The 22N / 83W Epicure No. 4 – Cigar Review

Every now and then I look for tasty smokes that I can buy boxes of without emptying my bank account. I’ve smoked cigars that cost me twenty-five cents each, all the way to a single that cost me $300 (which was an absolutely terrible call on my part, but I won’t get into that). I’m all over the board with this passion of mine, but if I’m looking for a stick I can light up with no regrets, it’s the 22N / 83W.

I should have reviewed this sooner, as its one that I visit more often than not. Let me tell you why.

What am I smoking?

Cigar Review: 22N / 83W Epicure No. 4
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos de Oriente
Wrapper: Brazilian Corojo
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Nicaragua, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Honduras
Length: 4 & 7/8th Inches
Ring Gauge: 49
Vitola: Robusto
Strength: Medium

Packaging & Design

The 22N / 83W made by Jesus Fuego comes in a cabinet style cedar box, showcasing a compass rose on the top lid, along with the size designation on the front side. The 22N / 83W name comes from the coordinates of the Hacienda el Corojo factory that once grew, as many say, the best tobacco on earth. Although the plantation no longer exists, the seeds used there do, and are used for every tobacco in this cigar.

The bands on the 22N / 83W also display the compass rose on nice looking glossy paper.

First Impressions

The wrapper on this cigar has a nice golden-red hue to it that’s highlighted by the natural oils on the leaf. There are hardly any veins or seams noticeable, giving it a clean and high quality look. The caps are also neatly placed on the head of the cigar, and are cut with no issue. The pre-light draw offers flavors of nuts, cedar and cocoa powder. I was actually kinda chewing on this one for a while before I lit it because it tasted so good.

The Smoke

Now for the fun part. After lighting, I’m greeted with flavors of almonds, kindling wood and a marshmallow-like sweetness. A very easy draw brings in huge amounts of smoke, adding a nice visual element to the experience so far. The ash bright white in color, and holds solid until the second third.

Nearing the halfway point, I’m beginning to pick up notes of cracked black pepper, leather and a citrus zing from the Corojo leaves used. The finish is pleasantly long lasting, leaving notes of sea salt and nutmeg spices on the finish. The construction of the 22N / 83W is flawless right now, holding a straight and even burn needing no attention.

Finishing up on this cigar, and I couldn’t be more pleased with its performance. The flavor gets one final boost as the smoke begins to warm up, bringing out more nuances of cedar and dark chocolate.

Final Thoughts

This is one cigar that is the poster child for the moniker “bang for the buck”. At this price, one would expect an okay-ish smoking experience that is easily forgettable. However, that’s not the case with the 22N / 83W, as it is one of my favorite go-to smokes when I’m in the mood for something that is consistently good. If you’re looking for a box to always keep in your rotation, I strongly recommend you try out these cigars.

Score Breakdown

Appearance: 19
Flavor: 18
Balance: 17
Burn: 18
Construction: 19

Rating: 91
Price: $6.49 / $109.99 (Box of 20)