One of the most anticipated cigars to come out of the Micallef Cigar Company has finally hit humidor shelves across the country and I recently got my hands on one as a gift from my local Brother of the Leaf and Stogie Press supporter – Lou Piscitelli. Known as the Micallef Black, it the company’s launch of a stronger blend than what they have been known for.
Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars stated in a press release:
“With Micallef Black, our intention is to present a cigar that exudes power, confidence, and a touch of allure. Moreover, we are thrilled to offer this exceptional blend at an unbeatable value.”
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Mexican San Andrés
- Binder – Ecuadorian habano
- Filler – Nicaragua
When the company says the Micallef Black offers “unbeatable value” they have been able to produce a very fine cigar for an MSRP between $7 – $8. It is offered in 2 popular vitolas, each packaged in 25-count boxes:
- Robusto (5 x 52) – MSRP $7.00
- Toro (6 x 52) – MSRP $8.00
The cigar was inspired by feedback from the Micallef Ambassador group which asked for a stronger Micallef blend. Taking the feedback to heart, the company worked with Joel and Edel Gomez-Sanchez to create the blend and the result is now a full-bodied cigar for the company’s portfolio. This blend would not have been possible without the company’s investment in high-grade tobacco and increased production at the Micallef Cigars factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
For this review, I sampled one Micallef Black Robusto which was gifted to me.
Pre-Light Examination
From a construction perspective, the Micallef Black is a beautifully bunched and rolled cigar with its dark reddish-brown San Andrés wrapper that has a just a mild tooth and exhibits minimal veins and all but invisible seams. The cigar feels well packed and there were no discernable soft spots detected. A thick double cap finishes the construction.
A single Black and Gold band adorns the cigar proudly displaying the company’s logo. You can’t mistake this for anything other than the Micallef Black.
Running the Black along the nose, I noted a mildly pungent fermented leaf aroma along the barrel while the foot intrigued the senses with notes of fruit and nut.
I sued my CigarMedics Baller cutter to open the cap perfectly and gave the cigar some cold draw puffs that I found to be spot on with restriction and offering a tasty array of introductory flavors including – dry fruit, vanilla, and black pepper.
Using my double flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of peppery notes to begin the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Black pepper notes start the journey
- A solid white ash forms on top of a thin – medium thick char line
- Mouthwatering fruity citrus notes swirl in early in the burn
- Pleasant roasted nut aromas wafts off the foot filling the air around me
- The ash drops in a decent chunk and reveals a slightly off-centered burn cone
- Caramel notes complete the early profile as it moves into the second third
- Mild jag develops in the burn
- Spice notes deep in second third blending well with the caramel
- Strength has ratcheted up to medium – full
- Moving into the final there is dark coffee note that adds to the pleasure
- Deeper in the final earth notes bring it to a finish
- Medium-Full in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 35 minutes
Final Analysis
I have to say, the Micallef Black is now my favorite offering from the company, and they accomplished it by making it extremely wallet friendly. After listening to their fans the company achieved creating a stronger blend without punching you in the face. Coming in at Medium-full this moderately complex cigar offers palate pleasing flavors and aromas from foot to nub and when you are done, you just may want to light another one up.
The journey commences with the captivating essence of black pepper followed quickly with tantalizing fruity citrus notes that gracefully dance onto the palate. A delightful symphony of roasted nut aromas wafts off the foot, enveloping the surrounding atmosphere. As the experience unfolds into the second third, caramel notes delicately adorn the profile, culminating in a satisfying sensation. Deep within the second third, spice notes intertwine seamlessly with the luscious caramel, elevating the complexity of flavors. The strength of the smoke has escalated to a gratifying medium-to-full intensity, leaving a lasting impression. Transitioning into the final third, a rich, dark coffee note gracefully joins the ensemble, further enhancing the overall enjoyment. The final brings earthy nuances, lending a conclusive finish to the experience. Even if the price was a tad higher this would still be a box buy for sure. I am looking to get some more just to age them and see how this blend develops. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Off centered Burn Cone; (-1) Slight Jag in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy, (+1) Well Balanced and Pleasurable
