Announced at the 2023 Total Product Expo (TPE), the ATL Cigar Co. Wise Blood is one of two new releases from the company. It is inspired by the novel by the same name by famed Georgian author, Flannery O’Connor, which tackles an array of issues from religion, to class, race, and more.
The company notes that the cigar matches its namesake in that complexity, and feature a bend described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano Rosado HVA
- Binder – Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Filler – Nicaragua
The Wise Blood is expressed in 4 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Lonsdale (6 1/2 x 42) – MSRP $9.99
- Robusto Extra (6 x 50) – MSRP $10.49
- Robusto (5 1/4 x 54) – MSRP $10.99
- Gordito (4 x 60) – MSRP $11.49
The cigars are manufactured at the Luciano Cigars Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
For this review, I sampled two of the Wise Blood Robusto Extras which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The ATL Cigar Co. Wise Blood sports a smooth reddish brown wrapper that exhibits a touch of marbling and a few noticeable veins. I found the packing to be firm with just the right give when pressed between the fingers. A well applied double cap finishes the presentation.
Two bands adorn the Wise Blood , both of which use a white, red, and black motif. The primary band displays the company logo while the secondary band, placed just below the primary, boldly states that this is the “WISE BLOOD”.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up mild barnyard notes along the barrel in addition to a bit of aniseed off the foot.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that had a decently restricted draw and offered a mild pepper note, especially on the lips, a hint of sweetness and a touch of the pre-light licorice (aniseed).
I warmed the foot to an even orange glow with my double flame torch and drew in the first puffs of dark cocoa with an added peppery spice. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers a dark cocoa note with added peppery spice
- Citrus notes quickly move in with a hint of dry leather
- A light grey ash forms on top of medium to thick wavy char line
- Full volume of smoke fills the palate with thick ring texture smoke
- Ash fell in about a 1 inch chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Richer dark chocolate notes evolve moving through the second third
- Enticing maple syrup aroma wafts off the foot
- Spice notes enter deep in the second third
- The final third was much like the second with a nuance of woody notes
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 45 minutes
Final Analysis
Right off the first puff, the ATL Cigar Co. Wise Blood brings forth a dark cocoa note with a touch of peppery spice. Shortly after, mouth watering citrus notes join the flavor profile, accompanied by a subtle hint of dry leather. The smoke generously fills the palate with thick and creamy texture. As the experience progresses into the second third, the flavor profile evolves, showcasing richer dark chocolate notes. along with a sweet maple syrup aroma adding an additional layer of allure. Spice notes make their presence known deep in the second third adding depth and complexity to the overall taste while the final third adds a subtle nuance of woody notes. As much as I enjoyed the profile through the second third, I would have liked a bit more transition and evolution in the final. I still think this is worth grabbing a fiver of and maybe let some age some more. I rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Burn Line; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone
