WildFire Cigar Co. is a new cigar company founded by Jeremy McDonald, formally the national sales manager for Caldwell Cigar Co. Though he left the company in May of this year he says he has retained his equity as a partner in Caldwell Cigar Co and noted:
“I have been a part of Caldwell since it was Robert Caldwell’s dream. Working side by side with Robert has been more than just a learning experience; it has been a life changing experience. We started this company as a couple of friends with a lot of ambition. Years of working together has allowed our friendship to grow and flourish. The time has come for me to leave the nest and fly on my own.”
With regards to his new WildFire Cigar co., Jeremy stated:
“I have partnered with a factory that I love and respect, and together we are crafting some damn fine cigars for one purpose: To find commonalities in other humans and enjoy those moments together. The ethos is simple; I want to sit, share a cigar, learn, be present, and take in every moment with people I love.”
As part of the WildFire Cigar Co. introductory portfolio the company released two blends – The Single (limited production) and The Revivalist (full production). I picked up two each these at my local Brick and Mortar, Executive Cigar Shop and Lounge, in Melbourne, FL. Today I offer a review of The Revivalist Toro.
WildFire Cigar Co. describes the blend as:
- Wrapper: Mexican Claro
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Indonesian/Nicaraguan
The Revivalist is expressed in 3 different vitolas and comes packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Corona Gorda (5 5/8 x 46) – MSRP $10.00
- Robusto (5 1/4 x 50) – MSRP $11.00
- Toro (6 1/4 x 52) – MSRP $12.00
Pre-Light Examination
The WildFire Cigar Co. – The Revivalist is a medium brown cigar that has a fine oily sheen. There are minimal veins running through the wrapper. The cigar feels to be well packed with no soft spots detected along the barrel. A well applied double cap finishes the presentation.
Two bands adorn the Revivalist. The primary band uses a black, gold and white motif and proudly displays the company’s logo in the center. The secondary band is placed just below the primary and uses a yellow and gold motf and declares it as The Revivalist.
Running The Revivalist along the nasals I picked up little aromas along the barrel while the foot exudes rich raisin notes.
Using my double blade cutter, I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs. I did not some of the stems in the cut, not that they bother me as I always feel even steams offer flavor. The cold draw is fine and decently restricted. It offered a complex array of pre-light flavors including pepper, smoke, malt, natural sweetness. There is a lot going on in the cold draw, even a hint of raisin. This is one I suggest cold puffing more than normal to truly appreciate the flavors.
Like all good cigars, it was time to hit the foot with fire and start the journey. I used my double flame torch to warm the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the puffs of naturally sweet and spicy dry fruit notes. Follow along as I burn The Revivalist to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial start is natural sweetness with a touch of spicy dry fruit
- White ash forms on a medium char line
- Thick creamy smoke pours out of the head in full mouth filling volume
- Malt notes enter with a lightly peaty note in the background
- Ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a well formed burn cone
- Mild jag in the burn develops
- Pleasant (not in your face) spice notes continue
- Raisin notes grow midway
- Very clean finish
- Flavors develop into cream notes with a touch of citrus
- Slight Off burn midway but did not require a touch up
- Light spice and sweetness down into the final
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
Congratulations to Jeremy McDonald and his WildFire Cigar Co. for creating a pleasant inaugural cigar. The Revivalist is a testament to Jeremy’s years of work in the premium cigar industry. I loved the complexity on the pre-light and the moderately complex flavor profile through the burn including the raisin. malt and cream notes. It also had a very clean finish. I feel this is box worthy and I rate it a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Jag; (-1) Mild Off Burn Midway
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy
