My how time flies. It has been 5 years since Madison Moneey and his father acquired 262 Cigars. Since then he has joined forces with Ryan Frank Rodriguez of Ohana Cigars. They also formed a joint venture – Ohana Nui Cigars. And that venture earned the team the 2023 Stogie Press Small Company Cigar of the Year. To say Madison has been a busy man would be an understatement. Of course, when such a anniversary occurs, you have to celebrate. In the cigar industry that celebration translates into an anniversary cigar and Madison did just that by introducing the 262 Cigars “The Nines” this year.
Madison noted in a press release:
“When I celebrate something or get ready to do anything ceremonious, I rock a suit and tie and dress to the nines. I wanted a cigar that encapsulated that and I think we crushed it. The cigar’s name is also tied to the number nine, which represents luck, fortune and prosperity, something I want with every release.”
The 262 Cigars “The Nines” has a blend described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
- Binder (Dual): Habano, Nicaraguan (Condega)
- Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Ometepe), Dominican (Piloto)
The cigars are expressed in two vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Robusto (5×50) – MSRP $12.99
- Toro (6×52) – MSRP $14.99
The 262 Cigars “The Nines” are handcrafted in Eradio Pichardo’s TacaNicsa factory, in Estelí, Nicaragua. Production is limited to 140 boxes of the toro and 122 boxes of the robusto. See the play there? A total of 262 boxes.
For this review, I sampled 3 of the 262 Cigars “The Nines” toros, that I received from Madison for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The 262 Cigars “The Nines” is an attractive and well crafted cigar. It is truly dressed to the nines, with its medium to dark brown smooth wrapper, excellently applied pig tail cap, and a tightly closed foot. The wrapper has a light sheen and exhibits just a few veins. The cigar is packed well, with no soft spots detected from head to foot.
A single black and gold band adorns the cigar. It boldly declares the cigar as “The Nines”. If you look more closely at the band, you will notice the company name spelled out in the upper right “TWOSIXTWO”.
Running the barrel of the cigar along the nose I was greeted with barnyard and floral notes. With the tightly closed foot I was not able to ascertain and aromas.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and gave it some cold draws. Of course the draw was heavily restricted because of the closed foot but I was able to pick up a pepper note.
Using my Xikar Fan Flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of black pepper and cream smoke. The draw was smooth and perfectly restricted. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The journey starts with a balancing act of black pepper and cream
- A white ash develops on top of medium thick wavy char line
- Rich dark chocolate notes fill in the early profile
- A touch of floral enters moving toward the second third with ever present cream in the core
- Spicy earthy aromas waft off the foot
- The ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Mouth watering citrus notes join the profile midway
- Ash gets flaky
- Slight off burn deep in the second third
- Dark chocolate notes maintain with a shift to a more sweet aroma
- There is a slight cashew note near the end of the second third
- Spice notes develop in the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 Minutes
Final Analysis
The 262 Cigars “The Nines” journey begins with a harmonious blend of bold black pepper and sweet cream, offering an intriguing balance on the palate. Early on, rich, dark chocolate flavors dominate the profile, soon accompanied by a subtle floral note as the cigar approaches the second third, all while a creamy core remains constant. From the foot, earthy and spicy aromas gently waft, enhancing the sensory experience. Midway, mouthwatering citrus notes emerge, adding complexity to the profile. As the cigar deepens into the second third, dark chocolate notes persist, with a aroma shift towards sweetness. Near the end of second third, a delicate hint of cashew surfaces, and as the final stage approaches, the early spice intensifies, bringing the journey to a satisfying conclusion. This is worth grabbing a fiver of. I rate it a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Burn; (-1) Flaky Ash; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasurable and Balanced profile across Multiple Samples
