Back in 2020, just before the world crashed into a pandemic, Shaun and Mandi Wilkinson (husband and wife) decided to transform their cigar passion into a business. The couple were growing tired of their corporate jobs and wanted to take control of their work lives and cigars were the way to go, or at least they thought so. No sooner did their new adventure start, the world crashed into a pandemic which slightly disrupted their plans to go world-wide with their brand Rebellion Cigars. With things at a standstill around the globe, Rebellion Cigars was introduced to just the UK market, where the couple lives. As time went on, they rode out the storm, staying true to their mission and finally debuted their brand to the US market during the 2023 PCA trade show.
The debut included eight blends, a bold statement from a new company. Each blend is a homage to a Country or Rock & Roll song and Shaun likes to say, you will be humming the song as you smoke that cigar.
For this review, I will focus on the Rebellion Cigars Ring of Fire a homage to the late great Johnny Cash.
Chief Rebel – Shaun Wilkinson, describes the blend as:
- Wrapper: Undisclosed Maduro
- Binder: Connecticut
- Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
The Rebellion Cigars Ring of Fire is expressed in 3 different vitolas, each packaged in 20-count bundles. The company chose to go with bundles and offers display trays for cigar shops.
- Gordo – (6 x 60) MSRP $12.80
- Robusto (5 x 52) – MSRP $10.00
- Toro – (6 x 52) MSRP $11.00
Rebellion Cigars are handcrafted at Seven Cigars factory in Danli, Honduras. The company told me that a new larger factory opens in a month, which gives them 4x the capacity for production.
For this review, I sampled one of the Rebellion Cigars Ring of Fire Robustos, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Rebellion Cigars Ring of Fire Robusto is a slightly rustic looking cigar with some noticeable veins bumps running through the dark reddish-brown and oily wrapper. The pressing is less than uniform when viewed from the foot. The cigar is nicely packed with a just the right give when gently pressed between the fingers. A double cap completes the construction.
Two bands adorn the cigar. Both bands use a pink, white and black motif. The primary band is the same used on all the company’s offerings and proudly displays the company’s logo in the center. The secondary band is placed just below and declares this as the “Ring of Fire”. I applaud the company for using pink as a primary color as it definitely pops on a humidor shelf and would draw a consumer in to check it out.
Running the cigar along the nose, I was enticed by the nut and pepper notes off the foot, while the barrel offered a light fermented leaf aroma.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar with my double blade Xikar cutter and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that I felt was spot on with restriction and treated the palate to enticing notes of nut, pepper and a slight tanginess.
Using my dual flame lighter, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of a hefty dose of pepper to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Heavy dose of pepper starts the journey
- A light grey flaky ash forms on top of a thin and slightly jagged char line
- Salty notes add to the profile, moistening the palate
- Dry fruit notes add to the early pleasure
- The ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a nicely formed burn cone
- Sweetness and fruit develop in the second third with an added peanut note that lingers on the palate
- A mild off burn develops but does not require a touch-up
- Deep in the second third, a dark chocolate note enters adding dimension to the profile
- Entering the final third the profile gets a tad bitter on the palate
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 minutes
Final Analysis
The Rebellion Cigars Ring of Fire Robusto journey begins with a bold burst of pepper, opening the nasals and igniting the experience. Subtle, salty undertones enhance the complexity, moistening the palate. Early on, dry fruit notes provide a pleasing introduction. As the cigar progresses into the second third, a layer of natural tobacco sweetness and fruit emerges, accompanied by a lingering peanut note. Midway through the burn, a rich dark chocolate flavor deepens the profile, adding further dimension to the pleasant profile. In the final third, a hint of bitterness begins to surface, adding a touch of sharpness to the otherwise evolving taste. This is one I would recommend grabbing a five pack of. Or check out the company’s sample packs, the country one has this cigar in it. I rate this a 90.
Point Deductions: (-1) Jagged Burn; (-1) Slight Off Burn; (-1) Bitter in Final; (-1) Flaky Ash
