Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaragaun (Ometepe, Somoto)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Condega, Esteli, Jalapa)
Vitola: Robusto Extra (7 x 50)
Purchase Link: Jas Sum Kral Kralot
JSK KRALOT REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: If they made a candle that smelled like this cigar, I’d buy it. And I’m not a candle guy. The cold draw reminds me of these mushroom bitters I tried once upon a time. Umami, brown sugar, and dried fruit kick things off. Unique New York. A vegetal oakiness keeps things funky.
While the draw is still a bit tight halfway through, the flavors are SO tight, dude. Classic case of fat PROS. They outweigh the cons. Orange citrus and spice cake with cream cheese frosting. At this point I’m basically making a grocery list. Grabbing some graham crackers for that supermarket sweep!
This cigar had the makings of a Kentucky Derby champ, but I wrote down “box recommendation” prematurely. Constant relights (NOT delights, autocorrect) in the latter half have brought things from gamboling to gridlock. But hey, I’d smoke more for the thrill of the ride.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Nostalgia.
Pairing Suggestion: Sazerac.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
JSK KRALOT REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar brought a profile of wood, cocoa, lots of chocolate, and nuts - both cashew and peanut. The profile wasn't complex, and it was fairly linear. Nothing terribly wrong with that, it just didn't bring much 'wow' factor.
The draw was on the tight side, though not tight enough to cause major issues. The burn was consistent and even.
Overall for me: not a lot to dislike, but not a lot to draw my attention in the future either.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Chocolate-covered peanuts.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
JSK KRALOT REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: Let’s call this a Churchill...with a lot of barnyard from the wrapper and a strong mix of leather and rich tobacco from the cold draw. The wrapper is void of any oil and has a very small amount of tooth.
First section is a surprisingly mild mix of cocoa, bread and leather with a slightly salty mix of spices. The retro hale simply reminds me of a cigar that’s been aging for a while. I’m not sure if that’s actually the case with this cigar but that’s the flavor I am getting. If you’ve smoked an older cigar, you know the flavor I’m speaking of.
Middle section is falling a bit flat for me and smoke production is minimal. The draw seems ok so I’m not sure why things are changing. Basically, just mild tobacco notes along with a tangy leather note; maybe sourdough and leather? Also, sitting in zero wind and the burn is not great.
Improving in the end with cedar notes reminding me of what wet cedar smells like. It’s joined by mild tea notes, some baking spice, bread, and a long, slightly citrus based finish.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Listening to stories in an old-timey barbershop.
Pairing Suggestion: Something light bodied. This cigar could be easily buried in a drink.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
Leave your comment