Announced late in 2023, the K by Karen Berger K-Fire is one of the newest releases by Karen Berger. The name is a reference to the Temperature of a pilónes of tobacco which can be as high as 150 Degrees F in the center of the close to 4,000 Lb pile of leaf, as it goes through the fermentation process.
Karen Berger Stated in an Instagram Post:
“The K-Fire is the culmination of our passion for tobacco and the art of cigar craftsmanship. We have invested time and dedication to bring you a truly unique and captivating experience. With its seductive aroma and exceptionally balanced flavor, the K-Fire promises to take you on an unparalleled sensory journey.
From the first whiff to the final notes, the K-Fire will delight your senses and transport you to a state of pure pleasure. Our team of experts has perfected every detail of this surprise cigar to deliver an unforgettable experience.“
The blend of the K-Fire is described by the company as:
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andrés
- Binder – Habano (Jalapa, Nicaragua)
- Filler – Tobaccos grown in Nicaragua
The K-Fire by Karen Berger is expressed in a single (6 x 52) Box Pressed Toro vitola and comes packaged in 20-count, bold and vibrant, red boxes. The MSRP has been set at $14.50/cigar.
For this review, I sampled 3 of K-Fire toros that I recently received, at a Karen Berger event held at Catelli Cigar Lounge in Vero Beach, FL.
Pre-Light Examination
The K by Karen Berger K-Fire is a decent box pressed cigar with a medium to dark brown wrapper that has significant marbling throughout. The wrapper has more of matte finish as opposed to an oily sheen. The cigar is nicely packed from head to foot. A simple cap completes the construction.
A single band adorns the K-Fire. It uses a bright red and orange colors with the K-Fire logo centered in gold leaf. There are gold flames on the left and right of the band. The declaration, By Karen Berger is printed on the bottom along with Hand Made at Estelí Cigars SA.. The samples I got note 150 °C in the logo, which I was told was an error (this is a collector’s item). The new bands state 150 °F.
Running the K-Fire along the nose I picked up an earthy essence off the barrel while the foot exuded vegetal notes with an added peppery spice.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar with my doble blade HASO cutter and gave the K-Fire some cold draw puffs that felt right on with restriction and offered a touch of pepper and earthiness.
I used my dual flame torch lighter to warm the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the opening puffs of pepper, nut, and cocoa notes. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Notes of pepper and nut begin the journey the pepper is strong on the retrohale
- A white ash forms on top of a thin, slightly jagged, char line
- Cocoa powder joins the mix early with a hint of earth
- The ash fell in a small chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- A delicate and mouth-watering fruity essence weaves into the profile deep in the first third
- Caramel nuances moving into second third
- Cocoa morphs into more of a dark chocolate
- Maple syrup aromas waft off the foot near the end of the second third
- Sweetness and spice take it down through the final
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes to the nub
Final Analysis
The journey of K by Karen Berger K-Fire Toro starts with invigorating notes of pepper and nut, which dominate the retro-hale with their robust presence. Early on, the palate is greeted by the addition of and enticing cocoa powder, lending a rich depth to the experience. The profile is further enhanced as a tantalizing fruity essence delicately intertwines with the overall profile, teasing the taste buds with its nuanced sweetness. Transitioning into the second third, subtle caramel undertones emerge, adding a luscious complexity to the flavor profile. The cocoa evolves into a darker, more intense chocolate, deepening the sensory journey. Towards the end of the second third, wisps of maple syrup aroma drift from the foot, enhancing the sensory experience. Finally, as the cigar draws to a close, an interplay of sweetness and spice guides the palate through the final moments, leaving a lingering satisfaction in its wake. This is certainly a box buy in my book. I rate this a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Slightly Jagged Burn; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone; (-1) Ash Fell Often
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasant and Balanced Experience across Multiple Samples; (+1) Box Buy
