Fratello Firecracker Cigar Review

In 2006, David Garofalo, the owner and founder of Two Guys Smoke came up with an idea some called “loco,” Spanish for crazy. The FIRECRACKER, a short format cigar with a head that resembled a fuse. Its first release was in 2007 and manufactured by Don Pepin Garcia at the El Rey de los Habanos Factory in Miami Florida USA. Later the next version was made again by Pepin Garcia but this time in Nicaragua at Tabacalera Cubana. Next came a version called the M80 also done at Tabacalera Cubana and a second version done at the My Father Cigar Factory. Next, the FIRECRACKER made its way to the Dominican Republic and was rolled at Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas, later returning again to the Dominican Republic to be manufactured by La Flor Dominicana in 2015. In 2016 it was back again to Nicaragua to RoMa Craft Tobacco with the CroMagnon.

This year the Firecracker comes to us from the oldest cigar factory in that country, Joya de Nicaragua, and adorning the Fratello name.

Cigar Review: Fratello Firecracker
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Sumatra Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua, Peru
Length: 3.5
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Firecracker

The Look: Packaged in cabinet slide top boxes with a silk screen of the Fratello logo is the Firecracker 2017 Edition. The cigars are packed vertically where they stand fuse up and closed foot down. The cigar features the Fratello band which is as original as the idea from David Garofalo. The oily wrapper is virtually vein free, and the closed foot of the cigar allows you to taste the wrapper on the light if you choose to do so. In the hand the cigar feels petit, but it is free of any voids making this an outstanding specimen.

The Notes: The aroma off the wrapper and closed foot has a citrus like component reminiscent of lime with hints of cedar. The cold draw of the cigar which is slightly tight due to the closed foot offers up a salty savory note with a hint of saltines and wasabi nuts.

With the closed foot, I opt to pull the flame from lighter to the tobacco to get some of the wrapper on the first light. The initial notes of mocha embrace the palate, but fade rather quickly as we burn through the wrapper leaving a blast of pepper that singes the nostrils. As we smoke through the first half of the cigar there are notes of licorice, earth, and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the spicy finish.

Moving into the second half of the Fratello Firecracker, the pepper remains on the retrohale with continued hints of licorice. There is also some wasabi like notes that border on wasabi encrusted peas. As the cigar closes a touch of cinnamon is added to the mix with an earthy finish.

The Finish: Let the debate begin as to who made the best firecracker. On social media, I’ve had a few discussions with individuals and one thing is for certain, there is no clear-cut winner, and this cigar is sure to make the debate even more difficult. But whether your favorite to date was the Pepin, La Flor Dominicana, Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas, RoMaCraft or Tatuaje M80, this cigar will give them a run for their money. As a disclaimer, I should disclose I work for Two Guys Smoke Shop in the mail order division, but those that know me, know I don’t sugar coat my opinions and this is a cigar that does not need to be sugar coated.

Score: 91
Price: $5.99 / $99.99