Last week we reviewed the Barabbas, one of two new cigars to come out this week from Cuba Rica. The other is Spirit of Art, which is today’s review. The cigar is named art Art Kalasho, a friend of brand own Stephen Adib. The cigar is limited to 50 accounts nationwide, and is available at site sponsor 2GuysCigars.com. The interesting thing about the Spirit of Art is that a portion of the price gets donated by the manufacturer to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.
The cigars are available in 3 sizes and carry an MSRP of $15.50 to $20 depending not the size.
Cigar: Spirit of Art
Size: SOA 54 (5.75 x 54)
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Strength: Mild
The Look: The Spirit of Art features a very blonde looking Connecticut wrapper grown in Ecuador. There are a few thin veins on the wrapper that appears to be a little thin. The cigar is flawless rolled with a small fan-tail cap. The band features a picture of Art Kalasho for whom the cigar is named after. The cigar is firm to the touch, with no soft spots and feels a little gritty under the fingers. The foot is well packed and the Spirit of Art has an above average weight.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Spirit of Art is creamy with a touch of earth. The cream has a butter like smoothness that is extremely pleasant. The foot of the cigar has a subtle spice and the aroma of freshly cut grass. While that might not work for me all the time, it does work for me as it comes across as smooth.
After toasting the foot the cigar has a creme note right off the bat with some spice especially through the nose that borders on white pepper for the first couple of puffs before mellowing out. As we work into the first third of the cigar the primary note reminds me of butterscotch with some continue creamy notes and a hint of earth.
In the second third the butterscotch note remains but begins to fade and the cigar becomes extremely smooth and rich, with notes of butter and a faint chocolate. Thrown into the mix is some nuts which makes this cigar seem like a desert served by one of the top pastry chefs.
Entering the last third of the cigar there are similarities that remind me of sipping Ron Zacapa with a syrup like sweetness and a slight bite similar to that found on rum. It’s not a bad bite, but it makes me wish I had a glass of Zacapa served neat as I smoked the Spirit of Art. As the cigar comes to a finish there is a hint of a vanilla in the mix as well.
The Burn: The burn line of the Spirit of Art was jagged at times but it never once needed to be touched up. The medium gray ash held on easily for a third at a time. The draw of the cigar was iconic, with just enough resistance to keep things burning at a slow place. The cigar also stay lit from first pull til last puff even when I put it down for a solid 5 minutes.
The Finish: The Spirit of Art is a mild cigar, with an impressive flavor profile. Extremely tasty and for a good cause at the same time with a donation going to St. Judes Children’s Reasearch Hospital. These cigars are limited in availability and are worth tracking down. Even if you like a full-bodied smoke, I would recommend this because of the complexity.
Score: 92
Price: $17.99 / $149.99 (Box of 10)
Spirt of Art
Spirt of Art Foot
Spirt of Art Burn
