This was not my first time smoking the Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone. My local shop got these several months ago before I was reviewing for Stogie Press and I smoked several of them. Boston Jimmie and I were talking, and I found out we had yet to do this limited release cigar, so here we go. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this rendition of a review by me, Zac Riley. The cigar for this review was purchased at my brick and mortar, The Cigar Room Shoals.
The Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
- Binder – Ecuadorian Habano
- Filler – Nicaraguan (Condega and Jalapa)
The Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone is available in three vitolas:
- Mainline: 6 x 60 (Price: $10.20)
- Brownstone Smack: 6 x 52 (Price: $9.20)
- Brownstone Speedball: 5 x 54 (Price: $8.20)
Smoking Experience:
Appearance: The Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone is a stunningly beautiful and well constructed cigar with a dark coffee bean brown wrapper with a high oily sheen to it. The cigar is adorned with primary band, an outer sleeve, and a footer band to complete the presentation.
Cold Draw: The cold draw has an interesting light sweetness along with hints of earth.
First Third: The beginning is very similar to the cold draw. There is an immense amount of sweetness, some molasses, and a generous amount of earth as well. I find that interesting for a Connecticut broadleaf, because most Connecticut broad leaves are generally just sweet flavor bombs. Through the nose I am getting a very light pepper note, but also the sweetness is still there. I’m also getting hints of fruit and citrus through the nose.
Second Third: The second third of the Mr. Brownstone is in full swing and the strength of this cigar has picked up. The flavors in the inhale have moved to a more mocha and cocoa note. The sweetness and molasses is still there, which is very interesting. The earthy notes have completely went away. Through the nose I am getting almost no spice, still with the sweetness, and the mocha/cocoa is very light through the nose.
Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone
Final third/Finish: The finish of the Mr. Brownstone is quite delicious with some really nice notes out of this smoke. I am getting some graham cracker, some honey, and some leather notes as well. Through the nose I am getting some really nice cocoa notes on the back in and on the front end I am getting the earth like note I was getting in the beginning of the smoke. A really nice way to end this wonderful smoke!
Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone
Overview: A little bit about me before I do the overview. Connecticut Broadleaf is my favorite wrapper of all time. Hands down, no questions asked. This was not my favorite Broadleaf of all time, but it was very solid, super excellent, had a great burn, aroma, and wonderful taste throughout. What is cool about this is that it is limited to 300 or so shops as told by the rep, and my shop did the first release of this cigar. Pretty cool, right? If you’re a heavy broadleaf lover like I am, then the Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone is for you. This has a lot of strength, and a lot of depth. Well, that’s it for me. I hope you enjoyed this rendition of a review by me, Zac Riley. I’ll be back soon with more, but until then stay smokey!