This year the Firecracker release comes from Steve Saka’s Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. It’s based off the Mi Querida blend and according to a conversation with Steve Saka, the cigar is front loaded with ligero tobacco for an extra kick giving it an explosive start. This version of the Firecracker follows up versions from My Father Cigars, Tatuaje (M80), La Flor Dominicana, RoMaCraft and Fratello. There is also an ongoing regular release of the Firecracker as well.
Cigar Review: Mi Querida Firecracker
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 3.5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Firecracker
The Look: Packaged in 20 count boxes, the box of the cigars is similar to the Mi Querida packaging. The cigars are laid out in two rows of ten and feature the textured Mi Querida band of blue and gold. It features the classic Firecracker fuse features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that has a reddish hue to it. It’s rolled to perfection and loaded with oils. On the well packed foot of the cigar you can notice the darker swirl of tobacco.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Firecracker has some notes of wasabi and dark chocolate along with hints of earth. The aroma off the foot of the cigar has some wasabi like spice that tingle the nostrils. Upon lighting the cigar there is an abundance of red pepper that is intensified on the retrohale.
Moving into the first half the red pepper is joined by wasabi notes and a touch of cinnamon. The strength and pepper is strong right out of the gate, but as we progress into the first half the cigar settles down and some hints of nuts begins to appear with a long finish.
In the second half of the cigar the cinnamon remains int he background as the nutty notes become dominant with touches of coffee and a leathery finish. There is a subtle wood component to the aroma and there is still a nice amount of pepper on the retrohale.
The Finish: When we got to sit down with Steve Saka a few weeks ago to smoke these my co-worker Ed Santamaria who is usually reserved with praise stated, “This is best firecracker to date.” Those are strong words due to the great versions released so far. The question is, do I agree with him? My answer would be maybe. I’ve gone through boxes of previous releases with the exception of the Pepin version, that I am still trying to weasel a cigar from David. Right out of the gate this Firecracker had the wow factor you would want from a limited edition. I’ll reserve to the right to call this the best after I smoke the rest of my box, but its definitely top 2.
Score: 94
Price: $119.99
Mi Querida Firecracker
Mi Querida Firecracker Foot
Mi Querida Firecracker Foot
