Today I offer the next review of a Tabacalera Caballeros cigar. This one is known as the J15 and is considered by the company as a favorite blend of owner Marco Accardi.
The cigar is expressed in a single (6.5 x 56) box-pressed toro. The cigars the company sent me for review were naked (no band on the cigars). I am told these cigar retail for $13.00 and come packaged in 20-count boxes. They are handcrafted at the company’s Tabacalera Caballeros factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic.
The rich and satisfying blend is described by the company as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Cameroon
- Binder – Dominican and Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Filler – 5 leaf (secret)
For this review I sampled two of the Tabacalera Caballeros J15’s which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Tabacalera Caballeros J15 is draped with a mildly veiny, dark tan wrapper that exhibits a slight oily sheen. simple cap. The cigar is well constructed with a decent box pressing that had just a slight give along the barrel.
Running the cigar along the nose, I did not pick up not much aroma along the barrel but the foot exudes delectable raisin and spice notes.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and gave it some cold draws that I found to offer an excellent restriction while delivering pre-light notes of caramel sweetness and cinnamon spice.
Using my dual flame torch, I wared the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first burst of cinnamon spice especially on the retrohale. Follow along as burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial burst of cinnamon – especially on retrohale
- Fruity notes quickly enjoin the cinnamon early in the burn
- Natural sweetness rounds out the early profile
- The ash fell in nice chunk
- A slight off burn developed but did not require a touch up
- Cedar notes join the mix moving into the second third
- Tangy fruit notes join the mix midway
- The retrohale is smoothing out well
- Strength ratchets up to medium plus
- A tasty caramel sweetness adds to the pleasure
- One of my favorite cigar notes (almond) slides gently into the profile deep in the second third
- Spice notes reemerge in the final
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tabacalera Caballeros J15 Box Pressed Toro delivers a well-structured and engaging profile built around spice-driven complexity and layered sweetness. The early cinnamon burst—especially vivid on the retrohale—sets a confident tone, while the gradual addition of fruit, caramel, cedar, and almond creates a nuanced and satisfying progression. The balance between sweetness and spice is particularly well executed, allowing each note to shine without crowding the palate.
Construction is decent. The ash is a bit flaky and did drop often. A slight burn irregularity appears early, it self-corrects and never interrupts the experience but then a second off burn deeper in the journey required a touch up. The gradual increase in strength to medium-plus feels natural and well-paced, complementing the deepening flavors rather than overpowering them. The softening of the barrel near the end is the only minor drawback, but it arrives late enough to have minimal impact.
The value of this cigar lies in its distinctive spice profile and the elegant way it introduces sweeter, nuttier notes—particularly the almond, which adds a refined touch not always found in blends. It’s a cigar that rewards attentive smoking and stands out for its flavor clarity and balance. For those who appreciate spice-forward cigars with a polished, layered finish, this one earns its place in the rotation. I have to say I agree the profile of this cigar is wonderful but it did have some burn issues.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flaky Ash; (-1) Off burn; (-1) Touchup Required
Bonus Points: (+1) Balanced and well rounded profile
