Today I would like to offer you a review of a new brand and one of their introductory blends. The company is called Lure Cigars and is owned by Brother of the Leaf – Lou Cross. You may have seen him on a recent episode of Taking It To The Nub. It was a dynamic show and as Lou likes to say, ‘smoke cigars and tell tall tales‘.
With that said, Lure Cigars is not a tall tale. The company was founded by Lou to pay homage to his father, a man that enjoyed many things in life, but fishing & cigars were at the top of his list. Many of the fondest memories Lou shared with him included tackle and tobacco.
The company launched their products in 2023 and have a decent selection of blends and vitolas for a new and upcoming premium cigar company. Today I offer a review of the Lure Cigars, “Big Lou” Corojo Oscuro. I have to say – before getting into more detail – this was a fine introduction to Lure Cigars. If the rest of the portfolio presents as well as The Big Lou, Lure Cigars will be company you should pay attention to.
Handcrafted at Tabacalera Pages in Nicaragua, the Lure Cigars Corojo Oscuro blend is described as a Nicaraguan puro:
- Wrapper – Nicaraguan Corojo Oscuro
- Binder – Estelí
- Filler – Estelí, Ometepe, Jalapa
This blend is expressed in 5 different vitolas, each packaged in 10-count packs.
- “The Big Lou” (6 x 52) Toro – MSRP $12.00
- “The Lil’ Tony” (5 x 50) Robusto – MSRP $11.00
- “The Sir Gar” (7 x 48) – $14.00
- “The BLT” (6 x 54) Big Lou Torpedo MSRP – $13.00
- “The Lunker” (6 x 60) MSRP – $14.00
For this review I sampled one of the Lure Cigars Corojo Oscuro “The Big Lou” Toros, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Lure Cigars Corojo Oscuro “The Big Lou” Toro is a fine-looking specimen of a cigar. Wrapped in a dark brown leaf with a slight reddish tinge and mildly oily sheen, the cigar is well packed and rolled with no discernable soft spots from head to foot. There are a few noticeable veins running through the barrel but that did not have any impact on the experience. A well applied doble cap completes the construction.
The cigar is adorned with a single red, white and blue band that boldly displays the company logo in the center (a fishing lure puffing on a cigar). The blend “corojo” is printed on the right side and the year of release, 2023 is printed in the right edge of the band.
Running the Big Lou along the nose, I picked up a hint of floral and spice along the barrel while the foot presented a mild barnyard note with mix of fruitiness.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that I found to be spot on with restriction while offering pre-light draw notes of fruit and black pepper.
Using my Xikar fan flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of rich peppery spice to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Solid dose of peppery spice starts the journey especially in the retrohale
- Thick chewy smoke fills the palate
- White ash forms on top of thin char line
- Honey notes develop early in the burn intertwining well with the pepper start
- Sweet inviting aromas waft off the foot
- Dry fruit and cream notes enter deep in first third
- The cream notes grow into the second third
- Ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- Mild wave in burn moving through the second third
- Strength ratcheting up to solid medium closing in on the midway point
- Pleasant nuttiness adds to the already balanced profile
- Cedar notes join the profile deep in second third
- Mild spice notes brighten the mix entering the final third
- Strength kicks up to medium plus
- Earthy notes complete the journey deep in final third
- Medium Plus in Strength
- Tota Smoking Time was 1 hour and 35 minutes
Final Analysis
The Lure Cigars Corojo Oscuro “The Big Lou” Toro journey begins with a bold punch of peppery spice, which lingers prominently especially in the retrohale. As the smoke fills the palate, it has a thick, chewy texture. Early on, honeyed notes begin to develop, blending seamlessly with the initial peppery bite. Sweet, inviting aromas waft from the foot of the cigar, enhancing the experience. As the burn progresses through the first third, dry fruit and creamy undertones emerge, adding a more elegant level of complexity. The creamy notes become more pronounced as the second third unfolds. By the midway point, the strength gradually builds to a solid medium, while a pleasant nuttiness joins the already balanced flavor profile. Deep into the second third, cedar notes make their appearance, enriching the cigar’s complexity. Mild spices reemerge as the cigar enters the final third, brightening the mix with their subtle sharpness. Strength intensifies, reaching medium-plus, while earthy notes begin to round out the profile, completing the journey with a satisfying finish. I say go grab a bundle of these and tell your own tales. I rate this a must try 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Buy a Bundle; (+1) Complex and Balanced
