CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger Cigar Review

There is no person on social media that makes me more furious then Skip Martin. There have been times where I said I would swear off his cigars because of our beliefs being on opposite ends of the spectrum. But if I, Barry Stein have one true friend in the cigar industry it is Skip Martin. I first met his partner Mike Rosales in New Orleans during IPCPR when he was pimping his own lines. I might of met Skip Martin that year as well, but our friendship would develop on Twitter and Facebook before carrying over to the DC Tweetup, Miami, Delray Beach and countless other places. Like a bad penny, we kept showing up in each others presence.

Despite the years of friendship, I must admit I am pretty mad that I have never gotten any weasel related swag from him. I have mastered the art of being a weasel, its is a pre-requisite of being a blogger. So Skip, I know you are reading this. I want some weasel related swag and stuff, so I expect a package to show up sooner than later.

Cigar Review: CroMagnon
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 4″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Knuckle Dragger

The Look: Packaged in 24 count boxes  the CroMagnon cigar was once a cigar without a band. A few years back the company added bands after retailer demand to tell the difference between the blends. The CroMagnon features one of the oiliest looking Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers on the market today and it’s been like that since the inception of the line. The Knuckle Dragger is flawlessly rolled with no imperfections on the wrapper which is feels pretty thick, but the Cameroon binder underneath keeps it burning at a steady pace. This cigar is as heavy as cigars twice its size in the hand and there are no soft spots with a well packed foot.

The Notes: The cold draw of the Knuckle Dragger had a graham cracker like note to it with hints of lemon zest. The lemon zest note makes me believe this cigar might pair well with a Sam Adams Summer Ale. The foot of the cigar as a meaty characteristic to it with subtle note of graham.

Once you light up the cigar it’s obvious that a Summer Ale is obviously not the correct pairing for this cigar. There is some significant price and leather but the primary note is that of a perfectly cooked ribeye.

Despite the strength, the cigar is incredibly well balanced.  The leather notes remain, and there is still some meaty notes that are compliment by the graham notes I experienced on the cold draw.

The last third of the Cro-Magnon Knuckle Dragger is definitely the strongest, and there is some spice on the lips and saltiness on the tongue. The retrohale at this point of the cigar is eye watering but extremely flavorful. Some of the meat notes remain on the longer finish of leather and graham.

The Finish: The description of a full body cigar would be the CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger. The balance of the cigar stands out as the rich flavors are the focal point and they compliment the strength. The CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger for me will always be the cigar that defines RoMaCraft Tobac.

Score: 91
Price: $7.19 / $151.99