The TNT was one of Viaje’s earliest cigars. The company created it to celebrate Independence Day in 2010. Over 7 more years there was a TNT though some years were skipped. The last TNT was released in 2021 and now we have the TNT 2023.
The Viaje TNT 2023 is expressed in a single (6 x 54) Toro and comes packaged in 75-count boxes. The single cigar MSRP is $11.49.
The blend of this year’s TNT is described as:
- Wrapper – Rare Nicaraguan corojo 99 maduro
- Binder – Nicaraguan
- Filler – Nicaraguan
The factory is not disclosed but they can be described as a Nicaraguan puro.
For this review I sampled one of these which I purchased from Carribean Cigars in Miami.
Pre-Light Examination
The Viaje TNT 2023 is a medium to dark brown cigar that has a slightly toothy wrapper with a touch of marbling through the leaf. There were just a couple of veins running along the barrel. The cigar has just the right firmness between the fingers, and it is finished with a closed foot and a fuse tail cap.
A single black and white band adorns the cigar and “TNT” boldly on the front and the side declares it a product of the Viaje Demolition Company.
I ran the barrel along the nose and was greeted with an array of baking spices while the foot exuded notes of cocoa and pepper.
Using my double blade cutter, I opened it up by slicing the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar. Giving it a few cold draws, I noted the early raison notes and then after a few more draws the pepper started to develop quickly.
I used my triple flame torch to warm the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of heavily peppered smoke. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The early puffs attack the tongue with burning peppery notes
- The retrohale most certainly opens the nasals
- Burning down into the first third there is a savory note that enters the profile
- A sweet nut aroma wafts off the foot
- Not even 1 third in and I am getting a case of the niccups (yea this has some nicotine for sure)
- A light grey ash forms on top of a jagged thin char line
- The pepper calms down a notch after an inch or so of the burn as the savory notes continue
- Getting near the end of the first third there is tangy fruit note with a slight cocoa powder in the background
- The ash dropped in a big chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Caramel notes sweeten the blend moving into the second third
- Bitter notes appear deep in the second third and continue into the final
- Full Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 45 minutes
Final Analysis
In the early stages of the Viaje Cigars TNT 2023 journey, the first puffs make a bold entrance, assaulting the tongue with a fiery, peppery burst of flavor. Meanwhile, the retrohale unveils a heavy nasal cleaning burst of pepper. As the cigar steadily burns into the first third, an intriguing savory note emerges, adding depth to the flavor profile, while a sweet and nutty aroma wafts from the cigar’s foot. Before reaching even the one-third mark, the nicotine presence becomes unmistakable, resulting in the onset of a mild case of “niccups.” After an inch or so of combustion, the initial pepper notes begin to mellow, allowing the savory elements to develop. Approaching the end of the first third, a tantalizing tangy fruit note emerges, with a subtle background of cocoa powder. Moving into the second third, the blend takes on a sweeter dimension, with caramel notes enhancing the overall experience. However, deep within the second third, a touch of bitterness surfaces and persists throughout the final stages of the cigar. If you enjoy strong cigars this may be well in your wheelhouse. I rate this an 89.
Point Deductions: (-1) Heavy Attack on the palate to start; (-1) Bitter in the final; (-1) Flat but Centered Burn cone; (-1) Jagged burn; (-1) Might Try one Again
