Released in 2016, the Veiled Prophet is Hiram and Solomon Cigars limited release that brings to their portfolio a large format cigar. It weighs in at 7 x 60 and is the result of master blender David Blanco and Plasencia Cigars. The name is a tribute to the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm which is a fraternal order that has a link back to the Masons. As you can read below the order was created strictly for fun but this is cigar is no joke.
From “Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm.” Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. . Encyclopedia.com. 12 Mar. 2018<http://www.encyclopedia.com>.
“In spite of its name, the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm is not an occult or mystical organization, but entirely a fellowship association for Master Masons. The order was created in 1889 by LeRoy Fairchild and members of a Masonic lodge in Hamilton, New York. It grew out of an expressed desire of lodge members for diversions from the mundane concerns. Meeting for the first time in September of 1889, the order was originally known as the Fairchild Deviltry Committee. The idea proved a popular one, and the next year, members of the growing organization formally instituted the Supreme Council of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. From the beginning, membership was limited to Master Masons in good standing.
In spite of its major membership requirement, the order is not formally connected to any particular Masonic organization and does not engage in Masonic rituals. It does encourage the members’ participation in their lodge, but the rituals and activities of the order are strictly for fun. The unique ritual of the order is an elaborately staged production that amid its humor offers lessons in optimism, brotherhood, and the benefits of fellowship.”
Hiram and Solomon Veiled Prophet is a delirious blend of leaf described as:
- Wrapper – 2007 Ariparaca
- Binder – Dominican Republic
- Filler – Dominican Republic
Each cigar is packaged in an individual coffin and retails for $13.13/cigar. I have to think that the price point is set at that value as part of the “fun” of the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. I would like to thank Fouad Kashouty – co owner of Hiram and Solomon cigars for the sample reviewed today.
Pre-Light Examination
As I said, this cigar is no joke. It is big and once removed from its coffin the Veiled Prophet is stunning to look at with a beautiful red clay color that has a terrific marbling throughout. It has a solid feel to it and feels heavy in the hand. There are a few noticeable veins running along the barrel and nearly invisible seams. It is finished with a well applied double cap.
The band on the Veiled Prophet is similar to other Hiram and Solomon cigars except the background is deep red. Like other cigar int he company’s lineup the Masonic symbol is emblazoned in the center and the phrase 2B1ASK1 is printed around the bottom.
The pre-light aromas included a sweet fermented leaf on the barrel and notes of vanilla cream and pepper off the foot.
I sliced the cap with my Palio double blade cutter and gave this big one a few cold draw puffs. To no surprise, the draw was excellent and my palate was greeted with notes of earth, fruit, and black pepper.
I was a bit nervous about lighting this up, I am not a huge fan of such big cigars, but the cold draw settled my nerves and I proceeded to set the foot to the flame of my torch lighter, carefully warming the foot, then gently puffing on it to get a perfect orange glow. Now it was time to take a relaxing journey and read up on the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial puffs delivered a light pepper on especially on the retro-hale
- Mild citrus enters early to water the palate
- Amazingly smooth smoke so far with just a hint of spice
- Settles into a creamy coffee note after the first inch – surprisingly delightful!
- A medium grey, slightly flaky ash develops with good form
- Medium to thick char line
- After a long and creamy first third dry fruit notes enter
- Cinnamon spice lays in the background
- Ash is light, and once I tap it, a flat and centered burn cone is revealed
- The creamy smoke is full in volume
- Spice increases a notch as it burns deeper into the second third
- The wrapper is oiling up well above the char line
- Barrel gets springy in the second half but is not affecting the burn
- A touch of nut lingers with the core coffee and fruit
- Earthy aroma fills my nostrils as the smoke wafts off the foot
- Cedar notes fill out the profile
- The band removes easily – thanks guys, over glued bands are a pet peeve of mine
- A sweet buttery note enters deep into the second third
- Spice and dry fruit maintain into the final third
- Fruit becomes more citrus like into the final
- Strength jumps to full in the last two inches – be ready for it!
- Total Smoking Time was a solid 2 hours and 10 minutes down to the nub
Overall, the Hiram and Solomon Veiled Prophet is one of those cigars you want to have plenty of time to relax and enjoy, Smoke it slow and enjoy the cornucopia of flavors it has to offer but realize the final burn may put beads of sweat on your forehead. I have read some reviews where the reviewer was not able to finish it. This is not a heavily spiced cigar but rather a smooth smoke through most of the journey. The Veiled Prophet would easily pair well with an aged sweet bourbon, aged dark rum, or even a few glasses of Pinot Noir. If your shop does not carry the Veiled Prophet your can order these online, from Blanco Cigars.
This review truly depicts the greatness of this cigar! Well done.
Thanks Chris – and thank you for reading StogiePress- much appreciated!