Back in October of 2022, Diesel cigars announced their latest Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) exclusive – the Diesel Atonement. The company describes the cigar as unapologetically-bold.
In the press release, Justin Andrews noted:
“The Diesel story continues to be written, not by AJ and me, but by the Diesel retailers and the fans of the brand who shop in their stores. They’ve been as supportive as they have been vocal, and they didn’t pull any punches when it came to telling us what they wanted for the TAA exclusive cigar this year. They asked for a full-bodied Nicaraguan smoke that balances strength and complexity, with a little something extra, and we delivered. We took the packaging to the next level and made the box to look like a classic novel. It’s our way of letting Diesel retailers and fans know that our story is their story, and there’s so much more to write.”
The Diesel Atonement’s bold and flavorful blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Dark Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
- Filler – Nicaraguan
The Diesel Atonement is expressed in a single (6 x 52) box pressed toro and comes packaged in 10-count boxes that are novel-inspired (box looks like a book).
MSRP has been set at $10.00 per cigar. Only 1,000 boxes of the full-bodied Diesel Atonement Toro were made. The cigar was a collaboration between Justin Andrews and AJ Fernandez.
For this review, I sampled three Diesel Atonements which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Diesel Atonement boldness begins with a dark brown Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper which may be the darkest one I have seen in some time. It has a mild oily sheen and some marbling through the leaf. The wrapper is pretty much devoid of veins. The cigar itself is a square box pressed vitola with crisp edges. A simple cap finishes the presentation.
Two bands adorn the Atonement. Both incorporate a black and copper motif. The primary band boldly displays the brandmark in the center along with the phrase ““The Cost of Oblivious Daydreaming Was Always This Moment of Return” wrapped along the edge along with “Always Demand Bold” The secondary band is placed just below and displays the Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) logo.
Running the Atonement along the nose I did not pick up much if any aroma along the barrel but the foot did offer some earthy notes.
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 restrictions as it delivered initial pre-light notes of mild pepperiness that gradually intensified on each puff along with sweet nut and earth notes the more I cold puffed it.
Using my single flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of intense peppery spice. Follow along as burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Immediate intense pepper note, especially on the retro-hale
- Rich earthy notes join the profile as the pepper pulls back a notch
- Light grey ash forms on top of thin and jagged burn line
- Tangy fruit notes find their way into the profile
- Sweet nutty aroma wafts off the foot
- Smoke volume has been full since the first puff
- Smooth natural tobacco sweetness fills in the early profile
- Ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a well formed burn cone
- By the midway point, a pleasant fruit and spice mix entices the palate
- Licorice nuances add the enjoyment
- Earthy notes become more bold, deep in second third
- Dry cocoa notes enter down to the final
- Medium Plus in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 35 minutes
Final Analysis
As described by the company, I found the Diesel Atonement TAA Exclusive to be bold indeed. From the look of the dark Sumatra wrapper, to the intense peppery start, down through the flavorful blend and transitions that kept my palate interested. I loved the licorice notes midway and the dry cocoa in the final. It had a decent burn until midway where an off burn developed and a touch up was required. I would say this is an after dinner cigar that would pair well with a glass of Islay scotch. Pick a fiver of these before they are gone. I rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Jagged Burn; (-1) Off burn in Second Third; (-1) Touch up required
Bonus Points: (+1) Consistent Flavors across multiple samples
