Kristoff Maduro
Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Made In: Dominican Republic
Size: 6 1/8 x 52 Torpedo
Price: About $7-$8 per single
A Little Background: These cigars are made by Exclusive Cigars out of Chicago. Exclusive Cigars where put on the map by the Kristoff line but they make other brands such as the Vengance, which I reviewed a while back.
Appearance & Construction: Wow, this is a great looking cigar. The cigar has a vintage look with a shaggy foot and a rustic looking band. The construction is just phenomenal; a few veins but looks to be seamlessly rolled. The wrapper also has some slight tooth to it.
Smoking Characteristics: The draw is a little snug on this cigar and as a result the cigar does not produce a lot of smoke. The burn is razor sharp and extremely even. The ash is completely compact and hangs on forever.
Flavors: The first third of the cigar offers rich sweet flavors of coffee, caramel, and a smoked meat component. Weird I know but that’s what it reminds me of. So far this cigar is ultra smooth almost no spice. As the second third comes I get an orange peel flavor and notes back cherries. The final third of the cigar is much of the same but is a bit earthier and some faint pepper appears.
Final Thoughts: What an elegant cigar. Smooth complex flavors that are superbly balanced make this cigar a winner. I think the price is very fair on these cigars. The one issue I have had with these cigar is that the draw can be a little tough. What I have found is if you keep these at a lower humidity, the draw opens up a bit more.
Worth a Shot: Yes, I think this is a cigar the all level of smokers can enjoy
Buy Again: Yes, I wouldn’t mind picking up a box of these
Enjoyablity: High
Similar Cigars: A CAO Brazillia with more depth and more character.
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Nice review. I’ve got to get my hands on one because I really like the CAO Brazilia line & if this is somewhat comparable I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.
Nice review. I need to see if I can get these in VA. I like the CAO Brazilia line so if this is comparable I’m sure it’s worth a try.
like a Brazilia? now, that must be good
These do indeed come fresh a bit moist, and that may be the draw issue you encountered. I have had 2 of them now, and had no draw issues. Of course, I always dry-box my new cigars (after freezing them) and then my humidor is between 62% & 65% humidity.
I have a few others as well. If I have one that gives me draw issues as you express, I will post up again.
By the way, I’ve never had the Brazilia, but this is a stellar smoke. Interestingly, you didn’t mention the rich cocoa flavors and room note that I found very much prevalent with this stick. Also think you nailed it when you mentioned the presence of an orange peel type flavor, I was trying to figure it out and came up with citrus, but orange peel seems spot on.
I think it is so cool that different palates can find different flavors and nuances in the same stick.
Good review Adam.
I am new to cigar smoking and have found this cigar to be one of the most enjoyable I have had up to now. A lot of my neighbors must agree with me because the local cigar merchant cannot keep them in his store! It goes especially well with a snifter of warm Armengnac.