Carnage, a Famous Smoke Exclusive

Back in July, Famous Smoke Shop announced their newest brand, the Carnage, made in collaboration with Nestor Plasencia. As Halloween quickly approaches, I thought this would be appropriate cigar review for this time of year. 

The Carnage from Famous Smoke Shop is a three country blend that utilizes a Habano wrapper from Ecuador, a Connecticut binder from Honduras, and Viso, Seco, and Ligero filler tobaccos from Nicaragua. Produces at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua, the line is available in four vitolas: Robusto (5 by 54), Toro (6 by 52), Churchill (7 by 50), and Magnum (6 by 60). Packaged in 20 count boxes, price of the Carnage cigars range from $66.99 for the Robusto to $76.99 for the Magnum.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Famous Smoke Shop
Price: $4.75 per single / $66.99 per box of 20
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5 by 54
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Honduran Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Pre-light

The Carnage is draped in medium brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper has a faint red hue that has a somewhat mottled appearance. Veins and bumps bare easily seen as on the wrapper that has a light oily sheen. The cigar is rock solid from head to foot. 

As I bring my nose up to the cigar once it is removed from the cellophane, I find of an aroma similar to that of a merlot with dark red fruit notes, oak, and some earthiness. There may be a hint of chocolate as well. From the foot of the Carnage, I pick up blueberry, chocolate, and cedar. Clipping the double cap, I find an easy cold draw that has very similar flavors to the ones noted on the foot of the cigar.

First Third

Once lit, the Carnage pours out plentiful smoke with rich, woodsy flavors and a fair amount of spice that is warming up my palate. In the background there is citrus quality that is playing well with other flavors and there is a saltiness that moves in about a half inch in. The burn-line is thick and jagged but nowhere near requiring a touch-up. Although it appears flaky, the ash is holding well up to an inch plus.

Middle Third

The spice heat pulls back as I transition to the second third of the Carnage. The main flavors remain consistent with the prior third with some added dark fruit notes that offer a little sweetness and a light cinnamon spice. Retrohaling the smoke, the spice is sharp through the sinuses. I won’t be doing that too often. Some  toasted bread notes linger on the finish. The burnline has a much more acute wave, and after holding out as long as possible a quick touch-up is finally required.

Final Third

The core flavor of rich woodsy notes that have dominated the first two thirds get pushed back by the toasted notes, a roasted marshmallow sweetness, and a nuttiness. The strength has finally kicked up its game, now borderline full.

Wrap-up

Famous Smoke Shop’s Carnage blended by Nestor Plasencia delivers medium flavors and medium/full strength with a consistent profile with a core of rich woodsy notes and pepper spice, with some subtleties that are much more noticeable if this cigar is not hot boxed. The Carnage Robusto required one touch-up, but other that I don’t have any complaints on the performance. If you enjoy a Nicaraguan spice and solid, consistent flavors for under $5, this cigar will be right up your alley. Would I smoke this again? Yes, I believe this cigar is worthy of a five-pack purchase and possibly a box from Cigar Monster where they can be found with heavy discounts and free shipping.