In today’s review, I offer my take on a new brand and blend that is hitting the market of premium cigars. Lovely Cigars is not just a brand name but a nod of respect to the history of cigars in Green Bay, Wisconsin and the rebirth of a defunct brand – ‘Ain’t They Lovely’ cigars.
According to the Lovely Cigars website:
“In Green Bay, Wisconsin there was a robust labor union for cigar making. This union’s name was The Local 162. Green Bay was a major Midwest producer of cigars due to its proximity to the Great Lakes by way of the Fox River. One of the oldest cigar brands on the market from Green Bay was named, Ain’t They Lovely. The Ain’t They Lovely brand was sold throughout the state of Wisconsin, and as far down as the Chicago Land area. In fact, part of the original artwork on the boxes incorporates blue ribbon medals from the World’s Columbian Exposition, better known as the “World’s Fair” in 1893.
With the advent of tobacco rolling machines for cigars, a lot of the smaller shops closed their doors in the early twentieth century. Green Bay was a long standing hold out, and produced cigars into the 1960’s. After the Cuban trade embargo, good cigar tobacco was very difficult to find and the remaining shops closed down.
Being from Green Bay and understanding the history of the cigar business, we wanted to pay tribute to our area and its rich history. When we found and opened the original ‘Ain’t They Lovely’ box of cigars from the early 1900s, the gem of an idea was formed. We were going to bring back this iconic brand. Lovely Cigars was formed out of respect to the history of Green Bay, and the desire to bring people together through artisan tobacco.“
The company’s inaugural cigar, simply called “Lovely” has a blend described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuador
- Binder: Mexico
- Filler: Nicaragua
It is currently available in a single (6 x 52) toro – known as the Elegante X2. They come packaged in 20-count wooden boxes. MSRP is set at $11.11/cigar.
For this review I sampled three of these cigars which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Lovely Cigars Toro is wrapped with a fairly smooth, milk chocolate brown wrapper that exhibits just a few noticeable veins running through the barrel. The cigar has a mild oily sheen. Firmly packed from head to foot, the cigar is nicely bunched by looking at the foot. A double cap neatly finishes the construction.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band is an artful design using a number of embellishments and symbology and the name “LOVELY” embossed in gold on a white background in the center of the band. The back of the band state “Hand Made Nicaragua”. A gold satin footer band is also applied.
I noted the rich floral aromas as I ran the barrel along the nose, while the foot exudes notes of light pepper, floral, and fruit notes.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave the cigar a few cold draw puffs that I found to be a td tighter than I normally prefer. The draw offered notes of natural sweetness and black pepper on the lips and tongue along with a mild cashew nut sensation.
Upon first light, the palate is greeted with a mild pepper and sweetness to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers a mild pepper and sweetness to begin the journey
- White ash forms on a clean thin burn line
- Thick creamy and chewy smoke fills the palate
- Enticing cashew notes join the mix with an evolving sweet cream note
- Rich coffee notes enter deep in first third
- Citrus notes enter moving into second third
- Ash fell revealing a decent and centered burn cone
- Citrus notes grow into a mouthwatering sensation midway
- Pleasant nutty aroma
- Spice notes evolve moving through the second third
- Mild wave in burn forms
- Continued light spice and cream notes with a fruit nuance down to the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and
Final Analysis
The Lovely Cigars Elegante X2 is a truly deserving name for this cigar, as it is simply elegant! From the very first puff to the last, the cigar exuded delectable flavors and alluring aromas that left me craving another. It’s rare for me to discover a new brand with an inaugural cigar that is a home run, but this one knocked it out of the park. The early pepper note is perfectly balanced, providing just enough kick, while the creamy sweetness, nuttiness, and citrus undertones add a harmonious dimension to the smoking experience. The mouthwatering sensation opens the palate, allowing for subtle yet nuanced notes throughout. This is undoubtedly a cigar that every aficionado should try. This is box buy for sure. I rate this a 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild wave
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Complex and Balanced across Multiple Samples
