The Vintage Rock-A-Feller Cigars Group (VRCG) Art of Magic, is a new and truly Limited Edition cigar release. This new release pays tribute to magicians the world over. Kevin Schweitzer, VRCG owner, has been practicing magic since he was eight years old and to this day he is a member of the Society of American Magicians which was founded in 1902.
For this release, Schweitzer reached out to Aganorsa Leaf in Nicaragua to craft the blend. He also collaborated with famed cigar artist, Jessi Flores, to create the art work for the bands and boxes. The company has also declared that 5% of all sales will be donated to Jessi’s “Phuck Cancer” charity that provides assistance for his daughter and other cancer impacted children in Nicaragua
The Art of Magic is expressed in a (6 x 52) toro and has a blend described simply as:
- Wrapper – San Andreas
- Binder – Nicaragua
- Filler – Nicaragua
As noted, the Art of Magic is a limited edition release with just 2,000 cigars in production. They are packaged in 10-count boxes highlighting Jessi’s art work. MSRP is set at $20.00/cigar. As of this writing, Schweitzer informed me that all 200 boxes have been sold are are on retailer shelves, many were purchased as soon as they were announced.
For this review, I sampled two of the Art of Magic which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Art of Magic by Rock-A-Feller Cigars in collaboration with Aganorsa Leaf is a beautifully constructed vitola. It sports a medium to dark brown toothy wrapper with a mild sheen and deep marbling throughout. There are a minimal veins running through the barrel. The cigar is solidly packed from head to foot and it is well capped to finish the presentation. The Magic starts when you rotate the barrel and the leaf color progresses from a medium to dark brown.
Running the Art of Magic along the nose, I picked up a pungent barrel along with earth and pepper notes off the foot.
The cigar is adorned with a single band, which Jessi Flores designed for the project. It uses a gold, black and red motif and declares it as the “Art of Magic” in red on gold banner.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that offers black pepper and caramel sweetness all through a perfect draw. I cold puffed this one for a few minutes actually, as it’s that good on the pre-light. Of course one could continue to cold draw and chomp on this one, but it was time to fire it up and see what kind of magical journey it will take me on.
I used my double flame Bugatti lighter to get the journey started, warming the foot gently bringing it to an even orange glow. The foot took well to the heat and the first puffs awoke the the palate and nose with a rich peppery note. Follow along as I burn the Art of Magic to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- First puffs offer pepper notes to the palate and nose
- Fine white ash forms on a thin char line
- Sweet cookie aroma wafts early in the burn
- Great draw full volume of smoke
- Toasted caramel notes fill in the early profile
- Ash fell in a decent chunk in the first third revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Naturally sweet undertones maintain moving into the second third
- Slight wave in the burn
- Developing spice notes in the second third
- Nice oiling developing above the burn line midway
- Strength has quickly ramped up to full at this point
- Cashew nut joins the mix deep in second third
- Full Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
Rock-A-Feller Cigars and Aganorsa Leaf truly did some magic with this blend. This is by far, a terrific blend which Schweitzer and his team hit out of the ball park. Starting with a peppery blast the Art of Magic takes you on a flavor filled journey from foot to nub. If you like full strength and flavorful cigars, the Art of Magic is right in your wheel house, as this is one you may want to eat meal before you smoke as the meter hit full midway. Even with a price point of $20.00/cigar I would say this is box worthy, though your wallet may not agree I highly recommend picking a fiver at least and let a few age. Remember too, $1.00 of every cigar purchased goes directly to help cancer impacted children in Nicaragua. I rate this a solid 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave; (-1) Flat Burn Cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Nice Oiling Above the Burn Line; (+1) Box Worthy; (+1) Pleasurable and Consistent across Multiple Samples
