Today I would like to offer a review of one of the latest releases from the New England Cigar Militia. The cigar is the result of brand owner Kevin Parow’s determination to continue to develop small batch quality cigars. This latest one highlights the hard work that Parow has put in by taking his time and visiting factories in Nicaragua and being hands on in the process to blend and create these cigars.
According to Kevin “The Commish” Parow:
“Spy Glass is part of an exclusive line of limited-release cigars created by The Commish in collaboration with respected partners. Hand-crafted at Tabacalera Hernandez, Spy Glass represents a joint effort with Baxter Cigars—the first of many collaborations to come. This series is produced under the New England Cigar Militia brand, with a commitment to delivering consistent quality and innovation while honoring the craft of premium cigar making.”
The Spy Glass Habano OG has a blend described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Habano 2000
- Filler: Select Nicaraguan tobaccos (Estelí, Condega, Jalapa regions)
The Spy Glass Habano OG is expressed in a single 5 x 52 Robusto vitola. They are packaged in 5-packs with an MSRP of $10.50/cigar. The company notes that about 500 of these cigars were produced.
For this review I sampled 5 of Spy Glass Habano OG blends that were provided to me for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Cigar Militia Spy Glass Habano OG is a beautifully constructed cigar sporting a smooth and glistening, medium tan wrapper. There are minimal veins running along the barrel. The cigar feels well packed with just the right give when gently pressed. Construction is expertly finished with quad cap!
The cigar is adorned with a single band. There is no identifying marking of the company on the band, only an image of a ruggedly dressed figure wearing mirrored sun glasses and the name Spy Glass on the right and left of the band. I do like this band. Even Parow says it reminds him of Johnny Depp in the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Running the cigar along the nose, I detected a sweet curing barn aroma along the barrel, while foot had similar notes with an added mild tangy note.
Once I sliced the cap, straight across the shoulder of the cigar, the cold draw offered delicate natural tobacco sweetness and cream notes. There is also a growing black pepper note the more you cold draw it.
I used my dual flame torch to warm the foot and drew in the first puffs of peppery butter to begin the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Butter and pepper notes to start the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of medium thick well behaved char line
- Early profile is savory with a nice natural sweetness off the wrapper
- The smoke is thick and mouth filling
- A pleasant nut aroma wafts off the foot
- The ash fell in a good 1 inch or so chunk revealing an excellent burn cone
- A creamy milk chocolate note joins the mix moving into the second third
- Getting close to the midway point, an alkaline tea notes brighten the profile midway
- I must note that the ash has fallen numerous times during the journey
- The aroma shifts to woody and molasses
- Moving into the final there is a cardamom spice note that addresses the palate
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 15 minutes
Final Analysis
This cigar offered a refined and flavorful journey with a nice balance of savory, sweet, and spice. From the buttery and peppery start through the creamy chocolate and tea notes in the midsection, and finally finishing with warming cardamom, it delivered a well-rounded profile. Construction was solid overall, with a consistent burn line and excellent smoke production, though the ash did fall more often than ideal. A cigar best suited for those who enjoy medium-bodied complexity with evolving transitions.
You can purchase directly the company’s website here.
Point Deductions: (-1) Ash falls often
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasurable and consistent journey across all samples; (+1) Even Burn; (+1) Buy Plenty
