This is our third review of the Blackbird Cigar Co. line of cigars. Today’s review focuses on the Finch and more specifically the Finch robusto. This is one of the more milder cigars in the company’s portfolio, that was introduced at the 2019 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show. The company has named each cigar after a black bird and tried to develop the blend to match the characteristics of the bird, ergo the Finch is mild..
The blend for theBlackbird Ciga r Co. Finch is described as:
- Wrapper: Sumatra
- Binder: Indonesia
- Filler: Dominican Republic & U.S.A.
The blend is expressed in 2 vitolas and comes packaged in 21-count boxes.
- Robusto (5 x 50) MSRP $7.52
- Gran Toro (6 x 54) MSRP $9.52
For this review I sampled the Blackbird Cigar Co. Finch Robusto.
Pre-Light Examination
The Blackbird Cigar Co. Finch is draped in a medium brown wrapper that has a light grit and an oily sheen. The cigar has minimal veins running along it and feel tightly packed and is nicely capped. It also has a noticeable seam, especially near the foot.
Like all Blackbird Cigars offerings, the Finch is branded by a large single band that uses a blue, orange, and grey motif. On one side of the band it denotes this as a “Blackbird Cigar Co.” product and the other side declares it as the “Finch Sumatra”. You can’t miss the name “Finch”, as it is printed in bright orange on a grey background.
This is one cigar I have to say did not have any distinguishing aroma off the foot or the barrel. My CigarMedics HumidiMeter gave a perfect 69% reading, so I moved right to slicing the cap and taking in some cold draw puffs that were nicely restricted and offered notes of cream, sweetness and pepper.
Using my double flame torch, I held the flame away from the foot, warming it up as it took well to the heat and quickly developed an even orange glow. I drew in the the first puffs of smoke to begin another Blackbird Cigar Co. journey. Follow along as I turn the Finch to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- First puffs were surprisingly, a tad harsh to the palate
- An early pepper note grew, especially on the nose
- White ash develops on top of a thin char line
- Profile begins to take form after an inch of burn with a delicate creamy sweetness pleasing the palate
- Woody notes enter joined with a distinct maltiness
- Nuance of almond appears deep in the second third
- The ash fell after a decent burn, revealing an off centered cone
- Touch of vanilla adds to the flavor sensations
- Slight off burn shows but never needed a touch-up
- Ash starts to get flaky
- Spice notes join the mix near the end of the second third
- Begins to burn hot to the touch
- Almond moves in and out swirling with the spice down to the nub
- Mild to Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Overall, the Blackbird Cigars Finch Robusto started a bit harsh but after an inch f burn it settled into the core of the cigar – sweetness and cream. The ash held on fairly well and once it fell, it revealed an off centered burn cone. The flavors begin to make up for any early harshness through the rest of the burn, enticing the palate with balanced notes of cream, vanilla, almond, and light spice. This is worth picking up a five pack of. I rate this an 88.
Point Deductions: (-1) Loose Seam Near the Foot; (-1) No Pre-light Aroma; (-1) Harsh Start; (-1) Off-centered Burn Cone; (-1) Flaky Ash; (-1) Slight Off-Burn
