Hammer and Sickle cigars made their debut several years ago after they struck gold with their vodka line in the liquor industry. Brand owner Eric Hanson knows both industries inside and out. He helped in the decision to create the companies first box pressed cigar known as the Hammer and Sickle Hermitage No. 1 for smokers who enjoy a richer experience.
What am I smoking?
Cigar Review: Hammer and Sickle Hermitage No. 1
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Robusto
Power: 6/10
Packaging & Design
These handmade cigars arrive packaged in beautiful leather bound boxes with gold embossed lettering. I am a huge fan of all the packaging designs Hammer and Sickle offer, as they are unlike any other boxes out there. This one reminds me of an old worn book or a classic leather wallet. Inside are 20 equally impressive looking cigars bearing the large Hermitage bands.
First Impressions
The Hammer and Sickle Hermitage is a great looking cigar, softly box pressed and sits comfortably in the hand. Veins and seams are at a minimum, and has an overall spongy and well humidified feel to them. The aromas from the foot include sweet leather and aged tobacco. The prelight draw offers those same notes with a bit more nuttiness.
The Smoke
Surprisingly, the first third of the cigar shows little signs of pepper. However, this characteristic makes for an incredibly smooth taste. Nuances of oak and cedar stand behind the prevalent taste of cocoa and leather. The draw is open and effortless, packing in tons of smoke with each puff.
The second third offers up many of the same nuances as the first, but the strength has increased slightly and brings out a roasted coffee taste. The Hermitage is still smooth and very well balanced at this point.
Finishing up on this cigar from Hammer and Sickle and I’m quite pleased with the overall taste of the smoke. There was a slight burn issue coming into the final third, but a quick hit of my torch brought things back in line. I was able to pick up on a stronger note of hickory wood and brown sugar as the cigar began to heat up.
Final Thoughts
The Hammer and Sickle Hermitage No. 1 was a great experience for me. Its flavor and balance were top notch and left me with a memorable experience. This would be a cigar to pair perfectly with a nice full-bodied bourbon whiskey on a fall evening. Which is something I certainly plan on doing once the leaves start to fall.
Rating: 91
Price: $8.79 / $157.99 (Box of 20)
Hammer and Sickle Hermitage
Hammer and Sickle Hermitage Burn
Hammer and Sickle Hermitage Band Detail
