Today I offer my last of the 5-part series of reviews of Croation Mafia Cigars. This review focuses on the largest of the vitolas in the company’s portfolio, the Soldier, a (7.25 x 57) Salomon that is hand crafted at Tabacalera Pichardo in Estelí, Nicaragua. The factory is owned by 4th Generation Cuban Cigar Grower, Eradio Pichardo Perez.
In a Mafia hierarchy, the Soldier is the first official level in the organization and soldiers report to Capos. Soldiers work with various associates, who may also work with other Soldiers to carry out the business of the organization. While associates are not officially members of the family, they can rise to level of solider by proving their worth. Soldiers are the backbone of the organization and carry out the day-to-day operations.
The Croation Mafia Cigars Soldier has a blend described as:
- Wrapper – Habano Rosado
- Binder – Cameroon
- Filler – Nicaragua
Retailing for $15.95/cigar, the Soldier comes packaged in 20-count boxes. Like all Croation Mafia Cigars, the Soldier is hand crafted at Tabacalera Pichardo in Estelí, Nicaragua. The factory is owned by 4th Generation Cuban Cigar Grower, Eradio Pichardo Perez.
For this review, I sampled one of these which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Croation Mafia Cigars Soldier is a well-constructed salomon exhibiting a dark tan wrapper that has a few veins and light marbling running through it. The packing is firm and the vitola has a well applied cap and proper foot tip.
Like all cigars in the company’s portfolio, the Soldier is adorned with a single black, white and silver band. The same basic design is used – a silhouette of a mobster in the center with the name Croatian Mafia Cigars printed below. This time, the blend name “SOLDIER” is printed on the bottom of the band. The Soldier also has a white satin band on the foot.
I ran the barrel along the nose and did not pick up much aroma from the wrapper. As for the foot, one cannot judge because of the salomon tip.
I sliced the head about a 1/4 inch down and proceeded to give it some cold draws that offered tangy notes a touch of saltiness.
Using a single flame lighter I ignited the tip of the cigar and started the journey with notes of sweetness and butter cracker notes. Follow along as I burn the Soldier to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light brings forth sweetness and butter cracker notes
- A light grey ash forms
- Fruit notes quickly join the mix as creaminess wraps the blend together about an inch into the burn
- The restriction is fine, and the draw is smooth
- The early fruit evolves into a sweet dry fruit moving into the second third
- The ash continues to grow and hang tight
- Mild cedar notes make their presence known midway through the burn
- A muted chocolate note enters deep in the second third with a tantalizing mild spice nuance
- The ever-present sweet notes continue through the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 2 plus hours
Final Analysis
The Croation Mafia Cigars the Soldier begins with enticing and palate pleasing notes of natural tobacco sweetness and butter cracker. As the burn progresses, a burst of fruity notes emerges, quickly blending with a creamy smoothness that unifies the flavors within the first inch. The draw is effortless, with just the right amount of resistance, ensuring a satisfying experience. The initial fruitiness evolves, shifting into a delicate, dry fruit sweetness as the cigar moves into its second third. The ash continues to grow steadily, remaining intact as the burn progresses. Midway through, a mild cedar flavor subtly makes its presence known, adding depth to the profile. As the second third continues, a delicate chocolate note emerges, accompanied by a gentle hint of spice that teases the palate. Through the final third, the sweet fruit notes remain, providing a consistent and enjoyable finish to the smoke. The Soldier is worth every penny for it profile and time of smoking. I rate this a solid 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild wave in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Extreme Ash; (+1) Pleasurably Balanced
