This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro

Length: 6″

Ring Gauge: 50

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Ecuadorian Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan

Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez

Blender: Fred Rewey

Number of reviewers: 5 —– Sandeep (Djangos) Dave (mdwest) Gregg (McGreggor57) James (dscl) Emmett (rhetorik)

Price: $7.95

Age: 2 Months Rest

Release Date: July 2013

Contributed by: Nomad Cigar Company

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“A medium brown box pressed stick with a few prominent veins present. The seams on the wrapper are very apparent with tiny gaps present where the binder leaf can be seen. The double cap appears to be placed correctly, but like the wrapper, it doesnt quite look “right” with minor flaws in appearance.” –Dave (mdwest)

Aroma: 93

“Flavors of pepper and spices intermingle to give an intoxicating result. There is also a faint hint of espresso. The dry draw brings hint of hay and earth. Also there is a woodsy character in the background.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

First Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Coffee, leather and hint of toast with cedar on the retro kicked off this third. Shortly in, baking spices push the coffee to the background revealing more of the leather. The spiciness on the retrohale is pretty much gone.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Lots of strong baking spices to start out. No typical pepper yet, but all kinds of cumin, cinnamon, allspice and even some chili powder with leather in the background. Really enjoying this cigar so far, I can only hope this continues and offers some nice transitions.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Second Third

Flavor: 95

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar continues to get better as it progresses. The hickory and other woodsy flavors are becoming more prominent. There is also a distinct nuttiness like almonds that is evident now. The coffee and chocolate are now in the background. The earthy flavors are also more prominent now in this third. Hay and wet grass are present. I am amazed at the myriad of complex flavors that I am getting from this cigar. The draw and burn are also still holding strong. The smoke continues to be creamy and smooth. The ash is dark grey in color and holding for about an inch before falling off.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“Mild coffee is coming to the front, helping smooth out the leathery flavors with baking spices and cedar lingering on the palate. The cigar is picking up strength at this point. Halfway through I’m getting a nice bitterness in the coffee complimented by dry toast. Pepper occasionally pops up on the retro.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Final Third

Flavor: 98

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The flavors are continuing to develop as the cigar is getting towards the end. The nuttiness now is reaching a crescendo and quite strong. The sweeter flavors of coffee and chocolate are very faint now. The woodsy flavors are also now retreating into the background. There is a lot of leather and tobacco now coming to the forefront. The strength of the cigar is also now developing and I can feel the buzz. Towards the very end, the pepper reappears and becomes very strong towards the finish. The burn and draw are perfect to the very end. Very exciting experience.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“While smoke production is still on the low end the taste profile has changed. The sweetness has taken on notes of caramel and picked up a slightly salty component. Despite a few burn issues the final third is really where this cigar shined.” –James (dscl)

“I’m getting some peppercorn flavors mixed in now, just enough to keep it exciting and interesting. I’m not getting much leather or wood at the moment, but all the baking spices from the previous thirds are here. The finish is long and peppery. Towards the end of this third, the pepper has taken over, but in a good way. It’s a nuanced pepper like fresh ground from a spice shop. Towards the end, the pepper and baking spices continue, cool to the nub.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“Perfect draw, tons of smoke.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Burn: 95

“While not razor sharp, the slight waviness always leveled out until the final third where it only required one quick touch up.” –James (dscl)

Construction: 94

“Construction was phenomenal, no problems. Would have been a perfect score if I hadn’t had to touch up the burn.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 93

“This cigar is quite an experience. Its been quite a while since I had such a complex cigar that excites in every way. Almost as good as a Tatuaje or an LP. I would definitely invest in a box once I find out what this is!” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“Overall a positive experience. A nice flavor profile, combined with reasonable complexity and extremely smooth smoke. I would certainly smoke this stick again.” –Dave (mdwest)

“This was a cigar that I would be willing to smoke again with some rest on it. I was disappointed the richer flavors never fully developed. The final third showed some real promise but never turned the corner. Overall the flavors worked pretty well together although it lacked much interest.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Overall this was an amazing cigar that I will be certain to pickup a fiver of to keep in the humidor.” –James (dscl)

“This cigar was so good, I would pick up a box of these in a heartbeat, two if it’s a limited edition. I’m guessing from the look and feel and the spice flavor profile that this is a Sumatra wrapper, my favorite. I’m not sure I’ve ever scored a cigar this high blind so I’m excited to see how the other reviewers see it. If everyone else had the same experience, this could be the highest scoring cigar ever, and it would deserve it. Kudos to whoever made this.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 77

Total Score: 93 (Excellent)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Nomad | S-307 Toro