Back in the summer of 2016, Kristoff released their strongest cigar to date, Pistoff Kristoff. Since its release the cigar has seen some additional size releases. The first being the Extremely Pistoff Kristoff. Now the brand sees the release of the Lil Pistoff Kristoff and it won’t be the last line extension. It was announced late 2018 on The Cigar Authority podcast that Pistoff would be the 2019 Firecracker which should be released in June 2019.
Cigar Review: Pistoff Kristoff
Wrapper: San Andres
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Nicragua
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 44
Size: Lil (Corona)
The Look: The Lil Pistoff Kristoff is packaged in boxes of 10 with the cigars laid out horizontally in two rows of five. This corona size cigar features a pigtail cap and a closed foot. The stick features the primary band of red and black with a secondary band denoting the size, Lil. The San Andres wrapper which is designated on the shelf talker attached to the box as a Natural is loaded with oils and a thin network of veins. In the hand the cigar is firm with no voids of tobacco.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Pistoff Kristoff reminds me of fresh popped movie theater popcorn that is lightly buttered. The aroma off the foot and wrapper of the cigar has a warm dark chocolate scent to the nose. Once we quickly light up the closed foot the first notes continue with warm chocolate.
As we move into the first third the cigar the warm chocolate notes slide into the background with toffee becoming dominant and a touch of earth. The finish serves up a hint of cinnamon while the retrohale is slightly floral and salty.
As we move into the second third, the cigar continues to develop a salty component with a touch of toffee and cinnamon. The retrohale continues to serve up a slightly floral aroma with a continued saltiness and cinnamon.
As we finish the last third the Lil Pistoff Kristoff there are notes of toffee, cinnamon and earth to close things out. The retrohale continues to serve up some floral components with a bit of licorice.
The Finish: While I am a fan of the line the Lil Pistoff Kristoff doesn’t seem to contain the punch of the other sizes so in that aspect the cigar is perfectly named. The corona sized smoke is loaded with flavor and is my favorite size to date. It’s balanced, smooth, and deserving of a box purchase.
Score: 93
Price: $6.79 / $59.99
Lil Pistoff Kristoff
Lil Pistoff Kristoff Foot
Lil Pistoff Kristoff Burn
