Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Wrapper : Ecuadorian Habano 2000
Filler : Honduran, Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian
Binder : Honduran, Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian
Hand-Made
Price : $6.75

Seasoned aficionados are well aware of the fact that Xikar, a world-famous producer of cigar accessories (especially their easily recognizable cutters), is also behind a line of cigars dubbed HC Series. Launched in 2008, the line consisted of three blends (Connecticut, Criollo and Habano Colorado) until the recent IPCPR 2012 show which saw an addition to the family, the HC Series Habano Squared (=Habano²).

According to the press-release, this blend was "unearthed" by Kurt Van Keppel and Scott Almsberger, co-founders of Xikar, on one of their recent travels. According to rumors, it is made in Nicaragua at A.J. Fernandez's factory and the blend is a mix of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Ecuadorian tobacco pulled together with an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper.

Kaitlyn from Xikar was very kind to send me a sampler of the new cigars; here is my review.

Read the full review of Xikar HC Series Habano² (squared) Robusto...

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Wrapper : Habano Colorado - Jalapa Valley
Filler : Costa Rica, Jalapa, Honduras
Binder : Esteli
Hand-Made
Price : $6.50
More info about purchasing Xikar HC Habano Colorado cigars...

Background Info: This cigar is a partnership between Jesus Fuego and Xikar to create a new, exciting cigar for the market.

Mission Notes: I took a quick chance at a fast smoke between snow storms and realized that I had this beauty in my humidor. Looking it over, it is a rich, dark brown wrapper with few blemishes. The veins are visible but smooth, and the construction is very well done. The cigar has a rich aroma of earth and cedar on the prelight. After lighting it has a beautiful rich aroma and clean smoke. There is a light taste of cedar and a bit of chocolate. The draw is nice, with no tightness or blockage and the ash that develops is firm and light grey. This cigar remains pretty nice throughout, but doesn’t really develop into anything different. As I reach the nub I realize that I have thoroughly enjoyed this cigar and would love to have more, but there was really nothing there that set this apart and made me say “wow”.

Final notes: Great cigar, wonderful flavors, very mild to medium. Major problem: Nothing to really make it stand out amongst a lot of other great cigars out there. Not sure on the price point on these. If they are a lower priced smoke then I can really see them becoming a great everyday smoke. If not, then Xikar HC Habano Colorado could become lost in the crowd.

Photo credit: The Daily Cigar