Blind Review: J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso

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The J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso is made by Americas oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, J.C. Newman. The cigar is manufactured in Nicaragua’s second largest cigar factory, J.C. Newman PENSA. El Baton was first manufactured in 1914 in Cleveland as a Cuban puro 10-cent cigar. In 2008 it was reintroduced as a Nicaraguan puro.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: J.C. Newman El Baton Belicoso
  • Wrapper:  Nicaragua
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Nicaragua
  • Size: 5×56

Blind Review notes: JC Newman El Baton Belicoso

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is a nice stout belicoso that feels nicely compiled but a little soft to the touch. It has a good weight in hand and bears a gorgeous striated chocolate hued wrapper. The cigars body smells like honey, while the foot smells like honey and oats.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cold draw could be looser. I can make out cedar, cocoa powder, and spice on the backend. The first puff is sweet cedar with wood and pepper on the retro. The cigar progresses to a sweet and spicy profile which is identical to mesquite BBQ. Obviously pepper on the backend. Heat maintenance could fare better. The burn line is HOT! Lots of smoke production. Nice sturdy ash. So far a very savory smoke.

Second third is sweet and leathery on the palate and retrohale. The cigar still burns a little too hot. Ash build up is becoming a little brittle. Smoke production is great. The cigar is a slow burner, but not in a good way. The wrapper is oily, and though it burn hot, it fails to catch on the draw. The cigar needs a few licks from my torch lighter to get moving again.

Last third transitions to a nutty and woody experience. The cigar cools down a little bit. The retrohale is spicy graham cracker. Still fantastic smoke production. The cigar keeps going out.

Conclusion

In conclusion , The JC Newman El Baton Belicoso was a very mild strength / full body flavor experience with nice transitons. However, the final score reflects how hard the dang cigar was to keep lit.

Final Score: 79