From RoMa Craft Tobac which is based in Texas with a factory in Esteli, Nicaragua comes the CroMagnon. One of the first lines released by the company, the original release saw it with no cigar band. In time as the company grew a band was added.
According to the company website, “The CroMagnon contains a long-filler, full-bodied blend of some of the world’s most sought after tobaccos. It features a beautiful US Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a unique Cameroon binder and an amazing marriage of three Nicaraguan varietals in the filler.
The filler leaf for this blend was acquired from three separate growing regions in Nicaragua: Esteli, Condega and a small farm north of Esteli on the Honduran border. This third leaf, a ligero, brings a strong, smoky, savory flavor to the blend. When combined with the mildly-sweet characteristics of the broadleaf maduro wrapper, the exotic bite of the Cameroon binder and the clean finish of its viso and seco companions, the blend delivers the precise deep rich tobacco flavor we wanted to present in the CroMagnon.
CroMagnon transcends lifestyle. CroMagnon is our culture.”
Cigar: CroMagnon
Size: 4 x 52 (Knuckle Dragger)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: To sum up the CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger appearance in word, that word would be oily. Many Broadleaf wrappers on the market today look rustic, and bit dry. Not the CroMagnon. The Knuckle Dragger is flawlessly rolled with no imperfection on the wrapper. Thick and oily, it does have a bit of a brindle look about it. Measuring at 4 x 52 the cigar feels as hefty as a 6 x 60. It is firm with no soft spots and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Knuckle Dragger has a slight tart lemon note to it, but after I cleanse my palate with some club soda, there was an added dimension of steak notes. The lemon remained in the background as an after thought though. The foot of the cigar had a wonderful rich tobacco aroma.
The first third of the cigar has a significant amount of spice and leather notes that is complimented by meaty notes reminiscent of a steak. This cigar is hearty like a meal, and despite its size it comes across much larger like a small dog who thinks he is king.
In the second third I begin to think to myself despite this cigar being strong, it is definitely balanced. There are some cigars that can make you feel woozy, but this cigar doesn’t do that. The leather notes remain, and there is still some meaty notes, but there is an introduction of bruschetta and a subtle saltiness.
The last third of the Cro-Magnon Knuckle Dragger is definite the strongest, and there is some spice on the lips and saltiness on the tongue. The retrohale at this point of the cigar is eye watering but extremely flavorful. Some of the meat notes remain on the longer finish of leather and coffee.
The Burn: At 4 x 52, one would expect this cigar to be a quicker smoke, but the duration for me was much longer than expected. I am not one to time my smokes as I tend to be a slow smoker and relaying the time here would only make you all think I was crazy. I’ve had a robusto last me 2+ hours. The burn line of the Knuckle Dragger was razor-thin, and the light color ash held on for almost 3/4 of the cigar. The draw had little too much resistance for me, but at no time did I consider opening it up further. The cigar remained lit from start to finish.
Overall: While the CroMagnon is full-bodied, I remember it being stronger the first time I smoked it. However, then I was into more milder cigars than I am now. So what is on the lower side of full for me, might just play into how my cigars of choice have changed over the years. The balance of the cigar stands out as the rich flavors are the focal point and they compliment the strength. The result is a full-bodied cigar the way it is supposed to be done.
Score: 91
Price: $6.79 / $143.99
CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger
CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger Foot
CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger Burn
