chunk finally gets its own standalone blend and lineup.
Coming in five vitolas ranging from 5" x 38 to 4" x 80, the Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro lineup offers something for everyone while maintaining the brand's commitment to quality construction and flavor consistency.
Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro Quick Ash Video Review
The Specs
Factory: STG Danli, Honduras
Size: 4” x 60 (XL)
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Mexican Maduro
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican Republic Piloto Cubano
Presentation: 20-count box
Behind the Blend
The Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro's core concept is delivering the "sweet spot" experience throughout the entire smoke—that peak moment where flavor, body, and balance converge perfectly.
This blend features a dark, oily Mexican Maduro wrapper over a Honduran binder, completed with a mix of Nicaraguan and Dominican Republic fillers, notably including Piloto Cubano. This prized tobacco variety—known for its rich flavor profile—traces back to seeds smuggled from Cuba's Vuelta Abajo region in 1962. Now considered the premier Dominican tobacco variety, Piloto Cubano lends the blend a distinctive character and depth that elevates the smoking experience.
The result is a medium-strength cigar that smokes cooler than its dimensions might suggest, with richness that unfolds gradually across its hour-long smoking time.
The Cheat Sheet – Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro Cigar Review
And now for the Highs, Lows, and Whoa’s—where I evaluate the Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro by its key moments.
- High: Is smokability a word? If not, it should be. Despite exhibiting a full flavor profile, the Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro wasn't one of those smokes where you need to pay attention. There is some black pepper, but it doesn’t dominate. The rich cocoa notes hit immediately—not bitter dark chocolate, but closer to a smooth milk chocolate truffle. This sweetness balances against earthy undertones and a warming baking spice that tingles rather than burns.
- Low: I am not trying to court controversy here, but to my mind, big ring gauge cigars are still an outlier. At least for old-school guys like me. That being said, the Alec Bradley Maduro Chunk XL is not without its appeal—namely its flavor profile. But beyond that, cigars with a larger ring gauge are known to smoke cooler and have more complexity—and this cigar fits the bill.
- Whoa: Price to flavor ratio might seem like one of those wonky Sabermetric baseball stats—what is a wRC+ anyway (weighted runs created plus, in case you were wondering), however there’s something to be said for a cigar that outperforms its price and expectations. And I get tired of using the ever-familiar bang for your buck, so, price to flavor it is. Bottom line—you’d be hard pressed to find a cigar with more to offer in the sub $6 range.
Beyond its flavor profile, the Chunk Maduro XL offers a tactile experience worth noting. The 60-ring gauge provides a substantial feel in hand, and despite what its compact appearance might suggest, this cigar delivers a satisfyingly long smoking session—the better part of an hour for most smokers.
No complaints about construction. Seamless cap. Minimal veins. And a wrapper that's oily without being overly toothy. The draw hits the sweet spot—offering just enough resistance to prevent overheating while still delivering satisfying volumes of smoke.
The Last Word
The Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro XL challenges preconceptions about what a 4-inch cigar can deliver. While many shorter vitolas sacrifice complexity or smoking duration, this blend maintains engagement throughout its surprisingly lengthy smoking time—easily lasting an hour of relaxed enjoyment.
Is it revolutionary? No. But it executes its concept with precision and at a price point that makes it an easy addition to any humidor. This isn't a quick smoke to be rushed through but rather a full experience condensed into a more approachable format.
Whether you've been skeptical of larger ring gauges or simply looking for something different in your rotation, the Chunk Maduro offers sufficient depth to warrant serious consideration.
Pro Tip: Unlike many larger ring gauge cigars that can create uneven burns, the Chunk Maduro's proportions help maintain combustion consistency. Still, take your time with the initial light—ensure the entire foot is evenly toasted before taking your first draw to maximize the experience.