Introduced at the 2022 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, the ADVentura Barbaroja’s Invasion is latest in the the company’s fictional 15th century journey of ADV and Mckay- characters that ADVentura Cigars created to tell the story of their latest releases to the market. For this latest chapter of the explorers, the company moved to a darker Mexican San San Andrés wrapper to represent the dark aspects of the story.
As described by the company’s website:
“The NEW Barbarroja’s Invasion takes a darker more aggressive turn in tales of ADV & McKay, with world domination in mind. This medium plus smoke invades the palate with nougat, and sweet wood with hints of black pepper. “Taste it or pay the price!”
The full bend is described as:
- Wrapper: Mexican San San Andrés
- Binder: Dominican Republic
- Filler: Dominican Republic Medio Tiempo
The company notes that the Aging on this includes Raw tobacco between 4-5 years, cigars 4-5 months, Aging Room 5 Months.
They are expressed in 3 different vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes that make a noise when the lidof the box is opened.
- Robusto (5 x 52) – MSRP $14.20
- Corona (6 x 44) – MSRP $13.20
- Toro (6 x 54) – MSRP $15.00
I have to say, I smoked the pre-release Robusto and was impressed with its profile so I was looking forward to the final version which I received the corona vitola of from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
This is an impressive looking corona with its dark brown, toothy, and oily wrapper. It has a few veins and is finished with a closed foot and double cap. The cigar feels firmly packed and has tight seams in the roll.
A single band adorns the cigar, uses a metallic red, gold, and grey motif. It boldly displays the company’s logo.
Running the cigar along the nose my nasals were quickly awoken by the notes of cinnamon and fruity jam along the barrel and foot delivered a pleasant butter and cinnamon sensation. What a pleasant introduction to a cigar pre-light!
It got even better as I used my CigarMedics Baller cutter to open the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that had a distinct cinnamon note and a an array of fruit . The cinnamon spice grows in balance with the fruit as I puff some more.
With my single flame torch I warmed the foot which took quick to the heat of the flame with it folded over leaf. As I warmed it to an even orange glow I drew in the first nasal awaking of a spicy cinnamon sting on the retro-hale. Follow along as burn this one to ash.
- Spicy cinnamon sting on the nose to start the invasion
- Solid white ash forms on a thin even char line
- Toasted cracker notes waft off the foot
- Very smooth and mouth filling draw
- Delectable sweet caramel notes join the mix adding a fine balance with the cinnamon
- Earthy notes begin to evolve filling in the backdrop of the blend
- The ash fell in a solid chunk, revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Dark chocolate notes evolve in the second third
- The aroma shifts to a maple syrup note midway
- After the pleasant transition through the second third, spicy notes reform in the final
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
The Adventura Barbaroja’s Invasion started with an intensely fiery blast of cinnamon that ignites the senses, invigorating the invasion with its powerful presence. Fragrant hints of toasted crackers gracefully entice the nostrils with their alluring aroma. The draw is velvety and gratifying, embracing the palate with its exceptional smoothness and fullness as the spice pulls back giving way to deliciously irresistible caramel notes. Earthy undertones progressively emerge, filling the background of the composition, creating a tapestry of flavors. As the journey enters the second phase, nuances of dark chocolate gradually unfurl, adding depth and complexity to the blend. Midway through, the aroma undergoes a captivating metamorphosis, transitioning into a tantalizing note reminiscent of maple syrup. After the pleasurable transformation experienced, the final sees the revival of piquant sensations, delivering a satisfying conclusion. Though not overly complex, the flavors were captivating and I would say this is worth a fiver. I rate this a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flat but centered burn cone on first ash drop; (-1) Slightly flaky ash in the second half
Bonus Points: (+1) Excellent Burn line
