Today I would like to introduce you to another new cigar brand that has found its way to my doorstep. The brand name is Flatbush Cigar Co.
According to the parent company, Gotham Cigars:
“Gotham Cigars is the largest online purveyor of cigars in the United States. Over 20 years ago, Gotham Cigars’ founder and president, Manny Balani was having a meeting in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. The result of the tête-à-tête complimented by rum and cigars was the birth of Gotham Cigars.”
Owner and President of Gotham Cigars, Manny Balani, explains the creation of the Flatbush Cigar Co. brand:
“The story behind the story of Flatbush Cigar Company is that a conversation that I was having about the cigar business many years ago while in Flatbush generated the idea that has become Gotham Cigars. I have always known that I wanted to honor that meeting, and one of my favorite areas in Brooklyn, with a cigar…and now here it is. These are really fantastic cigars that are affordable. We look forward to introducing them to the market, and following that up with a few other creative ideas we have planned for the Flatbush Cigar Company.”
The company recently rolled out three blends in the Flatbush Cigar Co. line:
- The Doorman
- The Stoop
- The Yellow Cab
“Each blend is designed to embody the stalwart and assiduous character of the people of Flatbush area in Central Brooklyn.”
Gotham Cigars
Well having spent 4 years going to college at Pratt Institute, just about 3 miles from the Flatbush Area. I did get to spend a short amount of time there back in the late 1970’s, especially on the edge, at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and Prospect Park. This part of Brooklyn is steeped in history dating back over 350 years, when settled by the Dutch. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers – Ebbets Field.
As for the newly released Flatbush Cigar Co., I would like to present a review of The Doorman blend today which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
The blend of The Doorman is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder – Nicaraguan Habano
- Filler – Nicaraguan (Condega and Jalapa)
The Flatbush Cigar Co. – The Doorman is expressed in three different vitolas, each packaged in 10-count packs. They are available directly from the Gotham Cigars website.
- Toro (5 x 56) – MSRP $3.79
- Gordo (6 x 60) – MSRP $3.99
- Churchill (7 x 50) – MSRP $3.85
All Flatbush Cigar Co. cigars are crafted at the Best Cigars S.A. factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Pre-Light Examination
The Flatbush Cigar Co. – The Doorman is cloaked with a medium to dark brown wrapper that has a few noticeable veins and has a light oily sheen. The wrapper has a satin feel to it and the cigar feel to be packed well and firmly rolled. A double cap finishes the construction.
The cigar is adorned with a large sleeve that uses a purple, black and white motif. The Flatbush Cigar Co. logo is boldly presented in the middle in black and white and the name “The Doorman” is printed in white on a purple background below.
Running the cigar along the nose I detected a light anise note along the barrel while the foot presented pepper and fruit notes.
I used my CigarMedics Baller cutter to open the cap perfectly and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs. I found the cold draw to be right on with proper restriction while offering notes of pepper on the lips and tongue with a hint of chocolate and natural tobacco sweetness.
Using my double flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of hefty pepper to start the journey. Follow along a I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The Doorman journey starts with nasal awaking pepper
- After the initial burst a fruity citrus sizzle appears on the tongue
- Solid White ash forms on a medium thick slightly wavy char line
- Coffee aroma wafts off the foot
- A delicate caramel note joins the mix as the aroma shifts to a nutty note
- Ash drops in a decent chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Licorice notes tantalize the palate moving into the second third
- Natural tobacco sweetness adds to the pleasure evolving into a balancing cream note
- Dark chocolate notes evolve deep in the second third
- Spice emerges in the final with an added mild cracker note
- Medium In Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The Doorman’s journey commences with a nasal awakening of invigorating pepper, instantly rousing the senses. Following this initial explosion, a delightful cascade of fruity citrus unfolds upon the palate, creating a tantalizing sizzle that dances across the taste buds. As the experience evolves, a gentle waft of coffee aroma graces the air, intertwining seamlessly with the overall symphony of flavors.
Transitioning gracefully into the next phase, a delicate note of caramel makes its entrance, elegantly joining the medley of sensations. This aromatic shift gradually transforms into a nutty essence, adding further depth to the cigar’s profile. An enchanting hint of licorice teases the palate, intertwining with the existing flavors to create an intriguing complexity. This journey of taste then takes a delightful turn as a natural tobacco sweetness emerges, enhancing the overall enjoyment and progressing into a harmonious creaminess that balances the ensemble. Midway through, the flavor profile takes a bold step, introducing dark chocolate notes that add a rich and decadent layer to the experience. As the finale approaches, a gradual crescendo of spice captivates the senses, accompanied by a subtle yet satisfying hint of mild crackers, providing a delightful conclusion to the journey.
The price point alone should make you want to buy a bundle, add in the balanced complexity of flavor and this is no brainer. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Slight Wave in Burn; (-1) Flat but Centered Burn Cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasantly Complex and Balanced; (+1) Buy a Bundle
