Back in December 2023, I introduced you to a new brand that came across my desk, Notre Dame cigars. Today I would like to offer another review of the company’s recent blends known as the Notre Dame Cigars CEO Serie 1.
The company describes this rich blend as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder – Olor Dominican Republic
- Filler –
- Dominican 7 year old Seco Ligero
- Piloto Cubano (aged 7 years)
- Viso Jalapa, Nicaragua
The Notre Dame Cigars CEO Serie 1 is expressed in 3 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Robusto – MSRP $12.00
- Toro – MSRP $13.00
- Figurado – MSRP $15.00
For this review I sampled 2 of the Notre Dame Cigars CEO Serie 1 Figurados, which I received from the company, for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Notre Dame Cigars CEO Serie 1 sports a medium tan wrapper that exhibits a few veins and a mild sheen. The figurado form is well rolled and decently packed with no soft spots detected. The cap is well applied.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary is the standard branding for the company. It displays a Gargouille on the front with gold and brown accents. A green ribbon on the bottom of the band has the word “CIGARS” printed in white. The far left of the band which is displayed in the back of the cigar states Notre Dame in a bright yellow background. A secondary, red, white, and gold band is placed just below the primary and declares the cigar as the CEO Serie 1 along with white silhouettes of a man and woman.
Running the Notre Dame Cigars CEO Serie 1 along the nose, I quickly noted the alluring, sweet baking spice notes that greeted the senses.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the head straight across the tip about 3/8ths of an inch down and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs. I found the draw to be spot on with restriction while offering notes of butter, earth, and cedar.
Using my soft flame lighter I warmed the small foot and drew in the first peppery puffs of smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Mild peppery notes start the journey
- A light grey ash forms in a thin slightly wavy char line
- Sweetness and dry leather emerge as the pepper recedes
- The ash fell in a decent chunk reveling a well-formed burn cone
- Touch of spice and citrus peel enter the mix along with a fruity aroma
- Ash grows back in a decent burn
- The fruit finds its way midway into the flavor profile
- Increased spice deep in second third also increased bitterness
- Fruit continues down through final with a pleasant lingering nut essence
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was just shy of 2 hours
The journey of the Notre Dame Cigars CEO Serie 1 Figurado begins with subtle peppery notes, gently teasing the senses. The initial pepper notes gradually give way to a delightful interplay of sweetness and dry leather, creating a nuanced flavor profile. The ash falls in a substantial chunk, unveiling a well-formed burn cone that speaks to the quality of the cigar’s construction.
As the smoking experience unfolds, a touch of spice and citrus peel joins the mix, accompanied by a fragrant fruity aroma that enhances the overall sensory pleasure. The ash regrows in a steady burn, maintaining the cigar’s consistency. Midway through the journey, the fruity essence finds its place in the flavor profile, contributing a distinct and enjoyable element. There is a noticeable increase in spice, accompanied by a slight bitterness for a while. Meanwhile, the fruit notes persist, weaving a pleasant and lingering nut essence into the final stages of the cigar. The overall journey is characterized by a well-balanced fusion of flavors, making for a satisfying smoking experience. I say this is a box buy. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave in Burn; (-1) Slight Bitterness Deep in Second Third
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasurable and Consistent across Multiple Samples; (+1) Box Buy
