Welcome to the latest addition to the Protocol Cigars Lawmen Series – the Phoebe Couzins.
According to Protocol Cigars:
“Phoebe Couzins was born in St. Luis, Missouri. She became the first woman in United States history to graduate from a law school, later she would become one of the first female lawyers in the United States. In 1887 Phoebe Couzins became the first female U.S. Marshal in the country. Couzins was very much a women’s right activist as well, she was a member of the St. Louis Woman Suffrage Association where she drew attention as a public speaker. Phoebe Couzins was a pioneer, opening the doors for women in law and in law enforcement. It is an honor to present this cigar to pay homage to her legacy, especially during Women’s History Month.“
The blend of The Protocol Phoebe Couzins natural is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Rosado
- Binder: Jalapa
- Fillers: Ligero Estelí, Viso Estelí Corojo, and Viso Condega.
The Protocol Phoebe Couzins is expressed in a 6×52 box pressed toro vitola and comes packaged in a 10-count boxes. It is produced at the San Lotano Factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez with production supervised under the watchful eye and tutelage of Erik Espinosa. The MSRP is $125.50 per box/$12.55 per single cigar.
Pre-Light Examination
The Protocol Phoebe Couzins Natural is draped in a mildly veiny, dark tan wrapper that exhibits a slight sheen. The box press is soft vs crisp and there is a little extra give near the foot.
Like all cigars in the Lawmen Series, a dual band adorns the cigar. The outer band uses gold, white, and pink colors with an image of Phoebe Couzins in the center. It is overlaid on anther band that is pink and gold in color which peeks out under the outer band and displays the year 1887 when Phoebe Couzins became the first female U.S. Marshal in the country. There is also a yellow satin footer band.
Running the barrel along the nose I picked up a sweet and spicy set of notes while the foot exuded notes of peppery spice.
Once I sliced the cap, straight across the shoulder of the cigar, I gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be a tad loose but not wide open. There is a touch of pepper, and saltiness.
Using the soft flame of my single flame lighter, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew int he first puffs of fruit and pepper smoke to start the journey.
Cigar Review Notes
- Pleasant fruit and pepper notes begin the journey
- The pepper is quite evident on the retro-hale
- A light grey ash forms on top of a thin and slightly jagged char line
- As the pepper pulls back the initial fruit morphs into a sour mouthwatering fruit
- The ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Barrel gets a tad squishy
- Peppery spice grows midway through with a continued sweeter fruit
- Ash falls often through the journey
- Clean finish with a lingering gentle nut on the palate
- Espresso notes deep in second third
- Medium spice in the final
- Mild to medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
Though not overly complex, the Protocol Phoebe Couzins Natural Toro journey starts with delightful fruit nuances intertwined with rich pepper notes, offering a pleasing beginning to the experience. As the smoke progresses, the pepper asserts itself notably on the retro-hale, adding depth to the flavor profile. As the pepper subsides, the initial fruit character transforms into a tantalizingly sour, mouthwatering essence. Midway through, a balancing sweetness joins the fruit as the peppery spice lingers. Throughout the journey, the ash falls frequently. The cigar has a clean finish, leaving behind a gentle nutty sensation on the palate. Deep into the second third, espresso undertones emerge, adding richness to the ensemble of flavors. Finally, the spice mellows to a medium intensity in the final stretch, bringing a satisfying conclusion to the smoking experience. This is one that is worth grabbing a fiver of for sure. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Tad Open Draw; (-1) Barrel Gets Squishy; (-1) Ash Falls Often; (-1) Mild Jag in Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Balanced and Consistent Across Multiple Samples
