Introduced at the 2020 Tobacco Plus Expo Trade Show, the Ventura Cigars Pupil is the milder side of the two blend extension to the company’s Archetype line. The other was the Master which I reviewed last month.
The company explains this new series as being:
“Inspired by the studies of both Sigmund Freud and Karl Jung, who identified common threads and themes of storytelling that transcend both time and culture, Archetype cigars outline the familiar tale of a hero’s journey, with cigars punctuating each crucial stage. Master and Pupil incorporates the essence of Freud and Jung, teacher and student, and tensions uncovered with the reversal of roles and transition of student to teacher.”
Whilst the Master was a bold Nicaraguan puro, the Pupil is more refined with a blend described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadoran Connecticut
- Binder – Nicaraguan
- Filler – Nicaraguan
Like the Master, the Pupil is expressed in a single 6 x 52 toro and comes packaged in 20-count boxes. and retails for $15.00/cigar. The Ventura Cigars Pupil is handmade at Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A.
Pre-Light Examination
The Ventura Cigars Pupil, is beautifully constructed cigar with a velvety smooth, golden tan wrapper that shows a light oily sheen. Solid in construction, the Pupil is firm from head to foot. There are practically no veins in the wrapper and it is a finished with a well applied triple cap.
The Pupil is adorned with two bands, both of which use holographic ink. The primary band uses a black and white motif and features a youthful Karl Jung in the center. The word “Pupil” is printed in white on the right side and the phrase “ARCHETYPE Special Edition” on the left. The footer band denotes this as part of the Archetype series of cigars using the Archetype logo in white on the holographic background.
Running the Pupil along the nose I picked up an enticing toasted butter note off the foot but little aroma along the barrel. Using my CigarMedics HumidiMeter and got a perfect 69% reading off the foot.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder using my double blade Xikar cutter and proceeded to give it some cold puffs that were perfectly restricted and presented the palate with notes of natural sweetness with growing cinnamon spice and butter.
So far so good, I rolled it about some some more as I savored the cold draw, but all cigars must eventually be turned to ash. Using my double flame torch, I warmed the foot slowly bringing it to a an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of thick creamy smoke. Follow along as I break the Pupil down and turn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Thick creamy smoke right off the first puff
- Toasted bread notes enter early in the burn
- Light grey ash forms on a fairly thick char line
- Natural sweetness enters deep in the first third
- Fruit aroma wafts off the foot
- Caramel notes join the profile
- The ash is showing signs of long burn solid “stacking dimes” look
- Gentle pepper notes add to the profile
- A mint nuance brightens the mix
- Light cream notes build in the background
- Ash fell just south of the band with a centered but pointed burn cone
- Sweetness ratchets up with a vanilla cookie note deep in the second third
- Light spice notes build moving through the final
- Mild to Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Overall, the Ventura Cigars Pupil is a fabulous blend that offers a well balanced array of notes and aromas delivered through a thick and creamy volume of smoke. I especially enjoyed the mint nuance and vanilla cookie notes. The ash held on for a good portion of the burn, and once it did fall, it revealed and centered but pointed burn cone. This is a perfect cigar to start the day paired with a sweet cup of espresso. This is box worthy. I rate this a 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Pointed Burn Cone;
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Worthy; (+1) Extreme Ash
