Diab Ellan recently collaborated with Blackbird Cigars to blend and produce a new line of cigars known as the Blackbird Diab Ellan Exclusive. The collaborative project produced 3 different blends – Connecticut, Maduro, and Habano. Each blend is expressed in 3 different vitolas – Magnum, Torpedo, and Toro – each packaged in 20-count boxes with an MSRP of $160.00/box or $8.00/cigar.
The company describes the blend as:
- Wrapper – Connecticut Ecuador Binder piloto cubano Filler Criollo 98 canela Criollo 98 mao Corojo 99 canela Piloto cubano jacagua
- Binder – Piloto cubano
- Filler – Criollo 98 canela, Criollo 98 mao, Corojo 99 canela, Piloto cubano jacagua
For this review I enjoyed one of the Blackbird Diab Ellan Exclusive Connecticut Magnums. The cigar is expressed in a (6 x 60) magnum vitola.
Pre-Light Examination
The Blackbird Diab Ellan Exclusive Connecticut Magnum is draped in a mildly toothy Connecticut wrapper that has a bright tan color with minimal veins. The cigar feels firmly packed with no soft spots. It is finished with a well applied cap.
A single band adorns the cigar. If you are a Blackbird cigar fan, the band is distinctively Blackbird using a blue, black, and gold motif. The name Blackbird Cigar Co. is prominently displayed on the band along with the name Diab Ellan Exclusive. This is one where the band pops nicely on a shelf.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up baking spice notes along the barrel, while the foot exuded a cracker sweetness.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be nicely restricted with a mild tanginess and a growing cinnamon like spice. I enjoyed cold puffing on this one for longer than average.
Using my dual flame torch, I warmed the foot to a fine orange glow and drew in the introduction notes of tangy fruit to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Tangy fruit notes start the journey
- A nice white ash forms
- Butter cracker notes join the early mix with a smooth draw offering mouth filling smoke
- An enticing fruity aroma wafts off the foot
- I noted a lingering nut on the palate moving into the second third
- Things keep getting better as a delectable creaminess joins the profile
- The ash dropped in a good chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- A mild off burn developed midway but did not require a touch up
- Bitter citrus peel notes greet the palate, deep in the second third
- The story here is the strength, which has dramatically ratcheted up
- Taking it down through the final, sweet caramel notes appear with an added spiciness to close out the journey
- Medium Plus in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The Blackbird Diab Ellan Exclusive Connecticut Magnum is a surprisingly strong Connecticut wrapped cigar that opens with tangy fruit notes which immediately set the tone. A nice white ash forms early, while buttered cracker notes join the profile, supported by a smooth draw that delivers mouth-filling smoke. An enticing fruity aroma wafts off the foot, adding to the early appeal.
As the cigar moves into the second third, a lingering nutty note settles on the palate, adding depth and texture. Things continue to improve as a delectable creaminess joins the mix, rounding out the profile beautifully. The ash eventually drops in a solid chunk, revealing a decent and centered burn cone beneath. A mild off-burn develops midway, though it corrects itself without requiring a touch-up.
Deep in the second third, bitter citrus peel notes greet the palate, adding contrast and complexity. The real story here, however, is the strength, which has dramatically ratcheted up—especially notable for a Connecticut-wrapped cigar.
Taking the cigar down through the final third, sweet caramel notes emerge alongside an added spiciness, closing out the journey with authority and leaving a memorable impression.
In closing, this cigar defies expectations for a Connecticut, delivering a surprising level of strength alongside evolving flavor transitions. Creamy, nutty, and sweet elements balance well against citrus and spice, making for an engaging and memorable smoking experience—especially for those who enjoy a bolder take on a traditionally milder wrapper.
- Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Off burn
- Bonus Points: (+1) Well Rounded Profile; (+1) Box Buy
