Debonaire Sagita – Petite Lancero – Cigar Review

In 1996, Phil Zanghi and Rocky Patel partnered up and started a company known as Indian Tabac Incorporated. Soon after they went their separate ways, Phil created a new brand called Debonaire Cigars & Rum. They are also the manufacturer for Indian Motorcycle cigars, which debuted at last years IPCPR show. A few months ago, it was reported that Drew Estate acquired distribution rights for Debonaire Cigars, where they will be taking control of selling and shipping this premium brand of smokes. And considering we will be joined by Mr. Zanghi this weekend on The Cigar Authority podcast, I figured I would revisit this old favorite of mine.

Cigar Review: Debonaire Sagita Petite Lancero
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Length: 5.5 Inches
Ring Gauge: 38
Vitola: Petite Lancero
Power: 8 / 10

Packaging & Design

The boxes these cigars come packaged in are very cool. They look like an old-time gun chest, made of a dark-colored wood. On the inside, there is a black and white illustrated picture of a gentleman on a horse riding past what appears to be a tobacco field. On the top of the lid, there is a bronze plate with the brands logo embossed on it. That same logo adorns the bands as well. The whole thing is really cool looking, and would make for a nice storage box on your coffee table.

First Impressions

The Debonaire Sagita petite lancero is a nice looking smoke. It’s not perfect in the appearance department, but it kind of goes with the antique / rustic style Debonaire has. The wrapper is a little rough, but has a soft feel to it. The seems are slightly visible, and it is finished with a small pig-tail cap. After cutting, I noticed this little guy had a nice and easy draw to it. The initial flavors I got reminded me of the way an old humidor smells; cedary with a bit of worn leather. There was a bit of pepper present, but it didn’t dominate the pre light draw.

The Smoke

Once I got her sparked up with a Lotus Mercury, smoke started pouring off the foot and completely covered my palate with huge flavor. The cedar and leather were certainly there, but I was pleased to find that the pepper played a starring role at this point. Right away this started off on the fuller side of medium, and I could tell this was just going to get stronger.

Towards the second third of the Debonaire Sagita, I was right. This ain’t no cigar for the faint of heart. I could actually feel the power build as I burned this one down closer to the band. The leather I was getting was much more pronounced at this point. Black pepper and dark roasted coffee beans were dominating the profile, followed by an earthy sweetness that just wouldn’t quit.

In the final third of this smoke, it reminded me of the first time I smoked Barry Stein’s “Kilo”. That was the only other cigar I’ve had that actually made me start sweating. Besides the strength, I’m really digging the flavors at this point. Huge amounts of aged tobacco started coming through and the peppery notes have started fading. Cedar and earth are present during the finish, which lasts well into the next draw.

Final Thoughts

This is a small cigar, and for whatever reason, small cigars are getting harder and harder to find in a sea of massive ring gauge smokes. I appreciate Debonaire for making a vitola that appeases that small audience of people who want something short and sweet. I’ve smoked the other sizes they make, and each has something special to offer. This line of premium cigars is certainly worth your time.

 

Rating: 91
Price: $9.19 / $162.99 (Box of 20)