In 2020 Asylum celebrates its 8th Anniversary with the limited edition Asylum Eight. The cigar was originally scheduled to be released earlier this year, but as with many things, the cigar was delayed due to COVID-19. It marks the second anniversary release for the company in as many years, following up on the Asylum Seven from 2019.
Cigar Review: Asylum Eight
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 48/54/48
Size: 11/18
The Look: The Asylum Eight packaging is beautiful with colors of black and silver. In my head I can hear Chris Berman of ESPN fame saying “Da Raiders” while looking at the humidor quality box. Packaged in a great looking humidor-like box, the cigars are laid out in two rows of 10 coffins. Inside the coffin is a gorgeous looking 11/18 vitola with a near perfect wrapper. In the hand the cigar is firm with no voids of tobacco and a nice weight to it.
The Notes: Lately I feel like many coffin cigars have an aroma of glue or varnish. It was so nice to open this box and be assaulted with an amazing cedar aroma which is also noticeable on the cigar. The cold draw sees notes of cedar with a touch of raisin sweetness. Once the cigar is lit, this Honduran puro offers up an abundance graham cracker notes.
As we smoke the Asylum Eight the graham cracker notes begin to fade as notes of vanilla and cedar envelop the palate. As the first third comes to a close nuances of cinnamon begin to emerge that become dominant for a couple of puffs before fading away. The retrohale of the cigar serves up of brown sugar and freshly baked bread.
Moving into the second third cedar remains dominant with notes of mocha and peanuts. The finish is moderate in length with the mocha lingering more than the other components. The retrohale remains exception smooth with hints of brown sugar and more cedar.
As we conclude this incredible experience the cigar remains as smooth as silk with a subtle chocolate and cedar with a nutty finish. The retrohale sees a touch of cinnamon return while the finish is moderate in length.
The Finish: Simply put this is the greatest cigar to ever feature the name Asylum. It’s a throwback to the days of when Christian Eiroa was the mastermind behind the Liberty which is further driven home with the size. It’s smooth and balanced with a great flavor profile. It’s a walk down memory lane and anyone who remembers the glory days of the 11/18 size needs to buy at least a 5 pack of these.
Score: 97
Price: $19.99 / $359.99
Asylum Eight 11/18
Asylum Eight 11/18 Foot
Asylum Eight 11/18 Burn
