Asylum 13 Medulla Cigar Review

One of the unique releases at the 2017 IPCPR this year was the Asylum 13 Medulla Oblongata. This 50 count box is unique as there are 25 cigars that are the traditional round (Medulla) and 25 cigars that are box pressed (Oblongata). Both cigars are the same blend so it’s another instance of being able to judge for yourself how much box pressing changes things up, if at all. We did a similar comparison a few weeks ago with Vallejuello and today marks the 1st of 2 reviews on the cigar starting with the round stick.

Cigar: Asylum Medulla Oblongata
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Medulla (Robusto)

The Look: Packed in 50 count boxes, the Medulla is the round format cigar of this unique release. The round Medulla features tissue paper covering up the cigar below the band, which is brown and gold. As we remove the tissue paper it reveals an oily looking stick with some veins that stand out slightly detracting from the cigar. In the hand there is a nice weight to it with a well packed foot.

The Notes: The cold draw of the Medulla has some salty characteristics and a flavor component me of soy beans and roasted grains, in other words, soy sauce. The foot of the cigar mimics the flavor profile in its aroma which is slightly sweet. Once we toast the foot of the cigar there is a subtle vegetal note which I am hesitant to use as a descriptor because of its negative sound, but it is quite enjoyable and it works.

Moving into the first third of the cigar a semi sweet component begins to emerge that reminds me of the colored candy buttons that use to be on ribbons of paper. On a side note, I turned to my co-worker and said, “do you remember what those colored candy dots that looks like buttons were called?” Needless to say, I got a look of despair from my pal, Ed.

The second third sees some sweetness remain though the walk down memory lane of button candies isn’t there anymore. There is a touch of fig present and a bit of caramel with subtle hints of earth and cedar. The retrohale of the cigar has some depth to it which helps enhance the subtleties of the second third of the stick.

The last third of the Medulla of the Asylum 13 Medulla Oblongata continues to serve up some sweets as the focus of the cigar become earth and cedar with a nice subtle spice on the retrohale and finish.

The Finish: When you mention this cigar you can’t help but go into an impersonation from the movie Waterboy, and that makes this cigar fun even before lighting it up. I smoked the box pressed last week and the change of the cigar in the traditional round format was noticeable but we will get to that tomorrow when we smoke the box pressed version. I’ll tell you this if you take my Medulla Oblongata away from me, I’ll become ornery.

Score: 91
Price: $7.19  / $314.99 (Box of 50)