Years of sailing in the vast ocean of cigars bear witness to a true rollercoaster ride of an experience. My unforgettable mellow smokes gave me serenity, much like the moments before a rollercoaster takes off. The anticipation of reaching the top feels similar to taking a puff from my favorite medium-bodied stogie. Suddenly plummeting from the peak, I found myself catching my breath—as if I was smoking a rich and potent cigar.
Although each experience left me with different sensations, it’s the familiar thrilling fall from the rollercoaster that I crave right now. Surrendering to my desire, I opened my treasured humidor and indulged in a decadent medium to full-bodied treat—Alec Bradley MAXX the Fixx. At first glance, the cigar indeed looks enticing. Well, this could be for the dark Nicaraguan Habano wrapper perfectly complementing its figure. Yet, more than the beauty it holds, there is something special about this tobacco that makes every aficionado drawn to it.
The Fixx is part of Alec Bradley’s Maxx series offering a captivating blend only a fine cigar could deliver. It promises satisfaction to even the most seasoned palates and warns novices off due to its strength. Compared to a traditional Robusto, the cigar features a larger ring gauge. For maximum pleasure, you may also try any of these vitolas: Culture (6 x 54), Freak (6 3/8 x 60), Nano (4 x 46), and Super Freak (8 1/2 x 60).
| Wrapper Origin: Nicaragua | Shape: Robusto |
| Length: 5 | Ring: 58 |
| Wrapper: Habano | List Price: $140 (Box of 20) |
| Origin: Honduras | Strength: Medium |
Pull of Cigar
As I gaze at my Alec Bradley MAXX the Fixx, I became fascinated by its oily wrapper and felt the urge to discover what secrets were hidden beneath. The interior was lavishly adorned with a 4-Nation blend of fillers from Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Mexico for an incredibly affordable price. Holding these fillers together is a Costa Rican binder that is ensured to burn well during the smoke. With quite a few prominent veins, the cigar feels somewhat spongy near the band.
Meanwhile, this Alec Bradley cigar permeates a lovely aroma you wouldn’t want to miss. The shaft carries a subtle scent of sweet cocoa, reminding me of a hot cup of chocolate I enjoy on a rainy morning. While the smell made a lasting impression, its pre-lit taste previewed a promising smoke ahead. Sweet tobacco flavors meld with earthy notes left the palate begging for more.
As for the draw, I initially found the Fixx to be a bit loose, but after some adjustments, I was able to get the restraint I wanted. Having read the positive reviews on the internet before purchasing this cigar, I already knew what to expect. So far, those customer feedbacks seem to be accurate.
Taste
Furnishing plenty of smoke, the Fixx hits the outset with intense notes of spice. A creamy leather mingled with dark chocolate responded to the fiery introduction, easing the palate for a fleeting moment. As another burst of heat took hold, the truce became over. A tingling sensation ran through my mouth due to the slathered nutty flavor blanketed in hot spices. Contrary to the draw, the retrohale is quite subdued. What a perfect way to begin, isn’t it?
After the few flashes of spiciness, the smoke became relaxed. A rich blend of black coffee and leather took the initiative to delight the palate. It was chased by a succulent earthy flavor battling with a faint note of black pepper. By the end of the first third, the flavor profile shifted to something darker. Notes of dark chocolate, leather, and espresso took center stage and sowed bliss to the tongue. The retrohale is also not to be underestimated, for it became more powerful.
As the cigar advanced towards the middle third, solid layers of ash were impressively constructed under the slightly wavy burn. While the earlier notes remain, the flavor arrangement has been smoothly shuffled. The smoke bursts a chocolatey leather combined with almonds and espresso. A lingering aftertaste from red pepper spice then pours sharpness to the draw. At this point, the cigar unleashed its utmost strength, genuinely giving an almost full-bodied experience.
The final third displayed a little progress in flavor. Unlike the previous stages, the espresso became smoother. It has a rich balance of bitterness and creaminess which led to a calming effect on the palate. Afterward, the graham cracker, characterized by a sandy texture, imparts a subtle sweetness to every puff. As the smoke passed through my nasal cavity, I detected a blend of red pepper and milk chocolate that I found rather strange yet enjoyable.
Overall
As with all Alec Bradley premium cigars, the Fixx has been a lovely cigar smoking journey. Its medium to full-bodied strength was highlighted with every draw satiating my need for a potent smoke. Although the flavors didn’t progress as I expected, I still enjoyed it. In fact, I found the blend to be just right; the balance of spice, earth, and sweetness was spot-on.
Additionally, the cigar deserves praise for its excellent construction. The burn, although inconsistent, resulted in intact layers of ash. Thanks to famous smoke shop, I purchased this cigar for as low as $6. Alec Bradley Maxx the Fixx merits an 89-point-score.
Other Cigars Reviews
Other Alec Bradley Cigar Reviews
Alec Bradley Sun Grown Robusto
The Alec Bradley Sun Grown Robusto is an all-Nicaraguan blend cigar that boasts a seamless Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper. It is not only visually appealing but also impeccably constructed. The reviewer admired the cigar’s pre-light aroma, which hints at sweet cocoa, coffee beans, and cedar. When lit, the Robusto treated the smoker to a balanced blend of flavors, including espresso, sweet chocolate, leather, red pepper spice, and subtle citrus. Although the cigar starts as a medium-bodied stogie, it gains intensity, reaching the realm of medium to full-bodied by its end. The construction quality is evident in its even burn and firm ash. Finishing with a tantalizingly smooth taste, this cigar offers an uncomplicated but rewarding smoking experience. With a commendable 90-point rating, the Alec Bradley Sun Grown Robusto is a delightful choice for cigar enthusiasts.
Alec Bradley Project 40
The Alec Bradley Project 40, a Nicaraguan handcrafted cigar, measures 5 inches with a 52-ring gauge and is notably inspired by concepts of human happiness, not a lengthy development process as its name might imply. This medium-bodied cigar features a unique blend of Nicaraguan wrapper and filler with a Brazilian binder, delivering a rich and consistent flavor profile marked by sweet citrus, raisins, almonds, and subtle cinnamon nuances. Despite its consistency and complex palette, it remains affordable without sacrificing quality, providing around an hour of smoking pleasure. This exceptional balance of cost and quality secured its spot as the 23rd-best cigar in 2020, leading to a positive review of Alec Bradley Project 40 in the smoking connoisseur community.
Other Honduran Cigar Reviews
Bolivar Cofradia
The Bolivar Cofradia, expertly blended by the late Estélo Padrón, features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua, and a Connecticut broadleaf binder, coming together to create a medium-bodied cigar that’s both affordable and suitable for everyday enjoyment. Its flavor profile is characterized by dominant earthy, woodsy, and nutty notes with a subtle hint of spice and pepper, offering a consistent experience throughout the smoke without significant transitions between tastes. Despite its consistent flavor and commendable construction, it lacks a certain “wow” factor and could benefit from a more aesthetically appealing band design. Nonetheless, its reasonable price point and reliable performance make it a solid choice, particularly for casual, everyday smoking, as highlighted in this review of Bolivar Cofradia.
Punch Bareknuckle Pita
The Punch Bareknuckle Pita, originating from Honduras with a rich history dating back to 1840, is a full-strength cigar characterized by its Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and robust flavor profile. This Toro-shaped cigar, measuring 6 1/8 inches long with a 50-ring gauge, offers a consistent smoking experience with earthy, leathery, and spicy notes complemented by a creamy undertone. Despite minor imperfections, its construction is commendable, featuring a firm, oily, dark Maduro wrapper and a striking footband that blends rich blue and minimal gold colors. The cigar maintains a balanced taste throughout the smoke, evolving from medium to full strength without overwhelming harshness, and concludes with a satisfactory burn and rich, complex flavors. This review of Punch Bareknuckle Pita highlights its consistent flavor profile, making it a recommended choice for both new and seasoned smokers seeking a balanced, medium-to-full-bodied experience.
