Valentia Kentucky Dark Fire Cigar Review – A cornucopia of BBQ flavors

Valentia cigars added to their line last year with the introduction of the Kentucky Dark Fire cigar. I have to say, I am not a huge fan of fire cured tobacco, at least not fresh out of the box, so I let this one rest for about 10 months in the humidor. I find doing that mellows out the strong and somewhat over powering flavor of the fire cured leaf. Of course if you like it fresh, then by all means don’t wait.

According to Addy Sandler, owner of Valentia cigars:

The Valentia Kentucky  Dark Fire is blend we have developed using Nicaraguan Cuban Seed tobacco. The Binder is Negro San Andreas, and the filler is Dominican and Nicaraguan , as well as a splice of Kentucky Dark Fire Tobacco. Homage to the America, and the marriage of bourbon and Cigars.

The complete blend of the Valentia Kentucky Dark Fire is described as:

• Wrapper: Viso Nicaragua
• Binder: Negro San Andres
• Filler: Santo Domingo, Nicaragua and Kentucky Dark Fired

The Kentucky Dark Fire is available in one 6 x 56 Toro vitola and comes packaged in 10 and 25 count boxes and also a 3 pack. The Valentia site has these posted for sale at an MSRP of $10.70.

Pre-Light Examination

The Valentia Kentucky Dark Fire is a waxy dark brown wrapped cigar with tight seams and a properly applied cap. There is a certain rugged look to this cigar with some prominent veins. It has a solid feel in the hand with no soft spots and tight packing. Looking at the foot, the leaf has a certain reddish brown look to it. Running the cigar along the nose I picked up deep earthy and hickory notes.

The company adorned this cigar with the standard Valentia trademark band using an olive-green background color.

Once the cap is cut, the cold draw delivered a strong earthy note.

Let’s fire it up and get into the journey of the Kentucky Dark Fire.

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Cigar Review Notes

• Once fired up, I get some of the fire cure hickory note on the palate but not overdone
• The fire cure notes rests in the back with some sweetness and earth on the front of the profile
• Spice enters near the end of the first third
• Sweetness builds into the second third
• Beautiful medium grey ash resting on a thin char line
• Spice maintains in the background
• Roasted nut aroma filling the air in the lounge
• I begin to get to that sliver of fire cure sweetness midway through the second third
• Wrapper is oiling up well
• Sweet butter enters at the half way mark as the smoke smooths – especially on the retro hale
• The spice, hickory, and butter are  blending into a sweet tasty BBQ sauce note
• Savory meaty notes enter in the final third all draped in that tasty BBQ sauce
• Solid Medium Strength Cigar
• Total Smoking Time was just topping 90 minutes

Overall, the Valentia Kentucky Dark Fire turned out to be a tasty morsel that did not overpower with the fire cured hickory. The sweetness of this cigar was a delight. This is easily pared with a fine bourbon. I am not sure how this would taste without the aging on it, but I can certainly say, that letting it age, out of the cellophane delivered a terrific smoking experience. If you are a fan of Kentucky Fire Cured cigars, the Valentia Kentucky Dark Fire is a must try. It should be noted that Valentia Cigars is a premier sponsor of Stogie Press but in no way did this impact the review.