Southern Classic Cucubano Robusto Review

Two months ago I was in Orlando and visited Cigarz at Waterford. It’s a beautiful shop with a select choice of premium cigars. Israel  Markevitz who is part owner and a cigar connoisseur with over a decade of experience in the industry has managed shops in Florida as well as New York.  Israel recommended I try a boutique cigar by a small company called Southern Classic. They have several lines which they produce out of a small factory in Esteli Nicaragua. I’ve smoked many so-called “Boutique” cigars that were no more than passion projects of someone who knew little of the industry and the cigars smoked like poorly processed tobacco. I was pleased to hear that the company owner Eloy employs a hands on approach with the production and quality of his cigars as well as meticulously working on the blends and profiles.  I purchased the Cucubano robusto and was taken back by the way cigar tasted.

Blend Specifics:

Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 5 1/2 x 52 Robusto

Appearance and Construction

The Cucubano sports an attractive dark brown wrapper with a well made triple cap. It has slight veins and is packed well with tobacco. There is a distinct yet unassuming blue and silver band which covers a good portion of the top of the cigar.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cigar starts off with sweet cream and a bit of spice. The mouthfeel delivers savory notes and the creaminess coats the palate. Midway hints of cocoa and spice intertwine all the while keeping a clotted cream richness that compliments the smoke throughout. The construction and burn on this cigar was excellent.

The final third yielded the same creamy profile that made the cigar a pleasure smoke. The retrohale produced spice and cedar with a long finish. I smoked this cigar to the nub and was left wanting more.

Conclusion

Having no experience with this producer I was extremely impressed with this cigar.   The attention to detail and quality is evident and I would not hesitate to purchase a box. This cigar is ready to smoke straight away and I would be curious to see how it develops with age. In an industry overblown with designer and boutique blends that can fall short, Cucubano shows that when you care enough to be involved with production from begin to end you can create a truly memorable cigar. I was pleased to happen upon Southern Classic and look forward to tasting the other lines in their portfolio. Unfortunately I do not believe they have East Coast distribution yet however I spoke to Israel and they can ship anywhere. If you are looking to try them you can contact his store as I believe you will not be disappointed.

Purchased at Cigarz at Waterford, Orlando Florida #(407) 704-6926