Fri 11 Nov 2005
I must say that, receiving this box of Cuban Crafters Robusto, I had very high expectations for this cigar. Well, I was not disappointed. On the contrary, my expectations were met and surpassed.
This Robusto from the Tabaclera Esteli in Nicaragua is absolutely beautiful to the sight, so the smoking experience began right when I opened my new box. From the texture of the wrapper, to the pigtail cap and the unfinished, carefully tucked foot, you can immediately tell that a lot of attention has gone into ensuring the quality of the tobacco, the blend, and the rolling. Sadly, this is one of those things that is missing from many Cuban brands these days, although the quality control of Cuban cigars is arguably on the rise. At any rate, you don’t have to inspect this baby too much before you realize the kind of smoking experience you are about to embark on.
The wrapper is a wonderful dark natural leaf unlike many others. It is very fine and smooth, and almost marbled with slightly different shades.
The pre-smoke smell of this cigar is bold, full, and reminiscent of dark bitter chocolate with some cedar undertones, but with very little spice; which gives it away as a non-Cuban cigar, from the start.
I sat out in the garden with a book (Unfinished Tales, by JRR Tolkien) and my cigar, the way I normally do; but I must say that this cigar quickly became the center of attention and before the end I only read one paragraph of my book. Lighting up was quick, and the burn was even; but what really got my attention was the absolutely opulent, thick, rich smoke this cigar began to emit. I can only compare it to the smoke of a Cuban Ramon Allones SSR, although the smoke did not have the spice that is typical of Cuban cigars. None the less, the smoke was rich, and so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. The ash was as solid as I have ever seen, going well past half the length of the cigar before falling off. I was impressed.
The first third tasted very strongly of espresso beans, with some chocolate and only a hint of cedar; just delicious. The second third tasted more of cedar with equal notes of chocolate and espresso. The last third was almost exclusively cedar with less chocolate or espresso. The smoke never got harsh, bitter, or dominated by ammonia tastes, unlike other cigars, which I stop smoking at that time. This cigar took me to the very nub with its delightful creamy smoke. The smooth finish was very pleasant indeed.
Overall, the only thing I missed in this cigar was a bit of spice. Otherwise, it was truly a delight to all the senses, a real shock and awe of pleasure for anyone who appreciates a full-body smoke.
You can find this cigar by visiting the Cuban Crafters online boutique HERE
April 20th, 2006 at 10:53 am
good article which decribes the experience well.
Thanks, Roy.R, UK
May 11th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
Good summary E.Z. thank you. I’ve not had the robby, but I’m equally enthusiastic about the CC Toros and Churchills. Even those longer lengths do not become harsh towards the end. Remarkable, and I agree, a tad more spice would really round them out; though as-is there one of my alltime favorites. If nothing else, it might lessen the temptation to light up another, as soon as the first is finished. Quick question: How did you light those photos so beautifully?
May 11th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
I love this stick. Right now, it outnumbers all the other brands in my humidor. I only hope their price doesn’t go up… As far as the photos, boy I’d love to say it’s something I did, but sadly I don’t have a clue how they turned out like that. My camera has to be the oldest clunker on the planet. No joke…
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Did all of you smoke weed before smoking the Cuban Crafters? This one has me bewildered. Cuban Crafters is an acrid, nasty dogrocket — and this is the top of their line! It gets much worse when you get down to JL Salazar and Don Kiki bundles, which literally taste like sucking on a Duracell “D” battery that was laying in an ashtray all day long. I’ve smoked one of each, just to say I did so. Now I can. Hooray for me. Sorry, on this one, I think you’re all nuts.
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Hahaha… I’m glad you found the blog Ted. Sorry the CC was not your cup of tea, it does have a huge following and not a few of them are very experienced and seasonned smokers…
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Great blog, E.Z., I enjoy it very much…particularly the photos. However, I’d question how “serious and seasoned” anyone could be to enjoy anything from Don Kiki.
Not long ago, my local tobacconist got a call from the Kiki sales rep and he really wanted to get his product into this store because of its high-end selection of brands like Tatuaje, Padilla, VSG, Don Carlos, etc. So he set us up with some bundles to try.
Now, maybe we’re snobs, but we all tried the Kiki, J.L. Salazar and Cuban Crafters and literally none of us could stomach them for more than a few puffs. We’re talking, like, 20 guys — all of whom, myself included, smoke at least one cigar a day.
I respect the fact thay everyone’s tastes are different, but the tobacco tasted green at best and strange at worst, and the cigars looked like doggie you-know-what. All in all, they just seemed like a very inept attempt at cigarmaking, made with whatever tobacco Don Kiki was able to get his hands on at that particular moment. I’ve never experienced a cigar line as uniformly bad. Maybe they have “non-traditional” appeal like the Lars Tetens line or something. I just don’t get it.
Keep up the great work, E.Z…it takes a real enthusiast to chronicle his cigar experiences with such vigor. It’s always a pleasure checking back from time to time, even when I (vehemently) disagree!