Matilde was a brand that was introduced in 2014 and according to their website, Jose Sejas says, “I am passionate about smoking cigars and have dedicated 40 years of my life to the cigar industry. I am now tapping my deep roots in the Dominican Republic to revive a forgotten brand called Matilde. Tabacalera la Matilde is a unique boutique cigar factory where I am free to make cigars in my own way. I lead a small team focused exclusively on bringing you the best cigar experience in the world. Matilde is the satisfaction of my life’s dream. It is my great pleasure to share it with you.”
The blend which is available in 4 sizes is described as, “Matilde Renacer is a robust smoke which would delight the most discerning aficionado. The predominant taste is of sweet molasses with notes of Dominican black coffee and dark chocolate. Creaminess lingers on your palate throughout the smoke, exuding aromas of earth and leather.”
Cigar: Matilde Renacer
Size: 5.5 x 44
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Source: Unknown
The Look: The band of the Matilde Renacer reminds me a lot of the Avo 787 with its coloring and shape. In fact at quick glance it is easy to confuse the two. The wrapper of the cigar is flawless with only the thinnest network of veins visible on a seamless roll. Under the fingers the cigar feels somewhat rough and the cigar is well packed with no soft spots. One of the better looking corona cigars I have seen in recent memory.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Matilde Renacer has notes of raisins and molasses. The sweetness offered from the draw is enjoyable as it the nose of the foot that serves up a more definitive molasses with a slight pepper. Once the cigar is lit that pepper is evident through the nose of the retrohale but there is an exquisite graham cracker note present as well.
The first third of the cigar continues with the graham cracker notes, and a touch of pepper through the nose. Just as the first third begins to come to a close the graham fades before giving way to a dark bitter coffee note.
In the second third of the cigar after we ash, the coffee begins to become lighter with some developing sweetness similar to the molasses experienced on the cold draw and the aroma of the cigar begins to stand out reminded me of apricots.
The last third of the Matilde Renacer the drying nature of the Ecuador wrapper to the palate begins to bother me, so I would suggest smoking this with a beverage nearby. The last third of the cigar has a continuing aroma that is really enticing and some coffee, wood and earth on a prolonged finish.
The cigar begins to take on a subtle dryness which is common for an Ecuador wrapper. It seems to be a trend in the industry to use this wrapper and while the dryness bothers me at times, one cannot deny the flavor that comes from this particular leaf . The coffee remains on the last third with some wood notes and a bit of earthiness but the aroma really stands out.
The Finish: The Matilde Renacer is an enjoyable Dominican cigar with a tasty flavor profile and enticing aroma. While labeled as a Dominican cigar it does not come off as one as it lacks a certain bite that certain cigars from that locale tend to have. Despite other experiences having burn issues I did find the other sizes to be more enjoyable.
Score: 91
Price: $7.50
Matilde Renacer
Matilde Renacer Foot
Matilde Renacer Burn
