Cuban Crafters Cubano Claro

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Churchill
Size : 7 x 48
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$7 each, $129 for a box of 20
More info about purchasing Cuban Crafters Cubano Claro cigars...

Today I am reviewing a Nicaraguan puro from Cuban Crafters, the Cubano Claro. It is made from Cuban-seed long-filler from the Cupido tobacco field, all enveloped in a Connecticut Desflorado wrapper. Desflorado tobacco is apparently very expensive and difficult to roll. I have had them resting in my humidor for about 3 months now. Here is how the smoke went.

Appearance :
The cigar has a somewhat rustic and coarse looking wrapper. It is pretty bumpy with several large veins. The label is understated but that is okay, you do not smoke the label.

Construction :
The cigar was well packed with tobacco and exhibited no soft spots as well. I clipped the cigar and took my prelight draw which was pretty loose. This was surprising given how tightly packed it felt.
The burn was excellent with zero corrections needed. The burn line was razor sharp although somewhat wavy. The ash was dark gray and flaky. The ash fell off easily however after less than an inch or when just setting it into the ash tray.

Flavor :
I did my prelight sniff of the cigar and it smelled of sweet tobacco. It lit very easily. The initial taste was of just tobacco and pepper. The retrohale was very spicy and burned my nose a little... Just tobacco and cedar tastes with a peppery note. It produced lots of thick white smoke. The flavor stayed long on the pallet. In the second third the spiciness dropped off and it became just woody and cedar flavored. It was still spicy on retro. It could use a little more depth but it was enjoyable. Final third is woody and it became somewhat harsh near the end.

Value :
For $7 a stick I think these are an okay cigar. I do see them on sale from time to time and I find them to be a better value then. It smoked for a good 90-100 minutes easily.

Overall Rating :
I did enjoy this cigar and it had a nice pepper note. As I stated above it was not overly complex but it was interesting enough that I did not find myself bored. The construction was excellent although not the prettiest stick at the dance. I say give them a shot, I do not think you would be disappointed.