Over the last couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to smoke today’s cigar numerous times. The Cigar Authority offices are a short drive from the home office of Hammer + Sickle and as a result we often get to smoke with Eric Hanson (CEO) and Erik Wentworth (National Sales Manger). We’ve long been a fan of the Berlin Wall, and recently we’ve been able to smoke a lot of the Berlin Wall Box Pressed edition which is set for release nationwide with the cigars expected to land at retailers in December.
Cigar: Berlin Wall Box Pressed
Wrapper: Honduran Criollo
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras (Jamastran)
Length: 7″
Ring: 48
Size: Churchill
The Look: The wrapper on the Box Pressed edition of the Berlin Wall seems to be a touch lighter than the original release. It’s an oily specimen with a network of noticeable veins. The press of the cigar is firm with well defined edges, and the foot of the cigar is slightly spongy. What’s missing is the copper band, that is one of the true work of arts in the industry in the sense of its placement on the cigar.
The Notes: Once the cap of the cigar is clipped the first draw of the cigar is earthy with touches of a subtle salted caramel and apricot.The aroma off the foot serves up some sweet molasses along with some of the afrorementioned earth. Once the cigar is lit the initial flavor profile is cedar.
Smoking our way through the first third the cedar notes remain dominant as pecans and molasses slowly develop creating a profile with depth and complexity. Through the nose on the retrohale the molasses sweetness is intensified and a subtle vanilla appears on the finish.
In the second third, the cigar still sees cedar as the focal point of the cigar, but there is a nuttiness in the background along with a subtle mocha note. On the retrohale some spice appears that is reminiscent of red pepper flakes, and the finish of the cigar see’s the introduction of some espresso.
As we close the Hammer + Sickle Berlin Wall Chuchill Box Press the espresso note that appeared on the finish of the second third has become the dominant flavor profile as the cigar comes to a close. There is still some cedar present, but that slides into the background with a continued red pepper on the retrohale.
The Finish: If you ask what I’ve smoked the most of over the last 6-8 weeks the Berlin Wall Box Press would be near the top of the list. It’s richer, smoother and more balanced than the original Berlin Wall, and we didn’t realize that was possible. This Box Press is hands down my favorite release from Hammer + Sickle and I will be first in line to buy a box when they hit the shelves
Score: 94
Hammer + Sickle Berlin Wall Box Press
Hammer + Sickle Berlin Wall Box Press Foot
Hammer + Sickle Berlin Wall Box Press Burn
