In 2014, Fratello Cigars launched The Boxer, a cigar that was available in one size; a 6.25 x 52 box pressed Torpedo. This year they announced a limited addition 5 pack of cigars referred to as The Boxer Series that is limited to 3,000 boxes.
Inside each package which is designed to look like a cigar press contains the original boxer with 4 new sizes. Those sizes are: Boxerito (4.75 x 46); Boxista (5 x 48); Boxero (5.5 x 50) and Boxeador (6 x 54). The package of 5 has a MSRP of $44.99.
Fratello is owned by Omar de Frias and the cigars are made at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Cigar Review: Fratello Boxer Series
Size: 4.75 x 46 (Boxerito)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua, Peru
Strength: Medium-Plus
The Look: The Fratello band continues to be my favorite in the industry which is angled up showing the name Fratello on the front. As for the cigar the milk chocolate Habano wrapper from Ecuador has a few veins that stand out but are flush with the cigar. In the hand there is a nice weight to it and the cigar has a couple of voids on the side of the box press so we will watch to see how the cigar burns.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar reminds me of hard pretzels that are baked slightly longer then the optimal time. There is also a note that reminds me of buckwheat grains. On the nose the buckwheat is more dominant and easily detectible.
On the initial light there is a pepper note that is in your face for the first couple of puffs as well as through the nose, but by the time we hit the half-inch mark of the cigar it moves into the background. As we move deeper into the first third some nuts join the mix but there is also a floral like component as well. The pepper which becomes more of a white pepper at this point remains in the background though it grows a little bit stronger on the retrohale.
As we enter the second third a wood note begins to develop along with a note that is akin to the Peruvian tobacco which is almost citric like in nature. The pepper notes remain on the retrohale as well as the aroma of the cigar which has lost the floral notes experienced in the first third. The cigar is creamy and smooth with a cranberry like note on the finish of this enjoyable cigar.
The final third of the cigar continues with notes pepper and cedar, but there is a sweetness that fights to emerge that borders along the lines of vanilla bean that lingers slightly on the finish. The pepper is balanced on the palate and a little potent through the nose.
The Burn: With the soft spots of tobacco on one side of the cigar I was worried about the burn and while it burned slightly at an angle, the combustion line was sharp and thin. The medium gray ash held on for nearly half the cigar and the draw was impeccable. No touch ups or relights were needed as the cigar remained lit through out.
The Finish: I was hopeful The Boxer would lead to a full on release of box pressed cigars, but I am very happy to see this limited edition come to the table and hope there is enough success that could make it a yearly release. The box pressing of Fratello changes things up making the Fratello more enjoyable than it already was if that’s possible. This 5 pack is a no brainer and might be a great gift for a fellow SOTL or BOTL.
Score: 91
Price: $39.99
Fratello Boxer Series Boxerito
Fratello Boxer Series Boxerito Foot
Fratello Boxer Series Boxerito Burn
