There’s a small drive through liquor store and connected lounge here in Melbourne, FL. They are owned by one of Melbourne, Forida’s favorite couple (Mike and Tracy). Mike operates the liquor store (Michael’s Liquor) and Tracy operates the Lounge (Tracy’s Lounge). This is one the hidden gems in the Melbourne FL area, when it come to enjoying cigars. You see, Mike has a small walk in humidor stocked with some interesting brands including a decent selection of boutique blends. Pricing is never higher than MSRP, and in some cases they are even lower. Once you make your cigar choice you can sit outside on the wooden deck that has a large and mature ficus tree that grows up through the middle of the deck. As you enjoy your cigar the waitress inTracy’s lounge will come get your order for something to pair the beauty you are holding in your hand.
I bring this little story up for a reason…I have not been up to Mike and Tracy’s in a while, so I wanted to just sit out and enjoy a cigar and drink. I noticed that Mike carried the Kafie 1901 line and he had the Sumatra in stock. I have been wanting to try this cigar ever since it came out but just never found it on the shelf of places I visited. Well, Mike had them, and I picked up 5 to enjoy and review. Today’s review is based on smoking those five over a period of a month.
First off, let me say that the Kafie 1901 Sumatra pairs perfectly with a good cup of coffee. I know this, because one of those five, I paired with a Kafie 1901 coffee which I received from Gaby at the Save the Leaf event last august.
Pre-light Exam and Info
The Kafie 1901 Sumatra is a dichotomy between rugged and beautiful.It has a cinnamon brown wrapper that is a little rough to the touch yet eye-catching in color. It is adorned with a burgundy and gold Kafie 1901 band. It is firm to the touch with a pleasant amount of veins running around the shaft.
The Kafie 1901 Sumatra blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuador
- Binder – Hondourus
- Filler – Nicaragua/Dominican Republic
They are available in 4 vitolas and with the exception of the Torpedo, which comes in a 10-count box, the others are packaged n 20-count boxes.
- VI Sixty – 6 x 60
- Toro Bello – 6 x 54
- Torpedo – 6.5 x 52
- Robusto – 5 x 50
For this review I sampled the Kafie 1901 Sumatra Toro Bello
Running it across my nose I pick up cocoa and earth on the foot with a mild spice along the shaft.
Once cut, I roll it around a bit tasting the early nuance of the blend. The palate is greeted with some deep earthy notes with an ample amount of pepper. I am finding this a good start for the journey.
Cigar Review Notes
- After igniting, the Kafie 1901 Sumatra delivers a delectable blend of sweetness, cinnamon spice, and dry cocoa powder.
- The cocoa makes its way to the front of the profile and an early aroma develops that is spicy sweet.
- A walnut note is coming in after the first third adding to the cocoa. It is like a walnut brownie but not as intensely sweet.
- Dry citrus enters midway through second third – has me licking my lips
- Full volume of smoke with a creamy texture
- Cocoa powder mixes back in end by the end of the second third joined with a bitter coffee bean
- Citrus moves in and out while the spice builds into final
- The burn was perfect and the construction solid
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hr and 15 min
Overall, this is by far my favorite of the Kafie 1901 line. The quality consistency of every Kafie 1901 is praise enough, but when you add in the palate pleasing flavors it makes the Kafie 1901 Sumatra a five pack purchase any day of the week. I paired the last of the five with a Kafie 1901 coffee and yes they seem to e made for each other.
Kafie 1901 Sumatra