Fortaleza Y Libra Cigars expanded their portfolio of blends this year with the introduction of the bold Intimidador and a new company name and logo due to a possible infringement in the name where they were informed the word “Fuerte” could not be used so they changed it to Fortaleza. I don’t know who thinks they own the word Fuerte which means Strong in English but so be it. I actually like the new name.
Greg Free – President of Fortaleza y Libre Cigars explained the Intimidador in a press release:
“As the first line to be fully branded with our new name and logo, we are excited to have this full-strength beauty carrying the Fortalea y Libre banner into 2024. This addition expands our catalog of blends on the full-bodied and full-strength end of the spectrum. With the recent addition of the Avalanche and now the Intimidador, we have a cigar for every palette“
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andrés
- Binder – Undisclosed
- Filler – Undisclosed
The Fortaleza Y Libra Cigars Intimidador is expressed in two vitolas, each packaged in 21-count boxes.
- Corona (5.25 x 44) – MSRP $8.99
- Toro (6 x 50) – MSRP $10.99
The cigars are handcrafted at Tabacalera El Hoyito in Tamboril, DR.
For this review, I sampled one of the Fortaleza Y Libra Cigars Intimidador Coronas that I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Fortaleza Y Libra Cigars Intimidador is draped in a dark brown wrapper that exhibits a slight oily sheen, some mild toothiness and minimal veins. This specific sample had an odd shape. The cigar has a slight bending along the barrel and a large indent near the top of the first third. A simple cap finishes the construction.
I will note, the bend and indent mentioned did not impact the burn in this cigar whatsoever.
The cigar is adorned with a single red, white, blue, and silver band adorns the cigar. It boldly displays the company’s new logo in the center and the name Intimidador on the bottom.
Running the cigar along the nose I picked up baking spice aromas off the foot but not much along the barrel.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and gave it some cold draw puff that I felt had a decent restriction and offered black pepper notes.
Using my Xikar flame fan torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of pepper laden smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Hefty dose of pepper on the initial draws
- Thick, full volume of chewy smoke
- Light grey ash forms on top of thin char line
- Mild berry note
- Ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a well-formed burn cone
- Dry leather
- Peppery notes are maintaining
- Earthy and mild floral fruit notes midway through the burn
- Walnut aroma wafts off the foot
- Berry notes evolve
- Touch of bitterness moving into the final third
- Cigar went out a few times in the final requiring a couple of relights
- Medium Plus In Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 minutes
Final Analysis
The first draws of the Fortaleza Y Libra Cigars Intimidador Corona deliver a robust punch of pepper, setting the stage for a rich experience. As the smoke fills the air, it exudes a dense, chewy texture, enveloping the senses. Amidst the robustness, there’s a subtle hint of berries, adding a touch of sweetness to the mix. The ash holds its shape admirably, revealing a perfectly formed burn cone beneath. A dry, leathery essence emerges, adding depth to the flavor profile, while the peppery notes persist, offering a consistent intensity. Midway through, earthy tones mingle with mild floral and fruity hints, creating a complex interplay of flavors. An aroma of walnuts emanates gently from the foot, enhancing the sensory experience. Meanwhile, the berry notes continue to evolve, deepening in complexity. As the journey progresses into its final third, a subtle bitterness emerges. This is worth grabbing a fiver for sure. I rate this a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Bitter Notes in Final; (-1) Relights required in final
Bonus Points: (+1) Even Burn
