During the 2022 PCA trade show, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. debuted the Angel Cuesta line and finally starting shipping it to retailers in April of 2023. The company notes that only two rollers produce the Angel Cuesta cigars at the El Reloj factory. The duo produce just 150 per day. Due to the limited availability Angel Cuesta cigars are limited to just 25 TAA retailers.
The company plans to release them to additional premium cigar retailers across the United States twice a year and they will be available to those that visit the J.C. Newman Factory Store at its El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa.
The history of the cigar dates back over 100 years ago when they were first sold and named after Angel LaMadrid Cuesta, one of the founders of the storied Cuesta-Rey cigar brand. Fun Fact – The cigars were the official cigar of King Alfonso XIII, who ruled Spain from 1886 to 1931.
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano Rosado
- Binder – Undisclosed
- Filler – Undisclosed
The J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta is expressed in 3 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count cabinet boxes:
- Doble Robusto (5.5 x 56) – MSRP $18.00
- Doble Toro (6.25 x 52) – MSRP $19.00
- Salomones (7.25 x 57) – MSRP $22.00
For this review, I sampled 3 of the J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta Salomones which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The J.C. Newman Angel Cuesta Salomones is well-constructed and finished with a well applied twist cap. The cigar sports a satin smooth, milk chocolate brown wrapper with minimal veins. I did note that there is different shade of leaf on foot tip. The cigar is firmly packed.
As far as adornments, this one is covered with bands and a sleeve. They all use a bright red and gold motif. The primary band proudly displays the Angel Cuesta logo – the letter “A” with a crown and the Roman number XIII signifying King Alfonso XIII. A second band is placed midway on the cigar and declares this as the Angel Cuesta. Finally, a large sleeve is placed at the bottom that displays the logo again on a bright red background.
Running the cigar along the nose, I detected a sweet and spicy aroma along the barrel
I sliced the head ad a 45 degree angle, similar to how I cut a Torpedo and Belicoso and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs. The draw was of course tight due to the small tip, but it did offer a mild peppery spiced note.
I used my single flame torch to ignite the tip of the cigar and drew in the first peppery burst of flavor. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Full and thick peppery smoke right off the first puff
- White ash forms on top of a thick char line
- Fruit notes add to the profile as the pepper pulls back a bit
- A mild wave develops in the burn
- Ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- Rich espresso notes join the mix with a touch of cream in the background
- Burn requires a touch-up
- Natural sweetness balances the profile out
- The early fruit morphs into more of a dry fruit note
- Spice notes pick up deep in the second third
- Once ash fell there was a slight inward burn noticed
- Dark chocolate and raisin notes take it down to the final
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was right around 2 hours
Final Analysis
From the very first draw, a plume of dense, peppery smoke envelops the senses, creating an immediate and immersive experience. Amidst this smoky tapestry, the tasting adventure evolves. The initial peppery intensity gracefully yields to the emergence of fruit notes, which weave their way into the flavor profile. The palate is eventually treated to the introduction of rich espresso tones, accompanied by a subtle touch of creamy indulgence lingering in the background.
As the journey unfolds, a natural sweetness harmoniously balances the flavor profile, ensuring a delightful and well-rounded tasting experience. The initial fruity notes, once vibrant, evolve into a more nuanced and dry fruit character, adding depth and complexity to the cigar’s personality. Delving deeper into the second third, the spice notes intensify. Finally, as the journey approaches its conclusion, the flavor profile descends into a symphony of dark chocolate and raisin notes, offering a satisfying and memorable conclusion to the smoking experience. Check one out. I rate this an 89.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Burn; (-1) Touch Up Required; (-2) Slight Inward burn deep in second third; (-1) May Try Another
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasantly Complex
