Today I offer another review of a Kiki Momo Cigar. Known as the Gordo Designer 1, or simply the KFC102. This cigar is part of the company’s designer series, as you see in the photos.
Keith Moskowitz, Founder of Kiki Momo Cigars notes:
“As a young boy of twelve In the early 1970’s , my love for cigars began. On a trip to Midtown Manhattan, along with my dad, we visited Alvin Sanchez’s Hand Rolled Cigars; a small but impressionable boutique sized shop, where he gave me my first glimpse into the cigar making industry. I spent the day learning about the art & rolling cigars from Cuban exiles. From that day forward, my love for cigars grew.”
The Kiki Momo Gordo Designer 1 is expressed in a single (6 x 60) Vitola and comes packaged in bundles up to 25-count. MSRP has been set at $15.00/cigar.
When it comes to the blend of the cigar. The company states it is an Esteli, Nicaraguan proprietary blend. It features an intricate Maduro and Habano pattern, providing both aesthetic and flavor complexity.
The company’s website adds:
“Kiki Momo Cigars prides itself on combining relaxation and comfort with a wide variety of meticulously hand-rolled cigars. Sourcing the highest quality tobacco, Kiki Momo ensures that their cigars appeal to both occasional smokers and seasoned aficionados. Known for their perfect draw and burn, these cigars offer a luxurious smoking experience with rich and varied flavor profiles such as dark chocolate, sweet cream, baking spices, and more.
Positioned as a cigar fit for royalty, Kiki Momo Cigars embodies an ethos of luxury and elegance. Each cigar is crafted to deliver a premium experience, making it not just a smoke but a testament to success and refinement. The brand’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship transforms cigar smoking into an indulgent ritual, a celebration of leisure, and a symbol of achievement.“
For this review, I sampled one of the Kiki Momo Gordo Designer 1 cigars which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Kiki Momo Gordo Designer 1 is a very artistic looking cigar. Its leaf appliques are very well applied. The cigar is well constructed with a solid feel from head to foot. There is a light sheen to the wrapper leaf. A simple cap completes the construction.
A single band adorns the cigar. It is the same band that is used on all Kiki Momo cigars and presents the company brandmark prominently in the center along with the phrase “A Cigar Fit For Royalty“
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up sweet curing barn aromas along the barrel, while the foot exudes notes of chocolate and a hint of fruit.
Once I sliced that cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar, I gave it some cold draw puffs that were fine with restriction and offered an evolving peppery spice on the lips and tongue along with a slight vanilla note.
Using my dual flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of a hefty peppery kick, especially on the retrohale. Follow along as I burn this beauty to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
Cigar Review Notes
- Hefty pepper start, especially on the first retrohale
- Papery notes join the early mix with an evolving fruit
- A light grey ash forms on top of an even burn line
- The smoke is thick and full on every puff
- Sweet nutty aroma has been pleasing the nose through the early burn
- Nutmeg spice enters as it is moving into the second third
- There is a continued natural sweetness in the core of the blend
- The ash fell in nice chunk, revealing a well-formed burn cone
- The profile gets a tad sour midway through the burn
- A pleasant array of creamy notes join the mix, deep in the second third with a tasty berry note
- Moving into the final, the early peppery spice makes a resurgence to finish the journey
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and
Final Analysis
The Kiki Momo Gordo Designer 1 opened with a hefty blast of pepper, especially evident on the very first retrohale. A slight off-putting papery note quickly joined the early mix, while an evolving fruit tone began to build in the background. The burn line was sharp and even, supporting a light grey ash that stacked nicely as the journey got underway. Each puff delivered thick, full smoke, coating the palate with ease, while a sweet nutty aroma pleased the nose through the early stage.
As it moved into the second third, the early papery noted faded away and gave way to a warm nutmeg spice, adding depth to the experience. At the core, a steady natural sweetness continued to anchor the blend. The ash eventually fell in a solid chunk, exposing a decent burn cone beneath.
Midway, the profile shifted slightly sour before smoothing back out as creamy notes appeared, bringing balance once again. A tasty berry note layered in late in the second third, kept the palate engaged.
Down to the final, the cigar brought the journey full circle as the early pepper spice resurfaced. The closing draws were bold and flavorful, ending with a lingering peppery kick that reminded me of its powerful start. I would suggest grabbing a fiver of these and check them out. I rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Papery note Early in the burn; (-1) Mild but fleeting sour note near midway
