Origin : Nicaragua

Format : Toro

Size : 6 x 52

Wrapper : Sumatra

Filler : Nicaraguan & Honduran

Binder : Honduran

Hand-Made

Price : $5 each

First of all, I would like to thank Bryan Butler from Core Zero Cigars for sending me a sampler.

Bryan and Nick were involved in a local metal band called Core Zero and decided that they needed to create their own cigars. After meeting Matt Booth of Room 101 and Jonathan Drew of Drew Estates, the idea took shape and CZ Cigars was launched. You can find more information about the company on their website.

At the moment, two blends are available : Indie and Metal. Indie is the milder one, wrapped in a Sumatra leaf from Indonesia. Metal is more powerful with a Habano Maduro wrapper from Nicaragua. The one being reviewed today is the Core Zero Indie.

Thanks to Bryan, we’ve got a 5-pack of these to give away to one lucky reader! In order to enter the draw, read the review and leave a comment at the end of the post. That’s it! We’ll announce the winner in one week.

Contest open internationally, you must be of legal age to smoke cigars in order to enter. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss the winner announcement and other contests.

Appearance : Rating:

The colorado wrapper looks really nice, it’s quite smooth to the touch and has minimal veining. The Indie looks well rolled. The only thing I don’t like in this cigar is its main band; the colors as well as the skull & bones are not my cup of tea.

Construction : Rating:

As I said, the Indie looks well rolled and, indeed, there are no soft spots or other construction imperfections. All of my samples smoked really good, with a consistent ash, nice draw and regular burn. The smoke output is very good as well. The only problem is that the wrapper is quite fragile, so you need to pay special attention while cutting the cigar and/or removing the bands. It does crack easily.

Flavor : Rating: (3.75)

The pre-light draw is quite spicy and there is indeed a lot of spice when I light the cigar. It settles down quickly though and the main flavor appears that will be present throughout the cigar: wood (cedar). All tobacco used in Core Zero is pre-aged for 3 years, and it shows because mature tobacco notes are definitely there. Additional flavors include hazelnut and burnt coffee. The cigar is mild to medium and never gets out of this range. The flavors are quite consistent from start to finish, no spectacular evolution here but it doesn’t get boring either.

Value : Rating:

A 5-pack retails for $25. Five dollars for this kind of cigar is a good value, IMO. The Core Zero Indie is a good cigar to enjoy with friends, giving away a couple.

Overall Rating : Rating:

Overall, the Indie is a pleasant cigar that provides balanced flavors and quality construction without breaking the bank. I would like to thank Bryan again for sending me a sampler of these!