Nick Syris from LH Premium Cigars added a new cigar to the company’s growing portfolio. The cigar is known as the Nick Sofos. The word Sofos translates from Greek to English as wise or learned. The company notes that the cigar pays homage to Nick’s Greek heritage and also to the cigar making craft.
Nick explains:
“The Salomon cigar shape is named after King Solomon from Greek mythology and the biblical figure. King Solomon is renowned for his wisdom. “Salomon” suggests grandeur and sophistication, fitting for a cigar shape that exudes luxury and craftsmanship, much like the reputation associated with King Solomon himself.
King Solomon was revered for his wisdom, and “Sophos,” (Σοφός) the Greek word for ‘wise’ or ‘learned, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this exceptional cigar. The Solomon Sophos combines the rich tapestry of Greek heritage and history with the craftsmanship of a premium cigar blended with aged tobaccos within the distinctive Solomon shape.”
The Nick Sofos has a rich multi-country blend described by the company as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano Criollo ’98
- Binder – Ecuadorian Habano 2000
- Filler – Ecuadorian, Peruvian, Dominican, Brazilian Ligero
The cigar is expressed in a single (6 x 58) Short Solomon vitola and come packaged in 20-count bundles. The company has noted that they will be adding boxes in the future. MSRP has been set at $14.00/cigar.
The Nick Sofos is hand crafted at Tabacos de Costa Rica in Costa Rica.
For this review I sampled on of the Nick Sofos cigars that was gifted to me by my local BOTL Lou Piscitelli.
Pre-Light Examination
The Nick Sofos is draped in a shiny, dark brown and toothy wrapper. the wrapper exhibits minimal veins and the cigar is well constructed with no soft spots along with a well applied cap and foot.
A single white and black band adorns the cigar. It displays the company logo in the center and the name SOFOS in the right and the Greek Σοφός on the left.
Running the barrel along the nose, I picked up a well fermented tobacco leaf aroma while the foot exuded enticing notes of chocolate and nut.
I sliced the pointed cap about 3/8 of an inch down from the tip (the equivalent of a 44 ring gauge opening) and gave it some cold draw puffs. The draw was spot on and treated the palate to notes of cocoa and walnut.
Using my dual flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of dark cocoa and mild spice to start the journey. Follow along as burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Introductory puffs deliver notes of dark cocoa and spice to start the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of a medium thick wavy char line
- Slight jag in the burn
- Fruity jam and cracker aromas waft off the foot
- Dark chocolate highlights the first inch of burn
- Espresso notes add to the mix offering a mocha like essence
- Nice ash chunk falls and reveals a well-formed burn cone
- Increased spice notes midway
- Cedar and a growing nut essence enters deep in second third (the nut lingers on the palate)
- Another off burn develops that requires a touch up again
- Cedar notes grow into the final third
- Continued spice and chocolate
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The initial puffs of the medium to full strength, LH Premium Cigars Nick SOFOS Short Salomon, introduce rich flavors of dark cocoa and spice, marking the beginning of a flavorful journey. Aromas reminiscent of fruity jam and toasted crackers gently drift from the foot of the cigar. As the burn progresses, dark chocolate becomes prominent in the first inch, complemented by espresso notes that contribute to a mocha-like essence. Midway through, the spice notes intensify, accompanied by hints of cedar and a burgeoning nutty essence that lingers on the palate into the second third. Cedar flavors become more pronounced as the cigar enters its final third, accompanied by sustained notes of spice and chocolate, maintaining a complex and satisfying profile to the end. I would say to grab a fiver of these and check them out. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Off Burn; (-2) Multiple Touchups; (-1) Wavy Char Line
Bonus Points: (+1) Complex and Pleasurable Profile
