When it comes to RoMaCraft Cigars you need to be patient especially if you are in a high-volume cigar shop such as Two Guys Smoke Shop. The CroMagnon has been unavailable since the fall of 2019 and before that Neanderthal had its fair share of back orders before shipping on a regular basis again, though some will argue the cigar isn’t the same while others like me will argue it’s even better then ever.
Well, after a long wait Cromagnon has returned and we couldn’t wait to fire one up.
Cigar Review: Cromagnon
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Cameroon
Fillers: Nicaragua
Length: 4″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Knuckle Dragger
The Look: Packaged in 24 count boxes, the Cromagnon started without a cigar band, however, a few years back the company added bands after retailer demand to tell the difference between the blends. Back in the day the wrappers were so oily that the EPA was kept on standby. While the wrappers have always been insanely oily, 2020 version feels more coarse than I remember under the fingers. In the hand the cigar is firm to the touch, evenly rolled and features a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw has a familiar lemon zest component to it along with a subtle cinnamon graham note as well. The foot of the cigar has some cinnamon present well.
Once the cigar is toasted and lit there cracked peppercorn along the edges from a steak on a briquette BBQ that have just the right amount of char on them. The retrohale has an abundance of crushed red pepper that lingers long after the smoke is pushed through the nose.
As we transition into the second third the char slides into the background as leather notes become the dominant profile along with red pepper that appears on the palate and in excess on the retrohale.
As we finish our Cromagnon the strength has our knuckles dragging, pun intended. The notes of char return front and center with a leathery finish that has a significant kick. The finish of the cigar is loaded with pepper that is enhanced on the retrohale.
The Finish: Other than the wrapper feeling more coarse under the fingers the Cromagnon Knuckle Dragger hasn’t changed. It one of the strongest cigars on the market in my opinion, and it came it at number 2 on The Cigar Authority countdown of the 10 strongest cigars. If you missed the episode, you can listen to it via your favorite podcast catcher.
Score: 93
Price: $8.39 / $177.99
Cromagnon Knuckle Dragger
Cromagnon Knuckle Dragger Foot
Cromagnon Knuckle Dragger Burn
