Today, I would like to offer a review of the latest in the Tabacalera Caballaros portfolio of fine premium cigars. This time it is a Habano addition to the company’s “Knight” line. As noted in previous articles, the Knight pays homage to the legendary knights of Santiago de Caballeros, reflecting the rich heritage and tradition of excellence that defines Tabacalera Caballeros.
The Tabacalera Caballeros Knight Habano blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder – Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Filler – Undisclosed
Like the original, the Knight Habano is expressed in a single (6 x 54) toro vitola and comes packaged in 20-count boxes with an MSRP of $9.00/cigar. They are handcrafted at the company’s Tabacalera Caballeros factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. The company also notes they will be soon having a (5 x 52) Robusto soon.
For this review, I sampled 3 of the Tabacalera Caballeros Knight Habano Toros, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Tabacalera Caballaros Knight Habano is cloaked in a dark tan wrapper that exhibits some noticeable veins and some marbling throughout the leaf. The wrapper has a light oily sheen. The cigar itself, is well packed and rolled. It is finished with a simple cap.
The samples I received from the company were adorned with a drab olive band (Canada Regulations) which is the same as the original Knight band but denotes this as the Habano. I am told by the company that the cigars for the US market will have a more colorful band and packaging.
Running the Tabacalera Caballaros Knight Habano Toro along the nose, I was greeted with notes of baking spice along the barrel and a pleasant curing barn sweetness. The foot had more of a generic tobacco aroma.
Using my Xikar double blade cutter, I sliced the cap just above the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that I found to be good, maybe just a slightly more open. There is a peppery sting to the lips and growing pepper note on the palate. A few more cold draws and a mild tang with a hint of sweetness joins the mix.
Using my dual flame lighter, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first introductory puffs of solid pepper notes. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Good dose of pepper to start the journey
- A thick wavy char line evolves under a grey ash
- The draw is smooth and offers a full thick smoke to fill the palate
- Tangy fruit notes develop as the pepper pulls back a bit
- A natural tobacco sweetness starts to enter deep in the first third
- The early pepper has morphed into a tasty spice note
- The ash fell in good chunk, revealing a decent burn cone
- The blend has nicely tied together in a pleasant profile moving into the second third
- An off burn develops that eventually required a touch up
- Rich cocoa notes joined with a dry raisin essence moving through the second third
- Sweet nutty undertones form deep in the second third, lingering nicely on the palate
- Burn has been well behaved after the early touch-up
- Spice increases down into the final with nuances of fruity jam and cracker notes
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tabacalera Caballeros Knight Habano Toro journey begins with a bold burst of pepper, opening the nasals and setting the stage for what’s to unfold. The draw is effortlessly smooth, delivering a rich, dense smoke that envelops the palate. The peppery intensity starts to mellow, making way for vibrant tangy fruit notes. By the end of the first third, a subtle sweetness of natural tobacco begins to surface, and the early pepper has transformed into a more refined, savory spice. The blend harmonizes into a pleasing profile as it progresses into the second third. However, an uneven burn emerges, necessitating a touch-up. Despite this minor interruption, the flavors evolve beautifully, with rich cocoa notes and a dry raisin essence making their appearance. Sweet, nutty undertones develop deeper into the second third, leaving a lingering, enjoyable aftertaste. As it reaches the final third, the spice ramps up again, now complemented by nuanced hints of fruity jam and cracker notes, rounding out a complex and satisfying experience. I would say this is a box buy. I rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Char line; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Touch-up Required
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy
