RoMa Craft Intemperance Volstead VO 1920 Fiorello La Guardia is a Nicaraguan-made, Prohibition-inspired cigar named after one of the era’s outspoken opponents, featuring an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés binder, and Dominican + Nicaraguan fillers.
The cigar presents a milk chocolate brown wrapper with a matte finish, accented by a subtle sheen and light tooth. Construction is excellent, with a firm pack throughout and a rustic shaggy foot that hints at the bold opening to come.
The unfinished foot immediately delivers an explosion of flavor upon lighting. Leather, cedar, earthy notes, and generous white pepper lead the way, supported by bourbon barrel oak and campfire smokiness. As the cigar settles in, natural sweetness begins to emerge with salted peanuts, toasted caramel, praline, vanilla reminiscent of a Charleston Chew, black tea, and cocoa. Thick smoke production and outstanding balance make for an engaging start.
The profile becomes richer and more refined as milk chocolate and decadent cocoa pair beautifully with cedar and earth, recalling the richness of freshly brewed Sumatran coffee. Leather, toasted almonds, coffee, and hints of bread crust build complexity while touches of amaretto add sweetness. As the cigar opens further, delicate floral notes, bright citrus, and subtle fruit flavors add a unique twist.
The final third deepens in character as milk chocolate transitions into darker cocoa and the pepper strength noticeably increases. Hearty oak, hickory smoke, and a touch of sarsaparilla. Creamy coffee with milk, bourbon-like richness, peanut buttery sweetness similar to Nutter Butter cookies, and fleeting hints of dark berries and wine round out the experience. The finish is long, dry, and satisfying, leaving lingering spice across the lips and palate.
Intemperance Volstead VO 1920 Fiorello La Guardia delivers a consistently enjoyable smoking experience from start to finish. Construction is outstanding, producing a perfect draw, even burn, and effortless smoke production throughout. The flavors evolve naturally while remaining approachable, making this a cigar that rewards slow smoking and frequent retrohales. Rich enough to keep seasoned smokers engaged yet balanced enough for a relaxing afternoon, this is an easy cigar to recommend as box-worthy and one well suited for a leisurely Sunday smoke.
Overall Score: 91.45 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 6.25 out of 10
This blind review (Cigar #35-D) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Sam Frishman, JB Smith, Rob Brown, Bret Curry, Mike Conklin, James Elliott, Rick Galletta, George Hillman, King Sweet Daddy, Jeremy Hanson, Anthony Ambeliotis, ,Jacob Pyle, & Chuck
