Date Added: Wednesday 28 January, 2026
by VC
£16.99
While the golden rule is never to compare, it’s hard not to hold this stick in high regard. Arriving as a standout selection in a mystery sampler, this 52-ring gauge Robustos impressed immediately with its seamless construction and oily wrapper.
The cold draw offered a reassuring resistance, releasing distinct notes of rich cocoa and earth.
Upon lighting, the first third delivered a profile dominated by soft, velvety chocolate. The burn line remained razor-sharp, producing a sturdy, stacking ash that spoke volumes about the quality of the roll. I paired this with a Tamdhu 18-Year-Old Sherry Cask; the dried fruit profile of the single malt complemented the cigar’s natural sweetness beautifully.
While I encountered some unexpected harshness and a slight spike in strength during the second third, the transition into the final third saw the flavors settle back into a harmonious balance. For a smoke that easily yields a relaxing hour of complexity, the value proposition here is undeniable.
Between the superb construction and the refined flavor transitions, this is a definitive five-star experience.