• Classic
• Ninfamaniac
• Ninfamaniac Dark
• Passport
• Skeeterz

Produced in Esteli, Nicaragua at Plasencia Cigar S.A., the Bull & Bear is a Nicaraguan puro available in two vitolas that are on the larger end of the ring gauge spectrum (in my opinion). Options include a Robusto Extra (5 1/2 by 55) and Gordo (6 by 60 Marblehead). The Bull & Bear is one of the higher priced offering from the company, but still falls in the sweet spot around $8.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Crux Cigar Company
Price: $7.99
Vitola: Robusto Extra
Size: 5 ½ by 55
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan (Condega, Esteli, Jalapa, & Ometepe)
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 25 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The Bull & Bear sports a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper that shows off all of the natural characteristics of the leaf with veins webbing from the foot to the head, dark water spots and color imperfections, and bumps here and there. Oils glisten off the medium to dark wrapper leaf that has a deep red hue. Faint, pungent notes of wet cedar, barnyard, and earth are found on the wrapper, while a much more rich (dry) cedar is found on the foot of the cigar, along with some dried fruit notes.

The foot appears slightly underfilled, but when pinched it gives only minimally. A perfect draw is revealed with only a shallow cut through the cap. There’s rich cedar at the front of the cold draw, joined with a marshmallow-like sweetness, potpourri spices, and some floral notes. Based on the cold draw, I am ready to fire up the Bull & Bear by Crux Cigar Company.

First Third

Right off the bat, the flavors are full, deep, and rich. Before even looking into the blend, the first few puffs made me think of Habano and Jalapa tobaccos. Sure enough, as noted above, this cigar is full of Habano tobacco from the Jalapa Valley. The reason those tobaccos came to mind was from the sweet woodsy notes and pepper spice the greeted my palate as soon as the cigar was lit. Trust me, it is extremely rare for me to pinpoint any tobaccos, so this cigar showcases the distinct flavors of the region and the seed varietal very well. At about an inch in, wet earth shows up. The retrohale highlights some bright pepper notes that has a medium-spice. The thick, somewhat wavy burn is leaving behind a light grey, firm ash.

Middle Third

The flavors remain full as I burn into the middle third of the Bull & Bear. The pepper and sweet woodsy notes continue to make up the core of the profile, but the overall flavors have become much more bright on the palate. A very clean, honey-sweetness has joined the mix and every once in a while some earth and toasted notes pop in.

* In one of the samples I smoked,  the smoke production and flavors dropped significantly as I made my way into the second third. The sudden drop was similar to cigars that I have smoked with tunneling issues. Knocking off  the ash, I did not see any signs of tunneling. Quickly putting a flame to the foot of the cigar brought back the satisfying smoke and flavors. I assume all the tobaccos were not burning evenly or some distinguished.

Final Third

As I move into the last third, the most notable transition has taken place as the flavors move from the bright notes in the second third to deeper, richer flavors to close out the cigar. The pepper spice and earth have moved to forefront of the profile, while some cocoa is now lingering on the finish of the smoke. The sweet woodsy notes are still holding strong but behind the other flavors. The flavors are definitely full and the strength sitting in the medium/full range.

Wrap-up

Crux Cigar Company’s Bull & Bear is another fine offering. While I rarely smoke cigars over 52 – 54 ring gauge, this Robusto Extra, coming in at 5 1/2 by 55, never felt uncomfortable in the hand or mouth. The cigar evolved in each third but it never lost its identity made up with sweet woodsy notes and pepper spice. Each sample I smoked delivered consistent profiles, but one performed exceptional in the area of performance with its burn and smoke production, while the other rated only fair. For a price around $8, I can recommend a box-slit of the Bull & Bear.

The post Crux Cigar Company – Bull & Bear appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

• Crux Ninfamaniac 
• Crux Ninfamaniac Dark
• Crux Passport
• Crux Skeeterz

This is what I had to say in my review of the Passport:

Crux Cigar Company took a very ambitious approach with scheduling the release of six blends in two months. However, ambition does not always translate into good product. But that has not been the case with the Nimfamaniac, Nimfamaniac Dark, and Skeeterz reviewed by Tony, and it is certainly not the case with the Passport….There is finally a new company on the scene that I am excited to get fully behind. Crux Cigars is a company you will need to watch out for in 2014.

During my last visit to El Paso in early December, Tony gave me a few samples received from Crux Cigars of the Classic and Bull & Bear for review. Based on my past experience with Crux cigars, I was itching to light one up as soon as I had it in my hands.  Today, I bring to you my last review for 2014 of the Crux Classic Toro Marblehead. I am hoping to have the review of the Bull & Bear posted the first week of January.

Produced at Plasencia S.A in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Crux Classic is available in three vitolas: Robusto (5 by 50), Toro (6 by 52), and Churchill (6 ¾ by 47). The Toro and Churchill vitola sports a unique “Marblehead” cap. According to Crux Cigars website:

Inspired by the classic Cuban 109, the Crux Marblehead is a tapered and rounded cap with eye-catching aesthetics. This sleek and elegant finish allows the cigar smoker to control the flow for a smaller or larger draw. Additionally, it gives larger ring gauge cigars a more desirable mouth feel.

The 109 cap is not completely uncommon to non-Cuban cigars and can be found on cigars by Tatuaje and Illusione. Even so, it adds a great touch to this already gorgeous looking stick.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Crux Cigars
Price: Unknown
Vitola: Toro
Size: 6 by 52
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The medium brown, Nicaraguan Habano wrapper from the Jalapa region is full of character with dark water spots, bumps, and an abundant amount of visible veins. The oils on the leaf gives the cigar a glossy look. Notes of cedar and natural tobacco, along with faint pungency are found on the wrapper, while fuller notes of cedar, raisin, and dark chocolate are found on the foot of the cigar.

A mild pepper sting is felt in my sinuses as I bring the unlit foot of the cigar to my nose. A shallow cut of the Marblehead, triple cap gives way to a draw that a bit more resistance than preferred. If the cigar does not open up once lit, I have plenty of room to cut deeper, if needed.  A bouquet of flavors are highlighted on the dry draw consisting of notes of dark fruit, oak, cocoa, and pepper.

First Third

The Crux Classic is opening with chewy flavors of oak, lemon zest, earth, and pepper. There is a somewhat vegetal finish to the smoke. With the cigar heating up, the oils become much more apparent below the eyeliner burn-line.  The pepper is mild in the mouth, but really pops on the retrohale, accompanied with some dry cedar. Progressing further into the cigar, the spice begins to play a more significant role in the profile, which is now warming my palate.  As the cigar burns evenly, a layered, gray ash is left behind holding firmly to an inch before dropping in the ashtray.

Middle Third

Not getting the smoke production desired in the first third,  I decide to clip another small section of the cap. And I am glad I did. The cigar has opened up and a copious amount of smoke is easily pulled into my mouth with each draw. The first third would be characterized by medium flavors and mild to medium spice. So far in the middle third, flavors are full and the spice is right in step. The smoke continues to feel thick and chewy in the mouth, and the profile has evolved to darker notes of coffee, cocoa, and oak. The cocoa is heavy on the finish of the smoke and lingers on the palate for some time.

Final Third

The woodsy notes, more of a cedar at this point, are front and center. Some toasted notes, with a mild marshmallow sweetness has joined the mix, and the finish remains in-line with second third. The performance of the Crux Classic has been exceptional as I approach an hour and 30 minutes of smoke time.

Wrap-up

I was very skeptical of the Crux Classic as I approached this review. Not because I had a poor experience with another line, but because all of my past experience with Crux Cigars has been almost too positive. It is hard enough to release one excellent cigar, it is even harder when it is your first year of business as a manufacturer, and it is almost impossible to release more than one exceptional cigar in your first year of business. Crux Cigars has done the impossible. The Crux Classic adds a new dimension to their already quality line-up. This is is an easy box purchase in my book. I am already dreaming of the day when my humidor will be full of Nimfamaniacs, Skeeterz, Passports, and Classics. Maybe that is what I will ask Santa for next year.

The post Crux Cigar Company – Crux Classic appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

After reading Tony’s reviews, I was a bit jealous that he had the privilege of doing the write-up for those cigars. However, he was kind enough of to pass off a few of the other samples he received from Crux Cigars including the Passport. According to Crux Cigars’ website, the Passport is still scheduled for a May 2014 release.  The Passport is produced at Nestor Plasencia’s factory in Esteli, Nicargua and will be available in three vitolas: Corona Gorda (5 ½ by 44), Toro (6 by 48), and Lancero (7 by 40).

The Facts

Samples Provided by Crux Cigars
Price: $6.99
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 by 40
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The Passport sports a medium brown, oily Nicaraguan wrapper that feels smooth to the touch. Small to no larger than medium sized veins web across the leaf. While the Passport is my least favorite in terms of branding, the blue and white band is eye catching against the medium brown leaf. The wrapper aroma is strong with notes of rich cedar. A lot more of that rich cedar is found on the foot. I am expecting some spice in the cigar as I feel I tickle in my sinuses after checking out the foot aroma.

The cigar is packed evenly and fully. After a shallow cut through the neatly applied double cap, I find a very rich cold draw. Along with the cedar, the cold draw flavor is reminiscent of potpourri that is out around our home during the holidays with cinnamon and other common holiday spices.

First Third

The flavors are much fuller than expected and the cedar has more of an earthy tone than the richness from the pre-light inspection.  In the background of the profile, an acidic citrus is found. A medium amount of spice is felt on my tongue and back of the throat. As I push the smoke through my nasal passage, I am surprised at the smoothness of the retrohale. While the spice is not overpowering in the sinuses it did cause me to sneeze. A crazy thick burn-line is nice and even, forming a light grey ash that is firm for such a small ring gauge.

Middle Third

With the cigar heating up, the oils from the wrapper leaf begin to glisten in the sunlight. With each small draw, flavorful smoke fills my mouth. The flavors continue to pick up in their fullness, especially the cedar and earth, and the peppery spice is increasing at an equal rate. There is a unique flavors that is somewhat sweet. The closest thing that I can associate it to is honey. So far, the cigar is performing effortlessly.

Final Third

The flavors remain consistent with the second third with only a bit more richness. The honey sweetness can be spotted every few puffs. The smoke is cool and I am feeling no heat on my fingers at I begin to burn down to the final inch of the Passport. The burn-line not nearly as thick but now razor sharp. While the flavors remained full throughout, I am not perceiving any nicotine.

Wrap-up

Crux Cigar Company took a very ambitious approach with scheduling the release of six blends in two months. However, ambition does not always translate into good product. But that has not been the case with the Nimfamaniac, Nimfamaniac Dark, and Skeeterz reviewed by Tony, and it is certainly not the case with the Passport. While I did not find the Crux Passport overly complex, I never found myself bored with the cigar. The cedar, woodsy flavor held strong throughout, accompanied by more subtle citrus and honey notes. The Passport does not lack in the spice department either. I was very pleased with my two experiences with the Passport. There is finally a new company on the scene that I am excited to get fully behind. Crux Cigars is a company you will need to watch out for in 2014.

The post Crux Cigars – Passport (Prerelease) appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Monthly Recap – April

Number of Cigars Smoked: 38

Of those smoked:

• Purchased: 25 or 66%
• Samples Provided: 8 or 21%
• Gifted: 5 or 13%

Of those purchased:

• Brick & Mortar: 10 or 40%
• Online: 15 or 60%

Top Cigars Smoked by Quantity

#1. J. Fuego – Sangre De Toro (Original) – # Smoked = 4 : I am still in love these little sticks. Don’t worry they won’t remain number 1 on my list for much longer as I don’t have many left.

Three-way tie for the # 2 Spot

Room 101 – San Andres – # Smoked = 3: I have smoked through almost a full box of the San Andres 213 (Coronas) in the last five months. The cigar is a solid stick that delivers a mouthful of smoke and flavor with each puff. If you are San Andres tobacco fan, this is definitely a cigar worth a try.

Joya De Nicaragua Fuerte Serie B – # Smoked = 3: Looking for a cheap bundle cigar to burn when I am low on funds or pass out at parties, I grabbed a bundle of the Fuerte Serie B by Joya De Nicaragua from cigarsinternational.com. For $2 for the Corona Gorda, you get a good cigar that is consistent in flavor and performance. Nothing to write home to mom about, but nothing to complain about either.

Oliva – Serie V (Churchill Extra) – # Smoked = 3: These sticks are flying out of my humidor and this may be the last time they are on the list for a while. The Churchill Extra is an enormous size but the Serie V always seems to perform better in the larger formats. Always a solid stick to grab when I don’t know what else to smoke.

Most Memorable Cigars Smoked

#1. Drew Estate – Liga Privada UF-13 – Man, oh, man! I don’t even know where to begin with this cigar. Tony made a box purchase about a month ago and he hooked me up with a couple. I lit one up on a late  Saturday night and was taken on a crazy journey. While the flavors were bold and the strength was full, the smoothness and balance were unbelievable.  I may have to rob Tony of a few more of these puppies. Tony reviewed the UF-13 in 2013 here.

#2. Crux Cigars – Nimfamaniac – The Nimfamaniac is unique with its branding, format, and flavors. While the format of the cigar is rare, I have encountered a similar format on the La Caridad Del Cobre Javelin. All in all, this is one heck of a cigar for $5.99. Make sure to check out Tony’s review of Nimfamaniac here.

Cigars Reviewed

A.J. Fernandez – Mayimbe 

The Mayimbe is a slow smoking, full flavored, full strength cigar that takes you on a journey of deep, spicy flavors that are accompanied by notes of earth and cedar. While the cocoa sweetness played a minor role, it brought an amazing balance and roundness to the profile.

Partagas – 1845 Extra Oscuro

I was immediately turned off by the Partagas 1845 Extra Oscuro within the first few minutes of lighting it up. But, after adjusting my smoking pace, I found the cigar to be quite enjoyable….I am not sure if I will hunt down this cigar on the internet but I would not hesitate to smoke one again if I am provided the opportunity.

Partagas – 1845 Extra Fuerte

The Partagas 1845 Extra Fuerte provided a balanced, medium flavor and strength experience (I perceived much more strength in the other sample). While there were not too many change-ups in the flavors, the flavors remained pleasant throughout….Overall, the construction, performance, and flavors were all solid.

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