Last year Hammer + Sickle released the Sochi as a Limited Edition, this year their Limited Edition is simply named LE14. Featuring tobacco from 3 different countries and 6 different varieties the LE14 is limited to 250 boxes and is set to be released mid-October. They come packaged in 10 count boxes and carry an MSRP of $10.00.
The image featured on the band and box of the cigar is reference to the Rabochiy i Kolkhoznitsa statue in Moscow. The statue which features the worker and Kolhoz woman is made of stainless steel and was unveiled at the 1937 Worlds Fair in Paris, France before being moved to Russia. The figures in the statue are holding a hammer and sickle.
Cigar: LE14
Size: 6.75 x 48 (Dalias)
Wrapper: Proprietary
Binder: Proprietary
Filler: Proprietary
Strength: Medium
The Look: The band on the LE14 is really interesting as it is held together in two spots one of which gives the appearance of the statue holding hands. The wrapper of the LE14 has some thin veins and some brindle like characteristics. The cigar is well rolled with a nice weight for the size. It is firm with just the right amount of sponginess. There are no soft spots and the foot is well packed.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar comes off as Dominican, at least to me as it takes me back to the factory floor in Santiago. The LE14 has a nice note of hay but there is also a buttery creaminess. The foot of the cigar has a similar nose with some added caramel sweetness that has me looking forward to lighting this up.
Once the stick is lit there is a creaminess and a subtle amount of earth. As we work past the first half of the LE14 there a developing note that reminds me of butter pecan. As the first third comes to a close this exquisite cigar is both nutty and buttery rich with just a hint of earth.
The second third the Hammer + Sickle LE14 begins to become a lesson in complexity there are notes of wood, pecans, earth, and a note that reminds me of a shortbread cookie. There is so much going on that each puff is like a new cigar, but the transition between each note is flawless. As the second third comes to a close the aroma is delicious with a nose that reminds me of the aforementioned shortbread.
In the last third of the Medium bodied LE14 it begins to take on some notes of spice especially through the nose, and it becomes ever so slightly on the higher spectrum of medium. The sweetness has left, and the cigar takes on a note of wood, and earth with a slightly nutty finish.
The Finish: When I smoked one last week compliments of Eric Hanson from Hammer + Sickle I was impressed and continue to be impressed with each and every smoke from the box that was gifted to us. The complexity on this limited edition is like no other cigar that I have smoked. However, we run into the problem that a limited edition brings us. 250 boxes then they are gone, for good. When they are available, I suggest grabbing a few boxes especially since they are 10 count boxes.
Score: 94
Price: $10.00
Hammer + Sickle LE 14
Hammer + Sickle LE 14
Hammer + Sickle LE 14 Burn
