As per usual, the Millennial generation has once again served to be the catalyst for an interesting trend. This time, Millennials have taken to flavored cigars, making them become increasingly popular among people of all ages. That said, the following is a closer look at one of the latest trends for cigar smokers: flavored cigars.
Available in both machine-made and hand-rolled forms, flavored cigars are all the rage among those who enjoy smoking but also enjoy a variety of different sized cigars. Allowing smokers to simultaneously unwind and enjoy the aroma and taste a vast array of flavors, they are becoming wildly popular among adults and are even catching on with some older adults. Likened to smoking hookahs, the reason cigar trends are taking center stage is due to other similar trends presently permeating pop-culture.
More Info on the Cigar Trend
Younger smokers seem to be switching from big, bulkier cigars to their smaller, more slender counterparts, in favors of little cigars and cigarillos. Yet another reason for the popularity of flavored cigars, the smaller size allows for sampling multiple cigars at a time.
While there will always be a market for traditional cigar products, there’s a strong trend toward flavored cigars.
Brands to Buy
Are you considering trying some flavored cigars and need more information on which brands have the best flavors for your taste buds? Definitely consider the following:
Drew Estate – The genius company behind brands such as Acid (the Acid Blue Kuba Kuba is one of the most widely smoked flavored cigars in existence), Undercrown, and more, DE has lots to offer in terms of flavored cigars. For instance, Acid brand boldly fuses new school taste with old school flavor, offering a variety of cigars perfect for those looking to try something bold and different. Flavors include bold mixes such as Acid Krush Blue, which brings a bold mix of herbs and botanicals to create a uniquely bold, creamy flavor.
CAO Cigars – Another brand looking to take cigar smoking to the next level, this brand offers unique flavors such as Cherrybomb, Moontrance, and the ever popular, Eileen’s Dream.
Other Notable Brands – If you are looking for some fruit infused cigars as well as other unique combinations, check out the following brands: Thompson, Victor Sinclair, Cojimar, Panama Jack, Tatiana, Al Capone, Gurkha, 5 Vegas, and Oliva, among many others.
While traditional products promote a more old-school vibe of relaxation and freedom, newer, flavored product promote embracing novelty, and variety.
In January of 2009, I reviewed this cigar. Back then, I had a pretty bad experience, and the review reflected that. I received a few emails urging me to try an Acid again. So now, in February of 2010, I decided it was time to re-visit the cigar that I gave a bad review to. I figured it was possible that I didn’t give it a fair chance.
The first half was decent, with strange floral, perfumey flavors. Like my other review, the second half basically fell flat. It just became a bland and borderline harsh smoke.
Like other quick smoke with Tom reviews, this was filmed with my MacBook isight webcam at The Habana Cigar Shop. I used an external mic this time, so the audio is a bit better then the others. The video quality is what it is. See what my thoughts were in this quick 9 minute video review.
I’ve been on a bit of a Pepin kick these days. When I saw the blue label sitting on the shelf of some random shop in the area, I had to pick a couple up for review. I can’t remember the name of the shop, but I do remember the selection was limited, and the humidity was way to high for cigar storage. I had to let the cigars rest a bit in proper storage before lighting up. After a small meal, I grabbled the usual cup of water and got to the review…
Wrapper: Corojo Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: Invicto 5 x 50
Price: Around $7.00
Pre-smoke & Construction:
The cigar was visually appealing. The brown wrapper looked oily with a few veins here and there. Sniffing it revealed a slight sweetness and wood. Sniffing the foot had more of a peppery odor and actually made me sneeze. When I squeezed the cigar, I found no soft spots. If anything, it was a little too firm for my liking. The pre-light draw, as predicted, was a little snug and tasted of sweet earthiness.
I had to do a few burn corrections, and the ash was rock solid for well over an inch. The tough draw loosened up quickly after lighting and became a distant memory.
Flavor:
As I suspected, the first third opened up with a blast of peppery spice. A smooth earthiness followed, with a thick feeling texture afterwards. After an inch or so, the pepper calmed a bit and leveled out.
The second third kept that peppery edge, but at the same time smoothed out into what would be the theme for the rest of the cigar. A sweet earthiness remained while hints of coffee and mocha came and went. One puff, there they are, the next, gone. Repeat this for the entire third. Good times…
You’d think the last third of the cigar is when it would reach it’s peak intensity. Not the case this time. That peppery “Pep” remained but calmed down a lot. It still had a nice zing, but like I said, it calmed down substantially. This allowed the sweet earthy notes to shine and mingle with coffee and slight woody flavors.
Conclusion:
This was a really good full bodied cigar. It had that signature Pepin blend I so much enjoy these days. I’m a fan of spicy foods and a good cigar with smooth blasts of pepper. I appreciate how the initial draws told me to “Pay attention!” Don Pepin Garcia – You’ve got a winner here.