Back in 2016, I reviewed a most tasty cigar from a young boutique cigar company known as Jas Sum Kral. That review, was on the company’s inaugural blend, the Red Knight. In talking about his craft and mission, Riste Risteski, owner of Jas Sum Kral cigars noted:
“Smoking mainly Cuban cigars, I wanted to create a profile which maintained Cuban standards, while adding an interesting yet elegant twist.”
That first blend and vitola caught the attention of many cigar enthusiasts, including myself. It is fair to say, many are still hooked on Riste’s craft.
Since the original release of the Red Knight, in 2016, Jas Sum Kral has changed factories and now the cigars are being manufactured at Tabacalera de Aragon S.A, in Esteli. However, the blend for the Red Knight, is still the same and described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Light Claro
- Binder: Half Mexican San Andres / Half Jalapa Seco Leaf
- Filler: Undisclosed
Today I reached in the humidor and decided I would continue with some more lancero reviews. Deep on the lancero shelf, was an aged Jas Sum Kral Red Knight Lancero. This would be the one to enjoy and report on today.
As far as dimensions and price, the Jas Sum Kral Red Knight Lancero weighs in at 7 x 38 and is one of 4 different vitolas in the lineup. Each vitola comes packaged in 20-count boxes. The lancero carries an MSRP of $9.80/cigar.
Pre-Light Examination
The Jas Sum Kral Red Knight Lancero is a beautiful silky smooth, dark tan vitola. The cigar has a decent weight in the hand and is solid to the touch. It is completed with a well applied pigtail cap and is finished with a closed foot.
There is a single band that adorns the cigar. It is the same as the others in the lineup with a regal design. The first observation of the band is the golden Jas Sum Kral logo centered in a blood-red shield. Golden lions protect that shield on both sides and a golden crown adorns it. The phrase “JAS SUM KRAL” is imprinted in white on a black background centered in a golden banner under the shield. The name “Red Knight” is printed in gold on a red background at the bottom of the band.
Running the Jas Sum Kral Red Knight Lancero across the nose, I picked up a
lightly pungent, fermented leaf note and a hint of cocoa along the barrel. With the closed foot I was not able to pick up any notes off the foot.
I sliced the pigtail off and took some cold draw puffs, that were spot on with restriction while offering notes of earth and pepper.
With the cold draw to my liking, I proceeded to use my double flame torch to warm the foot. The leaf on the closed foot, took to the flame well as I drew in the first puffs of woodiness and spice. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial notes were a pleasant mix of wood and spice
- Medium volume of smoke to start
- Light grey ash forms
- Wood transforms into cedar and the spice evolves into a cinnamon note
- Hints of cocoa fills in the early profile
- Cherry fruit notes join the mix
- Ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a well formed burn cone
- quite smooth near end of first quarter
- Cream adds to the fruit
- Ash falls often
- Smoke is very smooth
- Strength ratchets up
- Stays ignited if left for a bit – no relights were required
- Spice moves back in with a back note of fruit
- Coffee fills in the profile down to the finish
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour 45 minutes
Overall, the Jas Sum Kral Red Knight lancero, was a fine addition to the Red Knight lineup. The flavors on this were balanced and transitioned well through the long smokey journey. Similar to the toro I reviewed, my palate was treated to a delicious bit of cherry notes along with cream, and spice deep in the journey. The ash did fall often revealing a well centered burn cone each time. This is worth grabbing a five pack of. I rate it a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Ash Falls Often; (-1) Medium Volume of Smoke
Awesome review sir. I’m definitely gonna be on the lookout for those. Thanks.