Five years is a significant milestone for a cigar brand. It signifies the brand has grown and sustained itself in the crowded field of premium cigars. Five years is certainly worthy of celebrating with special cigar release that defines who the company is, what they have learned over the years about blending, leaf selection, production and marketing. This year, Rebellion Cigars hit that milestone and celebrated at the PCA trade show with a limited-edition release known as the Screaming Skull. Today I would like to offer my review of this cigar.
The Rebellion Cigars Screaming Skull is expressed in a single (6 x 56) Grand Toro vitola. Packaged in a 21-count boxes, it has an MSRP of MSRP of $13.80/cigar and has a total production of 5,000 boxes (105,000 cigars)
The Screaming Skull has a bold blend described as:
- Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés)
- Binder: Indonesia
- Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua
The Screaming Skull is hand crafted at Tabacalera Las Colinas in Danlí, Honduras.
For this review, I sampled one Screaming Skull that I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Rebellion Cigars Screaming Skull is presented with a dark brown toothy wrapper with a fine oily sheen. I found the cigar to be well packed and rolled with no soft spots along the barrel. There are minimal veins in the wrapper and the construction is completed with a well applied cap.
The cigar is adorned with two bands. The primary band is the standard Rebellion Cigars band that displays the company logo on a bright pink background along with the British flags on both sides. In case you did not know, Rebellion Cigars is owned by British natives Shaun and Mandi Wilkinson. The secondary band is placed just below the primary and boldly declares this as the “SCREAMING SKULL” in white on a pink background.
Running the Screaming Skull along the nose, I picked up a sweet, fermented leaf aroma along the barrel while the foot exuded notes of walnut and a light peppery note.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that offered an array of notes including earth and natural sweetness along with a peppery spice on the lips.
Using my single flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first introductory notes of light pepper spice and sweetness. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The cigar opens with a smooth start (no harshness or bite)
- There is a light pepper spice on the initial retrohale
- Full volume of smoke right off the first puffs
- Gentle sweetness develops early in the burn
- A stacking dimes, light grey ash forms on top of a medium thick char line
- There is mild woody note joining the mix deep in the first third along with earthy and cocoa nuances
- The strength ratchets up a bit but never overpowering the flavor
- Mild wave in burn
- Spice notes evolve moving through the second third bringing a refined mix of cinnamon and clove
- Toasted caramel notes join the pleasure midway
- Nut and a creamy undertone develop deeper in the second third
- Entering the final third, the profile darkened with charred oak and black coffee notes
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The Rebellion Cigars Screaming Skull begins with a smooth introduction—no harshness, no bite—setting the tone for a refined experience. A gentle pepper spice teases the senses on the initial retrohale, adding just enough intrigue without overpowering. From the first draw, the cigar produces a generous amount of smoke, rich in volume and texture. Early in the burn, a delicate sweetness begins to emerge, weaving itself seamlessly into the developing profile. As the first third deepens, subtle notes of aged wood begin to appear, accompanied by an earthy foundation and soft cocoa undertones. The strength gradually builds, offering a gentle nudge rather than an aggressive push, allowing the flavors to remain center stage.
Moving into the second third, the spice component evolves into a more refined combination of cinnamon and clove, bringing warmth and complexity to the palate. Toasted caramel makes its entrance midway, enhancing the overall sweetness with a rich, almost buttery quality. Nuances of roasted nuts and a creamy undercurrent develop as the second third progresses, adding balance and depth.
In the final third, the profile darkens considerably. Charred oak and bold black coffee notes take the lead, offering a robust and satisfying conclusion to a cigar that unfolds with elegance and evolving layers of flavor. I rate this a 95
Point Deductions:(-1) Mild Wave in Burn
Bonus Points:(+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pleasurable and Well Balanced
