One of the great blessings in life is grandchildren. Whenever I see my grandson we play all day and by the time it is to get the little guy to bed Papa Jimmie is in need of a good evening stick. On this particular weekend I took the little man to the zoo and then played some incredible tackle Papa. So I finally sat down with a Nomad C-276. I had one of these at the IPCPR and I knew this was the relaxation stick for this night.
According to the Nomad website, Fred Rewey owner and master blender of Nomad cigars states:
The name C-276 also has a back story. The “C” is for Concepción, one of two volcanoes on Ometepe Island. “276″ is the square kilometers of the island.
Matter of fact, Ometepe was such a key ingredient at one point in the blending – I named the cigar after the mysterious island.
The C-276 is constructed from Nicaraguan binders and fillers (we know some of these are Ometepe). It is wrapped in a beautiful Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro.
The Nomad C-276 is available in 5 vitolas:
- Robusto (5 x 50)
- Toro (6 x 60)
- Torpedo (6 x 52)
- Toro Grande (6 x 58)
- Corona (5 1/2 x 44)
For this review I sampled the Toro.
Examining the C-276 the wrapper is a deep brown vein-less leaf, velvet to the touch. The box pressed seams are smooth and tight. The packing is tight. Cutting the cap the pre-light draw is unrestricted and there are leathery notes on the foot. There was a late afternoon storm today and the air outside is crisp and the humidity is down. A perfect evening to enjoy a fine smoke. I also appreciate a well placed band and Fred has pride to do it right. The band is wrapped perfectly to the edge as it should be. You can tell it is a Nicaraguan Nomad blend by the Black Background on the band.
If you ever met FredRewey you will understand that this one cool cat, one of the new breeds of cigarbranders. He takes pride in making quality cigars for the right price. The C-276 is such a cigar and it does not disappoint.
I do enjoy the Ometepe tobacco as it brings forth some wonderful flavor profiles.
Firing up the C-276 I quickly notice hints of Currant and a light spice. There is a mild retro-hale burn that opens the nasal cavity. The medium grey ash is tight and has near perfect burn so far. Just as I am making the note, the ash falls around the 1 inch mark, but quickly picks up again. This is not an ash contest winner but that is only a sideline to a review. The flavor is key.
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As the C-276 burned into the 2nd third, the Currant dropped off and there is a leather and cedar flavor entering the fold. The early spice has faded to the background , at least for now.The smoke has been full from the very first puff and does not seem like that will stop.
The final third brought white pepper into the front with a touch of cocoa in the back. This stayed throughout the finish. I wish it didn’t end, but then it was the perfect ending to a wonderful day with the grandson.
Overall this is fantastic cigar and Fred hit out of the ball park on this one. Like he said to me at the IPCPR, he is not sure how he will top this one. I say keep using that tasty Ometepe when you can and just be you Fred – bold, cool and passionate. We look forward to 2015 and what Nomad has to offer
Nomad C-276
– Boston Jimmie
