Back in 2019, I introduced you to a new cigar compony known as Bocock Brother’s Cigars. Back then, the company entered the market with three blends, a Connecticut, Maduro & Habano. Subsequently, they forged a relationship with A.J. Fernandez and released a special blend known as the Signature Edition. Building on that relation, they went back to Fernandez and worked with him to “reimagine” the original Bocock Brothers World Traveler Maduro line. The company sent me some samples to review and today I would like to offer that review for your reading pleasure.
The Brothers Bocock noted:
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy. But we also know we are in good hands in our ongoing pursuit of excellence,” with the pair going on to call Abdel Fernandez a mentor to them.
To start with, the blend is quite a bit different than the original. Here is a breakdown of the two different blends:
A.J. Fernandez Version (NEW)
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andrés
- Binder – Ecuadorian Habano
- Filler – Nicaragua
Original
- Wrapper: Nicaragua
- Binder: Connecticut
- Filler: Honduras/Nicaragua
Like the original release, the Word Traveler Maduro is expressed in 3 vitolas, but instead of the Churchill, the team went with a Gordo in the new release:
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $12.45
- Toro (6 x 52) – MSRP $12.75
- Gordo (6 x 60) – MSRP $12.95
The price per cigar is roughly $2.00 more than the original.
For this review I sampled 3 of the new World Traveler Maduro Toros, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The World Traveler Maduro is cloaked in a dark brown oily wrapper that exhibits a mild tooth through the leaf. The cigar is nicely bunched and firm to the touch with just the right give when gently pressed between the fingers. There are minimal veins, and the construction is finished with a well applied double cap.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band uses a black, gold, and white motif and proudly displays the company logo (rooster with a bow tie) in the center encircled with the words “BOCOCK BROTHERS” There are some gold swirls across the band and the words “Hand Made” on the left an “Honduras” on the right. The secondary band is placed just below the primary and declares this as the “WORLD TRAVELER MADURO” in gold on a black background.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up a sweet floral aroma along the barrel while the foot exuded notes of earthiness and a slight barnyard aroma.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be spot on with restriction while it offered a growing pepper burn to lips coupled with rich earthy notes on the palate.
I warmed the foot to an even orange glow with my double flame torch and drew in the first puffs of smoke that hit the palate and nasals with a burst of black pepper.
Cigar Review Notes
- The initial puffs offer a strong black peppery hit to the palate and the nasals
- A white ash forms on top of a thin and slightly wavy char line
- Earth and fruit notes add to the profile as the pepper maintains through the first third
- Ash drops early but each time revealed a well-formed and centered burn cone
- Dark chocolate notes join the mix as the pepper recedes near the start of the second third
- A touch of sweetness enters adding a welcome balance to the blend
- Peppery spice reemerges deep in second third
- Dark chocolate notes become richer
- Cinnamon spice develops down to the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The initial draws of the Bocock Brothers World Traveler Maduro Toro deliver a robust and pronounced black peppery sensation on both the palate and through the nasals with a mild sting to the lips. The flavor profile evolves with the introduction of earthy and fruity notes complementing the persistent pepper, particularly in the initial third. Transitioning into the second third, dark chocolate undertones become discernible, subtly stepping forward as the pepper subsides. A delightful touch of sweetness gracefully enters the scene, creating an equilibrium to the overall blend. As the second third deepens, the peppery spice stages a comeback, adding an invigorating kick to the experience. The dark chocolate notes, meanwhile, grow in intensity, creating a more indulgent flavor profile. Towards the final stretch, a nuanced cinnamon spice emerges, providing a flavorful and pleasing conclusion to the cigar. This is certainly a box buy and was far better performing than the original. I rate this a 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave in Burn;
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pleasurable and Consistent across Multiple Samples
