For Cigar Geeks like myself the TAA is like Christmas morning, as we get news on all these limited releases available at TAA Members like Two Guys Smoke Shop. While many of these new limited releases don’t ship for months, the first one has arrived.
The Kristoff Classic Reserva is limited to 1,000 boxes per size, however TAA Members were able to order from an allotment of 200 boxes per size. The remaining 800 will be made available in July at IPCPR.
Cigar: Kristoff Classic Reserva
Size: 6 x 52 (Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Nicaragua: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: First off, I love the band of red and white with gold borders. The band has always been one of my visual issues with the brand and I love the fact that they got it right. It’s kind of a modern take on Henry Clay and it works. The foot of the cigar is secured by a foot ribbon which is something I have always liked. The caramel colored wrapper has some tooth to it with a few veins that are noticeable. There are no soft spots under the finger and the foot appears to be well packed.
The Draw: When I got to work and had to photograph these for Two Guys Smoke Shop and I was hooked by the aroma of the cigar and I couldn’t wait to smoke one. The cold draw of the cigar is leather with a slight barnyard and moss. The aroma off the foot is that of toffee and cedar that was noticeable when I cracked open the box.
Once the cigar is lit there is a buttery nuttiness that reminds me of a bit of a Pay Day candy bar without the caramel. There is a dark toasted rye note as well with subtle hints of cayenne pepper that lingers ever so slightly on the finish.
In the second third of the Kristoff Classic Reserva a dominant note of sunflower seeds develops with some subtle cayenne pepper on the finish and the slightest hint of mocha and a touch of leather.
In the final third the cigar looses some of the spices and is buttery smooth on the retrohale. There is some nuttiness with cedar present on the palate and a hint of leather on the finish. At times the cigar reminds me of a pretzel the hard variety and I wouldn’t mind pairing this with a beer like Yuengling.
The Burn: This slow burning cigar had a razor-sharp combustion line with a dark color ash that had some light specks thrown in. The ash to me reminded me of a Cuban cigar with its darker color. The draw of the cigar was a tad too loose for me as I like a little bit of resistance however, the slow smoking nature of the cigar the draw wasn’t an issue. It remained lit from first light to last puff.
The Finish: On a cigar forum I am a member of, someone noted that Kristoff is a brand that deserves some more love then it gets and when it comes to the Classic Reserva I agree. While the cigar seems classic at times, it does come across as modern as well. A part of me wish this cigar was a regular release instead of being a limited edition for when it’s gone I think it will be missed.
Score: 91
Price: $8.29 /$148.99
Kristoff Classic Reserva
Kristoff Classic Reserva Foot
Kristoff Classic Reserva Burn
