The Xikar HC Colorado Habano Belicoso was ranked one of the Top 25 cigars of 2009 and earned a score of 92 from Cigar Aficionado magazine. Wrapped in a beautiful cocoa colored wrapper, the Habano Colorado is a smooth, rich tasting cigar with chocolate notes. The well aged tobacco makes for an interesting medium to full bodied cigar that is moderately strong with just a hint of sweetness.

The Xikar Havana Collection cigars are all blended by Jesus Fuego and are rolled in the Nicaraguan factories belonging to Nestor Plascencia. These Xikar HC Colorado Habano cigars feature a Jalapa Valley Colorado Habano wrapper, a binder from Esteli, and filler tobaccos from Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Jalapa Valley of Nicaragua. The cigar itself appears to be rolled well, it is firm all over with no soft spots. Though the wrapper appears rough, it makes the cigar look rustic and in turn very appealing.

The first third of this cigar is mostly pepper and spice with some earthen undertones present. Towards the beginning of the 2^nd third there is some chocolate sweetness present but it's subtle. Into the second third the mocha becomes the dominant flavor. In the final third we have a melding of all the flavors we've experienced up until now with each of the flavors taking their turn at dominance. Sometimes I wonder if these effects are intentional or if we're merely just lucky to get a good stick.