Early in 2023 Ohana Cigars and 262 Cigars, two Texas based cigar companies announced a new collaboration and formation of a new cigar company known as Ohana Nui. The name is Hawaiian for “Big Family”. The formation resulted in Ohana Cigars having a 10% stake in 262 Cigars and the latter having a 10% stake in Ohona Cigars. The new company will serve as a way to bring cigars to market that don’t fit directly in either company’s portfolio.
The first cigar to be released from the new collaboration was introduced at this year’s PCA Trade Show in July. It was named the Ohana Nui Aloha. The cigar has been aging for about 8 months and is now shipping to retailers. It is expressed in a single (6 x 50) toro vitola. The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian habano
- Binder – Nicaraguan (Condega)
- Filler – Nicaraguan (Estelí and Jalapa)
The cigars are being hand crafted at Tabacalera Pages de Nicaragua S.A.
They have an MSRP set at $9.00/cigar and come packaged in 10-count bundles.
For this review, I sampled two Ohana Nui Cigars Aloha cigars which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Ohana Nui Cigars Aloha sports a mildly toothy and slightly veiny, milk chocolate brown wrapper. The wrapper has a slight oily sheen. The cigar is firmly packed with no soft spots and is expertly rolled with near invisible seams. A well applied double cap finishes the construction.
A single band adorns the cigar using an orange, white, and black motif. It features the Ohana Nui Cigars logo in the center. The logo prominently displays a Hawaiian Banyan tree. (Sadly, one of the most famous, 150 year old, Banyon Trees was badly damaged during the recent Lāhainā fire and is fighting to survive.)
Running the Ohana Nui Aloha along the nose, I was greeted with a honey floral note along the barrel while the foot exudes notes of fruit and earthiness.
I opened the cap perfectly with my CigarMedics Baller cutter and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that presented notes of fruit and honey with a touch of pepper. I also noted a hint of licorice the more you cold puff it. The restriction was spot on and much to my liking.
I used my single flame Xikar torch to warm the foot to an even orange flow and dew in the first puffs of cream and fruit laden smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Spoiler Alert!! This delectable specimen of a cigar is one that will carry a long “Stacking Dimes” ash!! This is something I have not experienced in a while.
Cigar Review Notes
- The Ohana Nui Aloha journey starts with a pleasant mix of fruit and cream notes
- There is a touch of cedar that forms in the background
- A solid light grey ash forms on top of an even, medium thick char line
- Dark chocolate notes begin to fill in the profile
- Beautiful “Staking Dimes Ash”
- A touch of spiced honey evolves in the second third
- Mouthwatering, citrus rind notes appear midway as the spice notes increase
- Ash finally fell in a huge chunk, revealing a well-defined and centered burn cone
- Sweet cracker aroma has been wafting off the foot
- Early spice morphs into a tantalizing cinnamon in the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The journey of Ohana Nui Aloha commences with a delightful fusion of luscious fruit and velvety cream notes, creating a truly exceptional starting point. In the backdrop, a subtle nuance of cedar emerges, adding depth to the sensory experience. Though the perfectly restricted draw, a remarkably solid light grey ash takes shape, a testament to the expert craftsmanship. As the journey unfolds, the flavor profile is enriched with the emergence of dark chocolate notes, which elegantly weave into the tapestry of tastes.
Transitioning into the second phase, a captivating evolution occurs as a trace of spiced honey unfurls, adding a new layer of complexity to the journey. Midway through, a mouthwatering interlude emerges, where the essence of citrus rind takes center stage, perfectly harmonizing with the gradually intensifying spice elements. The beautiful “Stacking Dimes” ash finally drops in a substantial fragment, revealing a meticulously defined and precisely centered burn cone, showcasing the precision of the craftsmanship.
Throughout this experience, a subtle yet enchanting aroma reminiscent of sweet crackers wafts gracefully from the foot, enhancing the overall sensorial delight. The early sparks of spice morph into a tantalizing crescendo of cinnamon as the journey reaches its culmination, leaving an indelible impression on the palate. This is most certainly a box (bundle) buy. I rate this a solid 98.
Point Deductions: NONE
Bonus Points: (+1) Pristine Burn; (+1) Positive experience is the same through multiple samples, (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Extreme Solid Ash
