This time last year there was a little buzz about Crux as the cigar appeared on my radar. However, the cigars were almost non-existant in New England and I couldn’t find one to try which made the cigar disappear from my radar. In the months leading up to the IPCPR trade show the company began to send us press releases and my curiosity was renewed to try the brand.
Made at the Placencia factory in Nicaragua some samples were given to The Cigar Authority and today we take a look at the Classic line. According to the Crux website, “From novice to aficionado, the Classic is a very approachable blend. Built for the everyday smoker, it has enough body and flavor to satisfy without the strength to make one’s head spin. The all Nicaraguan binder and filler combines with the Habano Jalapa wrapper for one excellent smoke. This stick begs to be a part of special occasions or when simply enjoying a BBQ with friends.”
Cigar Review: Crux Classic
Size: 6 x 52 (Toro Marblehead)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano (Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Source: Crux Cigars
The Look (9/10): Looking at the Crux Classic the first thing that comes to mind is that the cigar is a Toro with a Belicoso style cap. The cap is inspired by classic Cuban vitola, “109” that can be found on Cuban cigars such as Punch, Montecristo and Romeo Y Julieta. The Habano wrapper reminds me of a coffee bean in color with an abundance of oils and minimal veins. The cigar is firm to the touch with no soft spots and a nice weight. The band features the Crux logo vertically placed and the word Classic beneath it.
The Notes (32/35): The aroma off the foot of the Crux Classic has a well-defined fig note that is incredibly sweet with a hint of black pepper while the wrapper has a mocha like element to it. The cold draw of the cigar has chocolate with a hint of citrus.
The first third of the Crux Classic doesn’t show any signs of the sweetness experienced on the cold draw which is a little disappointing to say the least. However, the citrus note that appeared on the draw is front and center once the cigar is lit. As we progress through the first third some notes of oak and earth join the mix and slowly take control.
The second third of the smoke continues to serve up hearty notes of oak that served as the dominant flavor profile with a leather on the long finish. As the cigar eclipses the half way point the oak remains with a subtle sweetness that begins to form.
The last third sees the introduction of some notes of raisins and a slight wisp of cocoa while oak continues to dominate the palate and leather on the lengthy finish. The retrohale throughout the cigar served up some spice and leather on the aroma.
The Burn (29/35): The burn of the Crux Classic reveals a thick combustion line and it looks like the wrapper burns a little slower than the binder and filler of the cigar. I did need to touch the cigar up slightly about another half-inch after the third picture. The ash had some flake to it an held in quarter stick increments. The cigar remained lit and the draw perfect but the burn was a little bit frustrating.
The Finish (18/20): I often say how the prelight draw and aroma rarely plays out into the cigar once it is lit; and this is the perfect example of the complete 180. Upon toasting the cigar I was looking forward to a flavor bomb of sweetness, but the flavors were darker than anticipated. Once I adjusted to cigar before me I found it to be quite enjoyable, though very dark with notes of oak and leather and the primary taste but sadly the burn of the cigar plays into the final score.
Score: 88
Price: $7.50
Crux Classic
Crux Classic Foot
Crux Classic Burn
