Today, I would like to introduce you to a new cigar line that came across my desk – Croatian Mafia Cigars. The brand is the brainchild of Todd Michael Pribanic. An interesting name for a cigar company when you consider the actual Croatian mafia is one of the leading Criminal Organizations in Eastern Europe and is split between 3 families, which act as one.
Croatian Mafia Cigars believes in capturing the essence of the mafia’s hierarchy, intertwining it with Croatian flair. Each cigar in the company’s collection represents a distinct level and rank within the mafia, offering aficionados a journey through the clandestine world of organized crime, with a touch of Croatian authenticity.
The company’s inaugural releases include 5 different blends, each hand crafted at Tabacalera Pichardo in Estelí, Nicaragua:
- Boss
- Under Boss
- Capo
- Consigliere
- Solomon
For this review I will be focusing on the Croatian Mafia Cigars Under Boss. It is expressed in a (5 5/8 x 46) Corona Gorda vitola that has an MSRP of $13.50/cigar and comes packaged in 20-count boxes.
The blend of the Croatian Mafia Cigars Under Boss is described by the company as:
- Wrapper: Habano (Nicaragua)
- Binder: Habano
- Filler: Nicaraguan & Dominican
I sampled one of these, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Croatian Mafia Cigars Under Boss is cloaked in a medium brown wrapper that exhibits a light oily sheen and some marbling throughout. There are some noticeable veins running through the wrapper along with noticeable seams. The cigar has a firm bunching with no discernable soft spots. A double cap finishes the construction.
A single black, white and silver band adorns the cigar. It displays a silhouette of a mobster in the center with the name Croatian Mafia Cigars printed below. The blend name “UNDER BOSS” is printed on the bottom of the band.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up a very light barnyard note along the barrel while the foot presented minimal aroma.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and gave the cigar some cold draws. The draw was just fine and presented notes of earth and pepper.
Using my dual flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first introductory puffs of smoke that were a tad harsh on the palate. Follow along as I burn the Boss to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial puffs are a tad harsh to start the journey
- Mild tanginess begins to evolve
- A white ash forms on top of a thin char line
- Moving through the first third the harshness gives way to earthy and floral fruit notes
- The ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a well-formed burn cone
- Dry fruit notes add to the profile along with a growing spice note
- The second third develops delectable cream that balances out the blend with added floral notes enticing the palate
- Bright citrus notes join the profile midway through
- Woody notes add to the mix deep in second third
- There is a nutty nuance resting on the palate
- The final third did not show much transformation maintaining the spice and citrus to the end
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 minutes
Final Analysis
The initial puffs of the Croatian Mafia Cigars Under Boss, while a bit harsh at first, set the tone for the journey ahead. As the cigar progresses, a subtle tanginess emerges and evolves. Moving into the first third, the initial harshness slowly subsides, giving rise to a delicate interplay of earthy and floral fruit notes. The ash drops cleanly, revealing a perfectly formed burn cone. Dry fruit flavors join a burgeoning spice, enriching the profile. In the second third, a delightful creaminess emerges, harmonizing with floral hints that tantalize the palate. Bright citrus notes make a vibrant entrance, while woody undertones deepen the flavor profile. A nutty essence lingers on the palate, adding further depth. Transitioning into the final third, the cigar does not evolve much more. This one I would say is worthy of a five pack. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Harsh Start; (-1) Minimal Flavor Development in Final Third; (-1) Slight Jag in Burn
