In the 1st Quarter of 2016 Kristoff announced they would be releasing a cigar called the Kristoff Connecticut. The cigar which features an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper also has a Nicaraguan Habano binder and a filler referred to as a “Quad Dominican Habano Seed”. With the product now on the shelves of retailers we light up the Matador version of this new cigar from Glen Case.
Cigar Review: Kristoff Connecticut
Country of Origin: Dominican
Factory: Charles Fairmorn
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua Habano
Filler: Quad Dominican Habano
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Vitola: Toro
Strength: Medium
The Look: The Kristoff Connecticut is packaged in wooden boxes that look the same as many of the other lines from the company. Inside the weather box, the Kristoff Connecticut Matador is wrapped in cello with a pig-tail cap and a closed foot. The Connecticut Shade wrapper looks like it was in a street fight. If you’re expecting a golden looking wrapper, this is not the case here. There is a darkness to it and brindle effect that takes a little getting use to. So with an open mind I prepare my self for the next phase.
The Notes: After we clip the cap a cold draw serves up notes of toffee and butter pecan while the foot offers up the aroma of the same toffee note and a bit of nuttiness.
Due to the closed foot, toasting and lighting the cigar is a quick process and once the stick is properly ignited the initial puffs serve up notes of sweet caramel and butter nut crunch. There is a subtle spice that is in the background although it remains incredibly smooth. On the retrohale, the taste one gets on their palate is enhanced with a lingering finish.
Moving into the second third of the Kristoff Connecticut the notes transition to that of pecans and almonds. The caramel sweetness remains but it is more in the background at this point and it appears strong on the finish from time to time. Through the nose some spice picks up but the cigar is remains exceptionally smooth.
The last third sees the notes of butter nut crunch notes from the first third return to the party. But make no mistake about it the focal point of the cigar is almonds and pecans. In fact it makes me long for the south and some freshly baked pecan pie.
The Burn: The razor-thin combustion line on the Kristoff Connecticut is a thing of beauty. As the stick burns razor-sharp it reveals a medium gray ash that has little to no flake. Each puff of the Connecticut Kristoff showcased the perfect draw and it remained lit from first light to last puff.
The Finish: For me Ecuador Connecticut can be hit or miss. At times I find it leaving my mouth dry and looking for something to get rid of what I describe as cotton mouth. But at other times when it makes you salivate, it can really stand out and create a memorable experience. That is the case here and I can see this cigar becoming a part of my regular repertoire with its mouth-watering goodness.
Score: 95
Price: $9.19 / $161.99
Kristoff Connecticut
Kristoff Connecticut Foot
Kristoff Connecticut Burn
