FERIO TEGO METROPOLITAN MADURO BY QUESADA CIGARS

Alright, let’s settle in and talk about the less heard of Ferio Tego Metropolitan Maduro in a 5×50 Robusto. This isn’t just another stick; it’s a creation from the skilled hands at Quesada Cigars in the Dominican Republic, featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper that immediately catches the eye, paired with Dominican binder and filler. It’s a blend that promises depth, and it certainly delivers.

From the very first draw, this cigar offers a generous volume of smoke, a welcome sign of things to come. The initial notes are quite inviting, with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey, quickly followed by a robust coffee or espresso character. There’s also a foundational hint of earthy richness that grounds the experience. What’s particularly noteworthy, and something that stays with you throughout the entire smoke, is a distinct saltiness on the wrapper. It brings to mind the satisfying taste of salted peanuts, a unique dimension that adds intrigue.

Moving into the second third, the experience largely maintains the established profile, but with a few nuanced developments. That initial honey sweetness deepens, evolving into something richer, more akin to a smooth caramel. Alongside this, soft whispers of leather begin to emerge, adding another layer of complexity without overpowering the core flavors. It’s a consistent, enjoyable progression.

As you approach the final third, the earthy notes become more prominent, shifting from a general earthiness to a drier, more mineral-like character. Yet, the coffee, the evolved caramel sweetness, and that persistent salty peanut essence from the wrapper all remain, creating a harmonious and satisfying conclusion to the journey.

Now, on the pairing front, I opted for a bourbon and coke with this one. While it wasn’t a bad combination, it felt a bit like a missed opportunity. The sweetness and effervescence of the drink didn’t quite elevate the cigar’s profile as much as I’d hoped. My gut tells me this Metropolitan Maduro would truly shine alongside a good cup of coffee, perhaps with a touch of cream. That creamy texture and the coffee’s inherent bitterness would likely complement the cigar’s rich, earthy, and sweet notes in a far more profound way.

Overall, the Ferio Tego Metropolitan Maduro Robusto is a well-crafted cigar that offers a consistent and engaging flavor profile. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate a maduro with clear, evolving notes and a distinctive character.

This was another great stick from Standard + Twain. If you are not familiar with them yet, they describe their company as one that allows you to participate in blind tastings and eliminates brand bias, enabling you to evaluate cigars solely on their merit rather than reputation or price. This unbiased approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse range of cigars available, empowering you to discover your true favorites without preconceived notions.

Note: We do not recieve any monetary or other contributions from the companies listed or linked above.

MIL DIAS MADURO BY CROWNED HEADS

Alright, let’s talk about something I appreciate when the day winds down, something that grounds you a bit: a good cigar the Crowned Heads Mil Días Maduro. Now, this isn’t just any stick; it’s a 6×54 medium-strength robusto, hailing from Nicaragua. You can tell right away it’s built solid – a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, a Habano binder, and that Nicaraguan filler all coming together. It feels right in the hand.

First Light: The Initial Read

The moment the flame kissed the foot, and I took that first draw, this Mil Días Maduro didn’t waste any time introducing itself. It wasn’t subtle, but it wasn’t overpowering either. What hit me first was this distinct charred oak. Not burnt, but like wood that’s been in a good, slow fire, giving off a deep, earthy scent. Then, right behind it, a real pleasant molasses sweetness rolled in. It smoothed things out, gave it a bit of a comforting depth. And just as I was settling into those, there was this sharp spike of pepper. Not an aggressive kick, but a lively snap that made you pay attention. The smoke itself? It was like a thick fog, unbelievably creamy, just coating everything.

Into the Heart: Mid-Journey Impressions

As I worked my way through the second third, the cigar really started to open up, showing more of its character. That initial char and pepper eased back, not disappearing entirely, but becoming more of a quiet hum in the background. What took over was this rich, full profile of toasted nuts – a warm, inviting flavor, followed by the unmistakable depth of dark chocolate. It was like unwrapping a really good candy bar, but in smoke form. The sweet tobacco from the start was still there, a constant companion, holding all these new elements together. And yeah, those ghosts of charred oak and cedar would drift back in now and then, a nice little reminder of where this thing came from. The creaminess of the smoke, it just kept on delivering.

The Finish: Bringing it Home

By the time I got to the final third, this Mil Días Maduro was just hitting its stride, bringing everything together for a strong finish. Those toasted nut and dark chocolate notes were still prominent, blending seamlessly with the underlying sweetness. It wasn’t a cigar that changed drastically at the end; instead, it refined the journey. It carried those initial impressions and developed them into a truly satisfying blend. It was a consistent, well-composed experience right down to the last puff, leaving a clear sense of a job well done.

My Takeaway

So, what’s the verdict on the Crowned Heads Mil Días Maduro? It’s a well-built cigar, no question. It delivers a rich, evolving flavor profile that keeps you engaged without overwhelming you. If you’re looking for something with that distinct charred oak, a solid sweetness, a bit of peppery kick, and then evolves into those toasted nut and dark chocolate notes, you’d do well to pick one of these up. It’s a rewarding smoke, from the first draw to the last.