Cigar Review: Dissident Soap Box Robusto – Rated 93

The third blend in the newly acquired Dissident Cigars portfolio by Benjamin Holt is the Soap Box. Re-launched at this years Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show, the Soap Box has a new look and different blend than the original.

Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto

In the company’s press release, Benjamin Holt, owner of Dissident Cigars, noted:

“I am very excited about this. A lot of thought, time and work has been put into making this happen and I’m ready to show it to the world. I think these blends are very unique and offer a special smoking experience for those who love cigars. They really highlight the quality of tobacco that’s used at Oveja Negra.”

The company describes the multi-country blend of the Soap Box as:

  • Wrapper – Brazilian
  • Binder – Ecuadorian
  • Filler – Nicaraguan

The Dissident Soap Box is expressed in 3 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes:

  • Petite Corona: (4 3/4 x 46) MSRP $8.00
  • Robusto: (5 1/2 x 52) MSRP $10.00
  • Toro Gordo: (6 3/4 x 54) MSRP $11.00

For this review I sampled the Dissident Soap Box Robusto, which I received from Benjamin at the trade show for reviewing on Stogie Press.


Pre-Light Examination

The Dissident Soap Box is a medium brown cigar that has a slight red tinge to it. There are minimal veins running along the barrel along with a slight gritty feel to wrapper. Holding it to the light there is a mild oily sheen. The cigar feels solidly packed and is finished with an expertly applied triple cap. Looking at the foot you can see some enticing dark tobacco leaf in the fill.

A single band adorns the cigar using a black, red, and white motif like the other cigars in the Dissident portfolio. This time, the name “Soap Box” is boldly printed in white except for the letter “X” which is printed in red. The name “Dissident” is printed on the bottom.

Running the Soap Box along the nose, I was intrigued with the baking spice aroma coming off the barrel and the spice, mild cocoa, and earth aromas off the foot.

I used my double blade cutter to give it a straight cut across the shoulder and proceeded to take a few cold puffs before lighting it up. The draw was fine and offered notes of mild pepper and earthiness.

Warming the foot with a double flame torch lighter I took in the first puffs of peppery smoke especially on the retro-hale. Follow along as I burn this one to ash and break it down for you.


Cigar Review Notes

Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto
  • First light hits the palate and nose with peppery notes
  • Thick creamy full volume of smoke
  • White ash forms on a medium to thick char line
  • Butter cracker notes appear as the pepper pulls back
  • There is a savory aroma wafting off the foot
  • Very smooth smoke early on
  • Nice solid ash developing
  • Hint of plum and cocoa powder enter in the second third
  • Perfect burn cone once a solid chunk of ash fell
  • Strength moves up to medium before midway
  • Light sweetness joins the mix
  • A run of bitter notes enter deep in the second third
  • Mild wave in burn
  • Earthiness picks up moving into the final
  • Strength has reached full
  • Smoke gets a tad hot in final
  • Ash held solid, dropping only once in the journey
  • Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 20 minutes

Overall, the Dissident Soap Box has been my favorite in the line with enticing flavor transitions and a savory aroma. This is a cigar that starts with a mild to medium strength and slowly ratchets up to full at the final. It is certainly a cigar that experienced enthusiasts would enjoy. There was a slight bitter component deep in the second third and a mild wave developed into the final with the smoke getting a tad hot. This is worth picking up a five pack. I rate this a 93.

Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave in Burn; (-1) Bitter Notes Deep in Second Third; (-2) Smoke Burned a Tad Hot in Final

Bonus Points: (+1) Solid Long Ash

Dissident Soap Box Robusto
Dissident Soap Box Robusto