A bit shy of two weeks ago we reviewed the Guardian of the Farm Rambo which I alluded to as being my favorite size of the line versus the review of today’s cigar which is currently the most popular. I promised at the time a review of the Apollo as a comparison to that review and a reader reached out to me on Facebook asking when this review would be written. So without further adieu we offer you the review of the 6 x 44 Lonsdale known as Apollo.
Cigar Review: Guardian of the Farm
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo ’99 (Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaragua Corojo ’99
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 and Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 44
Size: Apollo (Lonsdale)
The Look: The Guardian of the Farm Apollo is packaged in cabinet style boxes of 20. Inside, the Guardian of the Farm is covered in a wrapper with some thin veins that is seamlessly rolled with a closed foot. The black and gold band gives a hint that the cigar is named for the dogs of Max Fernandez (Casa Fernandez) and Kyle Gellis (Warped Cigars).
The Notes: The cold draw of the Apollo is a bit snug, but this is due to the closed foot. It’s wonderfully sweet with a definitive nutmeg component and a slight fig aspect to it as well. Meanwhile the aroma from the closed foot has a warm cinnamon to it. With the closed foot, we take a few puffs as we are lighting up to get the flavor from the Corojo ’99 wrapper where we are introduced to some touches of cedar as the draw instantly opens up.
As we smoke the first third, notes of cedar and almond jockey for position in terms of the dominant flavor profile. There is also an underlying sweetness that borders on apricots and nutmeg. The pepper note sees the almond notes at amplify making them even easier to identify.
Moving on to the second third, the Apollo remains wonderfully sweet with cinnamon becoming the focal point of the cigar. In the background there is some hints of almond with a touch of cedar as an afterthought.
The final third of the Guardian of the Farm Lonsdale sees the sweetness remain with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of apricot. The retrohale of the cigar serves up some cedar with a touch of pepper for the first time.
The Finish: I can see why people love the sweetness of the cigar which also comes off as having less strength then the Rambo. Which is why I lean toward the Short Churchill offering. The cigar in this vitola has a very different flavor profile and while more complex it lacks the strength I personally love. If your looking for a cigar with incredible complexity and sweetness to it, this is your cigar. If you want the bark and bite, then Rambo is for you. It really comes down to preference in these amazing offerings.
Score: 92
Price: $8.19 / $179.99
Guardian of the Farm Apollo
Guardian of the Farm Apollo Foot
Guardian of the Farm Apollo Burn
