Cigar Mission #17

My name is Agent 8. My mission was to review the Bechmade Robusto. As an asset of The Cigar Spy Agency, I promise to respect the A.S.H.E.S. code of honor. The information below is my debrief.

Target Name:

Bechmade Robusto

Target Vitals:

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: Robusto 5×50
Strength: Medium to Full Bodied
Price: $3.00 per stick; $56 to $60 mark per box of 25

Background Info:

Intelligence indicates that Don Pepin Garcia and Ashton are the creators behind this cigar. Price point on this cigar suggests that DPG and Ashton desire to get a foothold among the bargain priced cigar brands such as the Oliva family’s Flor de Oliva line.

Mission Debrief:

I came across this cigar many months ago at my local shop. The price catching my eye and the desire to try something new, I ended up buying two that day; one I smoked later that evening, the other went into my humidor. As the months passed, this Benchmade found its way down to the bottom of my humidor, forgotten. As I was going through my cigars to determine a new target, I found this one almost by accident.

Taking it out of the plastic, I only noticed a slight chip off of the veiny, Nicaraguan Sumatra wrapper, otherwise, it was built well. It felt evenly rolled throughout the length of the cigar, no spot or overly packed spots to be found.

Clipping the end, pigtail and all, and giving the cigar a light, I was greeted with an easy draw an a complex, earthy flavor, like cloves found in a spice cabinet. That earthy, clove flavor did mellow a bit after 30 minutes, but I still felt that the flavor hovered in the background for the reminder of the smoke, which was an hour and forty minutes. Because the distinct flavors of the cigar, you will have a longer finish than you would have with other cigars.

Thick, white smoke was the end product left from the cigar, although I did find that it dissipated into the room quickly. The burn on the cigar did get slightly uneven about halfway in, but seemed to correct itself after too long.

Recommendations:

From what I can remember when I first smoked this months ago, I enjoyed the cigar but it didn’t blow me away. After finding this one that had ample time in my humidor, I can say that this is one that definitely improves with age. A great mix of flavors with an easy draw and an even easier price. For those looking to purchase these, put them down in the depths of the humidor and leave them there for awhile. You’ll be happy you did.

- 8 -