Cigar Review – Esencia

Cigar Reivew – Esencia Robusto

Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Made In: Nicaragua
Size: Robusto 4 7/8 x 50
Price: $9.50 per Single

The Esencia Cigar is made by Brother of the Leaf, L.L.C., the makers of the esteemed Palio Cutter. Esencia is a Nicaraguan-Puro made with a traditional blend of Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollio tobacoo.

Appearance & Construction: The Esencia is a good-looking cigar that is constructed very well. The wrapper is a darker brown color that has some moderately sized veins running the length of the cigar.

Smoking Characteristics: The Esencia has a nice easy draw that produces a good amount of smoke. The burn is even and the ash is solid and compact. The body of the cigar is medium in some areas and full in others. The strength of the cigar starts off stong but backs down as the cigar progresses.

Flavor: The Esencia starts off with some nice earthy coffee flavors with some notes of dark chocolate, peanuts, and a caramel sweetness. There is also some pepper there but is balanced nicely with the rest of the cigar. In the second third the cigar slowly morphs and a creaminess is beginning to show its head. In the final third the flavors turn very earthy and get sort of mottled. Because of that the balance of this cigar starts to suffer.

Final Thoughts: Overall the Esencia is a good cigar. It has nice rich flavors and has nice body too. The cigar is very similar to the Illusione line of cigars but shows a bit more earth. I think the price of this cigar is going to steer me away from it in the future especially when you can get an Illusione for a few bucks less and I would enjoy it a little more. Don’t get me wrong this is a very nice cigar that I would recommend but just misses in the final third for me.

Rating: Good