I was gifted this Hiram & Solomon Shriner at a Fine Tobacco NYC cigar event hosted at Club Macanudo. On to the review, shall we?
Blend specifics
Wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder – Two regions from Nicaragua
Filler – Dominican, Brazilian
Appearance and construction
The Shriner features a single, medium sized band bearing the Hiram and Solomon branding. The cigar itself features a beautiful, chocolate brown Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper that is covered in a light oily sheen. The draw after using the straight cut is perfect, with a medium amount of resistance.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristic
Opens silky smooth with lots of oak, milk chocolate, and slight earthiness. An impressive opening, and it becomes evident as the cigar progresses that the burn and construction are flawless.
The second third picks up in strength to a solid medium, with an earthy spiciness and toasted nuts. The added flavors pair very nicely with the chocolaty notes that are still present. As the second third progresses, the flavor becomes even more assertive, with a bouquet of kitchen spices entering, bringing the smoke to full body. Very, very good.
The final third draws the strength down a touch, bringing all the flavors together marvelously.
Conclusion
Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for complexity, and the Shriner delivers in that category brilliantly.