Duran Cigars’ Texas Tactical Lancero is manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua at Nicatabaco S.A. The Texas Tactical trades out the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper found on the traditional Neya F8 line with an Ecuadorian Corojo Maduro over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. Packaged in 15-count boxes, the cigars are priced at $8.00 and began shipping to retailers in September.

Our friend and honorary guest contributor, Jeff Oda, has reviewed several offerings from Duran Cigars, which you can find below:

• Azan White Premium
• Baracoa
• Neya

THE FACTS

Price:$8
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 by 40
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 50 Minutes

PRE-LIGHT

The Neya Texas Tactical wears a dark brown Ecuadorian Corojo Maduro wrapper that has a deep red hue. The veins are easy to see with their lighter appearance compared to the rest of the leaf. There is one medium-sized vein that runs the majority of the cigar, but, other than that, the other veins are very small. A fine tooth and some scattered bumps can be felt down the leaf. There are no soft spots found on the cigar, however, the foot of the cigar appears underfilled.

The wrapper aroma is a combination of wood and pungent vinegar, while the foot has a dirt-like and burnt ash smell. The Neya Texas Tactical comes to a close with a pointy pig-tail cap, which the majority of it broke off somewhere between the shop and home. A quick clip through the 40 ring guage cigar reveals the perfect amount of resistance and delivers rich cedar and dirt.

FIRST THIRD

As soon as the cigar is lit, it looks like a huge tunnel is already formig due to the shortage of tobaccos near the foot. With that said, the cigar takes off without issue. Smoke is pumping out and the flavors are full and rich. Well balanced flavors of cedar, buttered toast, a touch of cinnamon, pepper spice and a sweetness rounds out everything. The retro-hale brings out the spice, but not overwhelmingly. Some of the earlier pre-light dirt flavor and an unsweetened bubble gum lingers on the finish of the smoke. The cigar is burning along evenly as a light gray ash is formed. As I close out the first third, the Texas Tactcial is already showing some strength and the spice has stepped up a few notches.

MIDDLE THIRD

Moving into the second third, the richness builds as the flavors remain consistent with first third. Earth and cocoa are heavy on the finish and the spice is sharp as the smoke moves through my nose. A hefty amount of smoke is being produced, delivering full flavors and a strength profile that is right in-line. Approaching the middle of the cigar, the burn-line is wavy, but not concerning as of now and a unique and pleasant barbeque smoky smoky flavor has joined in.

FINAL THIRD

A red fruit sweetness has moved to the front of the profile with a rich cedar and toasted quality. A re-light wasn’t necessary as the Neya Texas Tactical self-corrected itself as I was hoping. The cocoa has made its way from the finish into the profile more in a dusty cocoa fashion bringing the Texas Tactical Lancero to a close.

WRAP-UP

I have smoke a lot of good cigars in 2016, but there are very few that are all the memorable. This year’s Top 10 List may be a little more difficult to prepare than past years. But one thing is for certain, the Neya Texas Tactical Lancero will certainly be on that list. Everything about this cigar worked for me and for it. The way the slim vitola comes to a close with its pig tailed cap and features dual bands makes this an eye catching stick. The flavors are rich, bold, and spicy and the strength hangs out right with the flavors without pushing you over the edge. For nearly two hours, the Texas Tactical showed off great balance and complexity. This is a cigar you don’t want to overlook.

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