Noel Rojas has embraced the small ring gauge since he began making cigars and is the self-proclaimed King of the Small Gauge cigars. This year he has released his third Rojas KSG limited edition which is a Lonsdale measuring 6.25 x 42. Made at the Rojas Cigar Factory in Esteli, Nicragua the KSG is limited to 1,000 boxes of 10 cigars. The cigar utilizes tobaccos grown in the Somoto region of Nicaragua which is locate 55 miles northwest of Esteli. Situated on the Honduras border the tobacco has been gaining traction in the industry over the last few years.
Cigar Review: Rojas KSG Limited Edition
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Nicaragua
Length: 6.25″
Ring Gauge: 42
Size: Lonsdale
The Look: The Rojas KSG features a black band with the Rojas logo and a secondary band denoting the KSG. Packaged in 10 count boxes the Rojas KSG features an oily Ecuador grown Habano wrapper. The wrapper is flawless and the cigar features a pigtail cap and closed foot. In the hand the cigar is fairly light but it lacks any voids and is evenly rolled.
The Notes: The cold draw of the KSG has a hints of graham crackers, cocoa and a subtle sweetness that reminds me of the bubble gum that would be inside a pack of Topps baseball cards. The aroma off the foot serves up addition cocoa sweetness. After we light the cigar, the initial notes are graham cracker with a clean pepper component on the aroma.
The first third feature primary notes of graham crackers and cocoa. There is also a subtle cherry like sweetness that dissipates half way through the first third. The retrohale adds notes of espresso and red pepper giving the cigar an elongated finish.
Moving on to the second third the cigar remains creamy and rich. Around the half way point notes of mocha, caramel and a subtle cherry envelop the palate. The retrohale sees continued notes of espresso and red pepper with a touch of earth on the finish.
Smoking the final third the KSG from Rojas sees the creamy notes fade considerably as espresso and earth dominate the palate. The finish remains long with hints of popcorn, espresso and earth.
The Finish: While Noel Rojas has self proclaimed the King of Small Gauge cigars, he has earned that moniker by embracing the size. Many retailers will tell you the size don’t sell and they are right. However, Noel Rojas found a niche market and his fans including me have embraced the releases. For those who prefer more traditional sizes he does them with lines like Bluebonnets, Statement and Street Tacos. When I started working for TCA I told David Garofalo that Rojas would be the next big thing seven years ago. Today, he will on his way to making me look like a genius.
Score: 93
Price: $14.19 / $125.99 (Box of 10)
Rojas KSG Lonsdale
Rojas KSG Lonsdale Foot
Rojas KSG Lonsdale Burn
