Review of Crux Epicure

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: EcuadorShape: Robusto
Length: 5Ring: 50
Wrapper: Connecticut ShadeList Price: $200 (Box of 20)
Origin: NicaraguaStrength: 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.

Other Cigars Reviews

Other Mellow-Strength Cigars

Oliva Connecticut Toro

The Oliva Connecticut Toro stands out as a magnificent cigar, boasting a beautiful golden brown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that encases a premium blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos. A visual treat, its construction is flawless and offers an impeccable draw, balanced with just the right resistance. The flavor profile reveals a tantalizing mix of toasted almonds, espresso, creamy butter, and hints of sweet spices, with subtle transitions that intrigue rather than overwhelm. Its burn is straight, and the ash remains firm, indicating the high quality of craftsmanship by Oliva Cigars. The cigar offers a nuanced complexity, leaning more towards mellow creaminess than robust spices, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned aficionados. This review of Oliva Connecticut Toro concludes with a well-deserved 92-point rating, underscoring its must-try status in the cigar world.

CAO Signature Series Robusto

CAO Cigars, a prominent brand known for its boundary-pushing blends, offers a diverse array of high-quality cigars, including the acclaimed CAO Gold and CAO La Traviata. Recently, the CAO Signature Series Robusto caught attention with its visually appealing design featuring two bands and a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The cigar’s aroma offers hints of sweet cedar, earthy tobacco, and wood. Once lit, it delights the palate with a mix of flavors, including oak, leather, dark coffee, nutmeg, black pepper, cedar, and more. As the cigar progresses, it presents a medium-bodied profile that balances creaminess with peppery and tannin notes. The smoking journey concludes with hints of dark coffee, black cherry, and a zesty finish. The CAO Signature Series Robusto stands out as an exceptional choice for both newcomers and seasoned aficionados, earning a commendable 90-point rating in this review of CAO Signature Series Robusto.

Other Nicaraguan Cigar Reviews

La Herencia Cubana Toro

The La Herencia Cubana Toro cigar, manufactured in Nicaragua, boasts a dark, veined wrapper that complements its band’s white, gold, and brown color scheme. Smokers are presented with a full-bodied flavor dominated by bold black pepper and Nicaraguan tobacco notes. Throughout the smoking experience, the cigar maintained a consistent burn and good construction, although its draw tightened in the middle third. While the cigar offered a hint of creaminess in the final third, it predominantly retained its two main flavors, which may be overpowering for some, especially beginners. Those preferring a more robust taste will appreciate the cigar’s intensity, but others might seek milder alternatives from the La Herencia range. This summary is based on a review of La Herencia Cubana Toro.

5 Vegas Triple-A

AJ Fernandez cigars, renowned for their rich flavors and aromatic scents, have gained popularity due to their commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship. Among their offerings, the 5 Vegas Triple-A stands out, boasting a medium-bodied profile with undertones of nuts, chocolate, and sweetness, complemented by earthy, coffee, and spicy notes. Its construction ensures a smooth draw, with the cigar wrapped in a distinctive Pennsylvanian Maduro wrapper, accented by a pronounced gold and black band. Smokers describe a consistent, full-bodied experience from start to finish, with the dominant earthy flavor enhanced by hints of coffee, spice, chocolate, and nuts. The overall smoking experience is elevated by the cigar’s excellent burn and generous smoke output. Anyone seeking a rich, flavorful experience should consider a review of 5 Vegas Triple-A.

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Glyn Caddell

Glyn Caddell