The Ozgener Family Cigars company debuted at the 2022 PCA Trade show this past July along with the Bosphorus blend that Tim had worked on for two years. After a switch of factory to Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic the blend was tweaked to replace the wrapper with an Ecuadorian Habano.
The updated Bosphorus blend is now described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuador Habano
- Binder – Ecuadorian Connecticut/Nicaraguan Jalapa
- Filler – Nicaraguan ( Estelí, Jalapa, and Ometepe)
They are expressed in four vitolas and come packaged in 20-count boxes:
- B-50 (4 x 50) – MSRP $12.00
- B-52 (5 x 52) – MSRP $12.75
- B-54 (6 1/2 x 54) – MSRP $14.25
- B-55 (5 1/2 x 55) – MSRP $13.50
For this review I sampled one of the Bosphorus B54 box pressed toros that I received at the Smoke Inn Great Smoke event early in 2023.
Pre-Light Examination
The Bosphorus B55 is sports a reddish brown wrapper that exhibits a decent amount of marbling and is smooth box pressed vitola. The cigar is firm to the touch with tight seams and no soft spot. It is finished with a simple cap.
Two colorful bands adorn the cigar. The primary band proudly displays the letters “O” and “Z” overlayed on each other. It is a nod to Ozgener’s OZ Arts in his hometown of Nashville, TN. The band also declares it as an Ozgener Family Cigars product on the bottom. The Secondary band is placed just below the primary and identifies it as the Bosphorus blend.
As I ran the barrel along the nose, I picked up a mild pungent and sweet fermented leaf aroma off the wrapper but the foot exuded notes of mild earthiness.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that I found to be decent in restriction. The draw offered notes of earth and a touch of natural tobacco sweetness. and pepper notes that grow on the lips and tongue.
My single flame torch was just fine to warm the foot including that double binder and I brought it to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of peppery smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Right off the first puffs I am greeted with some peppery notes
- A rich tobacco sweetness quickly engulfs the pepper
- Light grey ash thick char line
- Cream notes add to the early pleasure
- Espresso and caramel notes fill out he complex early profile
- The ash fell in decent chunk with a good burn cone
- Dark Chocolate note enters midway along with a sweet pleasant aroma wafting off the foot
- Cinnamon spice notes add additional complexity deep in the second third
- Medium Plus in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1hour and 40 Minutes
Final Analysis
The Ozgener Family Cigars Bosphorus B54 was pleasantly flavorful cigar with a delicate array of balanced notes, aromas, and nuances. I found the B54 to be a far better expression of the blend than the previously reviewed B55 in both flavor and burn. From the very first puffs, my palate is embraced by the most tantalizing peppery notes, bursting forth with unrivaled intensity. However, a resplendent tapestry of rich tobacco sweetness engulfs the pepper, soothing things down and preparing for the symphony of flavors yet to come.
As the journey unfolds, sumptuous cream notes enhance the early indulgence. With every subsequent draw, the allure deepens as a dance of espresso and caramel notes gracefully takes center stage, enriching the already complex early profile. The flavors harmonize in such a way that they weave a tapestry of sheer decadence, leaving an indelible mark on the senses. Moving forward dark chocolate emerges, accompanied by a sweet aroma that wafts seductively from the foot of the cigar. Moving into the finish, a flourish of cinnamon spice notes adds a captivating layer of complexity, evoking a fervent exploration of the senses. It is as if an enigmatic alchemist has cast a spell, summoning flavors that transcend the realm of ordinary pleasure, inviting the connoisseur to revel in the profound intricacies of this captivating smoke. This is certainly a box buy. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Wave
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy
