Here’s a spicy little number for ya’, the Wasabi by Espinosa cigar. Now we know what you’re thinking, but rest assured that Erik Espinosa in his infinite wisdom has not infused or otherwise flavored this cigar in any manner with that potent green paste you’ll find alongside your favorite sushi. Instead, the name refers to both the primary color of the vitola, which is a marvelous emerald hue thanks to the sleek Candela wrapper it carries, and to the fact that the flavor profile is far more potent than you would normally expect from a cigar of this style. Although we may never know the secret sauce used to craft this 5” X 52 Robusto-sized smoke, the fact that it’s all 100% longleaf tobacco is comfort for the soul.
The name ‘Wasabi’ printed in green karate font on a black and white band is certainly eye-catching in its simplicity, but the rich brown Habano cap that sits atop the Candela leaf is what really draws the attention. Make sure to leave as much of this cap as possible when using your cutter to enjoy a tobacco-induced tingle on your lips as you start to pull the silky clouds of smoke through the box-pressed barrel. The grassiness typically associated with Candela-wrapped cigars is subdued here, replaced with a deep earthiness backed by molasses, black pepper, and coffee. There certainly is a spice-like component to the profile, like a complex blend of cardamom and red chili, but nothing that overloads the cigar above its medium-full strength.
An exotic and flavorful treat that remains traditional enough to be appreciated by aficionados of all stripes, the Wasabi by Espinosa cigar should be on everyone’s humidor menu. Do be aware that this release is a limited edition run of 500 boxes of ten sticks, so you’ll want to make a move sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out.
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