Crux Cigars has long proven itself to be a reliable cigar manufacturer — introducing great blends to the market one after another and earning acclaim from both amateur and seasoned cigar smokers. One such blend is the long-revered Crux Epicure — a 2017 release that the brand prides as their “crown jewel.” The name Epicure is apt as the Crux website describes it: “Specifically designed for someone that understands indulgence isn’t a bad thing, Epicure is a true testament to the hard work you put in.” So, I indeed allowed myself to indulge in a stick of Crux Epicure Robusto.
| Wrapper Origin: Ecuador | Shape: Robusto |
| Length: 5 | Ring: 50 |
| Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | List Price: $200 (Box of 20) |
| Origin: Nicaragua | Strength: Mellow |
Pull of Cigar
The Crux Epicure Robusto is a gorgeous cigar with a simple yet charming presentation. The wrapper is a light tan Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. Upon closer inspection, I noticed some very subtle mottling on the surface, along with a few visible veins. The band flaunts a simple yet appealing design; a bold red backdrop stands out with the Crux Cigar logo centered, while “Epicure” is written in gold. Underneath its attractive exterior, a Nicaraguan binder swaddles a jam-packed core of meticulously grown Nicaraguan fillers.
To start off, this Robusto had a fresh aroma of lemongrass, white pepper, and cedar emanating from the barrel and foot — quite enticing to say the least. A satisfying cold draw unleashes a sequence of French bread and peppery notes. The impeccable construction of the tobacco provided just the right resistance for an effortless pull. I decided to cue up some lively morning tunes to set the mood as I fired up the foot, being sure not to scorch the delicate Connecticut leaf. Finally, it’s time to discover and savor what flavors the Crux Epicure Robusto has to offer.
Taste
The initial puffs presented a nice dose of white pepper and bread that opened the nasal and prepped the palate. The strength of the cigar starts on the low end of mild — a perfect cigar so far to start the day with. The shade-grown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper influences the flavor profile with a mild creamy taste. Meanwhile, a pleasant creaminess along with a kick of pepper settle in the background. A slight note of sweet nougat cereal and fruity sweetness also join in the flavor fest. The smoke was rich and exuded pleasant aromas right from the start, and the ash was solid dark gray. Moving through the sharp burn and well-formed ash, there is a sweet citrus component building that adds to the profile.
A slight fruity note followed by a subtle black pepper and cream then comes in and tantalizes the palate at the start of the second third. The smoke is consistently rich and smooth without a single tinge of bitterness. The initially subtle note of cereal takes front and center as the pepper spice fades. To my delight, notes of toffee and caramel hazelnut pervade the palate along with an enticing bready aroma on the nose. Approaching the final third, the sweet component starts to take control of the profile. The smoke production is still full, and the draw hasn’t been less than perfect so far. The final third brought in a desirable blend of creamy coffee, cereal grain, and toast which continued to build throughout the smoking experience. The Crux Epicure Robusto finishes out at around 40 to 50 minutes — longer than I expected.
Overall
Overall, the Crux Epicure Robusto is one of those ideal morning cigars that slowly build up its components. But once it found itself, the flavor moved along nicely and provided an excellent smoking experience with no touch-ups or draw issues. I have to say I was more than satisfied with the quality and flavor of this Robusto. The smoke production was above average, and the ash held on firmly in one-inch increments. This is a cigar that any cigar enthusiast would easily enjoy, whether you’re new to the culture or a seasoned cigar aficionado who enjoys cigars of any strength. As for myself, the Crux Epicure Robusto is a stogie I will definitely smoke again. This deserves a 92-point rating.
