Byron 19th Century Poemas comes from Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco, the creative mind behind the rebranding of Cohiba Behike. His vision with Byron was to bring to the American market a cigar reminiscent of the great Cuban brands spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. This blend from Costa Rica features an Ecuadorian wrapper and binder, paired with filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and Peru.
The Byron Poemas greets the eye with a beautiful dark brown wrapper, smooth to the touch with an attractive oily sheen. Construction is impressive, feeling firm in hand with a well-packed body, tight seams, and an expertly applied triple cap.
The cigar opens with bold notes of leather and cedar, rounded by oak undertones. Flavors of honey wheat bread, reminiscent of Outback rolls, come through alongside molasses, honey, cocoa powder, and black coffee. A subtle hay-like sweetness adds complexity and balance.
As the cigar transitions, the bread note evolves with the richness of melted salted butter. Leather begins to fade, leaving cedar to remain a key player. Layers of cinnamon, peanut butter cookies, and clove enter the profile, accented by a delicate touch of white pepper. Hints of dried dark cherry appear, adding a tangy sweetness, with a fleeting touch of soapiness in the background.
The cigar closes with leather and cedar returning to prominence. The salted butter note deepens, becoming creamier within the profile. Dark chocolate and coffee join the mix, while the bread character shifts toward a rustic Italian baguette. Cinnamon, clove, and a nutty finish round out the experience, tying the journey together with richness and depth.
The Byron 19th Century Poemas is an excellent cigar that feels like it has the refinement of aging. Each stage offers distinct flavors with subtle transitions, creating a clean, balanced smoking experience. The draw leans on the tighter side, but the burn remains steady and reliable. From its elegant appearance to the bold, opening notes and creamy, satisfying finish, this cigar delivers thick, aromatic smoke with mellow flavors, free from bitterness or harshness. Consistent in strength and complexity, it is both sophisticated and enjoyable from start to finish.
Overall Score: 91.56 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 5.06 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #27-B) was scored by a panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Rev Eldon, Bill F, Jeff Endrizzi, Jeffery Knipe, Daniel, Ryan M.,Vincent Cammarata, Chris V, Joey Bagodonuts, & Anthony “Bird” Werner
