CA Report: Top New Cigars (July 25, 2022)
Hot & Fresh: The Best New Cigars released at Famous Smoke Shop!
Phew, it’s hot out there, ain’t it? I’m starting to wonder if my SPF 100 is still cutting it. Speaking of cutting, I recently snipped three new cigars that the fine folks from the Famous Smoke Shop warehouse shipped to my door. The first one is Muestra de Saka The Bewitched, the latest from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. Plus, there’s a 60-ring addition to the popular Roma Craft Whiskey Rebellion line. And finally—a cigar I didn’t expect would ever get a sequel—a fresh blend from Chillin’ Moose. Maybe unexpected, but big-ring smokers looking for XXLs on the cheap are sure to load up on them soon!
Join me for these three quick reviews so you know what to expect before you buy! As always, if you have thoughts on a new cigar release, tell me about it in the comments below!
Muestra de Saka The Bewitched
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Cultivo Tonto San Andreas Negro
Filler: Nicaragua & U.S.
The latest Muestra de Saka blend has just arrived! The cigar, called The Bewitched, started its life as a retail exclusive in a Massachusetts smoke shop. Steve Saka said in a press release that he was “spellbound” by the flavor, and the experience inspired the name. What do I think? That its notes of black pepper, baking chocolates, dark coffee, and sweet tobacco live up to the Saka hype. All in all, this limited-run production sits medium-plus in body, is easy to smoke, and is a little on the pricey side if I’m honest. But I still think it’s worth it for special occasions. Let me know if you agree when you smoke one.
Roma Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion Husband (New Size!)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Indonesian Besuki
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Big-ring cigar fans have a chunky reason to smile, thanks to our friends over at Roma Craft. Their new size of Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794 is a plump 4 ½” x 60 they’ve named, “Husband.” To my palate, it smokes a little smoother, a little cooler, and it even comes with a friendly price tag well under $10/stick. Some full-bodied flavors to look out for: charred wood, sweet, peppery spices, espresso, and a floral finish. Find yourself a shady spot to catch some much-needed shelter from the summer sun, and this blend will work wonders in the cool breeze.
Chillin’ Moose Bull Moose
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Forget XXL, file these cigars under the size, “Oh my god, it’s coming toward me!” The original Chillin’ Moose made waves in the industry for being kitschy. Its name alone was eye roll-inducing—until you tried the cigar—unearthing satisfying flavors at a price every smoker can afford. Bull Moose does the same with a fresh, all-Nicaraguan blend, and sizes up to a scale-busting 6” x 70 (even those are well under $5 a pop). The brass tacks are that it’s a little bolder, a lot bigger, and still deliciously affordable.