The next cigar I’m trying is one many might not know much about. It’s called the Protocol Probable Cause, a red series made by Lozano at their factory. This cigar is a follow-up to their initial blue series.
It features a Mexican San Andreas wrapper, with both the binder and filler from Nicaragua.
The size is a Churchill, about six and a half by forty-eight, and depending on the shop, it typically costs nine to ten dollars.
As I light the cigar, the first thing that hits me is a sweetness, like seasoned barbecue. With each puff, a hint of chocolate and dried fruits, similar to apricots, comes through.
The draw is just right—not too tight or too loose, making for an enjoyable smoke. So far, the variety of flavors, such as cedar, black pepper, and a touch of cinnamon, keeps the experience interesting.
It’s a cigar that holds up well through every stage, and I’m eager to see how it develops further.
Key Takeaways
- The cigar has a Mexican San Andreas wrapper.
- Flavors include chocolate, dried fruit, and cedar.
- The draw is smooth and the burn is even.
Initial Thoughts
Cigar Beginnings and Lineup
I’m trying out a cigar from the Lozano factory called Protocol. It’s part of their “Probable Cause” lineup. The one I’m smoking now is the red label, the second release in the series. The first one, which was a blue label, came out earlier.
Wrapper, Binder, and Filler Info
This cigar has some special parts to its make. It has a Mexican San Andreas wrapper that’s got a unique feel—kinda gritty but in a good way. Inside, it’s got both binder and filler from Nicaragua. The wrapper gives off a sweet cocoa scent that reminds me of apricots, especially when the breeze isn’t stealing away all the aromas.
Cost and Where to Find It
If you’re wondering the price, this cigar usually costs around $9-$10. I found mine at Embargoes Cigar Lounge in Phoenix, which seems to be one of the few places carrying it. Some cigar shops have special finds based on what their regulars like, so it’d be silly to think that less availability means lesser quality.
Before Lighting Up
Wrapper Feel and Look
The cigar’s wrapper has a unique texture. It’s made from a Mexican San Andreas leaf, which is known for being slightly gritty, almost like fine sandpaper. The wrapper is also oily, which adds a nice sheen to it. Some might call it “toothy,” but that means you can feel the texture when you rub your fingers. It’s something different from other cigars I’ve tried.
Scent and Initial Puff
Before lighting, I usually take a moment to check out the aromas and the draw. This one has a rich cocoa scent that’s pretty common in Nicaraguan cigars. I also notice a hint of sweet dried fruit, like apricot. It’s pretty windy today, so catching all the scents is a bit tricky, but that’s what stands out. The cigar feels firm but not too tight or too spongy. Without lighting it, I’m already getting a great draw, which is a good sign for what’s to come.
First Third Smoking Adventure
Development of Taste
As I started the first third of the cigar, I noticed a delightful sweetness in the smoke. It reminded me of a seasoned barbecue flavor, like that first sizzle and char when grilling meat. This wasn’t unpleasant; it was actually quite enjoyable.
Along with that, I picked up some chocolate notes, accompanied by a mild sweetness, kind of like hay.
Quality of Burn and Draw
In terms of construction, the cigar performed well. The burn line was consistent, and the draw was just right—not too tight or overly loose. Feeling confident with the great quality there, I continued the experience and savored the intriguing flavors and smooth burn.
Second Experience with Smoking
Ash and Burn Details
The ash is holding on quite well, though it started showing a slight tilt. The burn wasn’t exactly straight, but I removed the ash to keep things clean. It’s important to note that the ash was resilient before I did that.
Overall, the draw was spot on—not too loose or tight, making it a joy to smoke.
Changing Flavor Notes
I noticed a cedar note as I continued. There was a hint of black pepper in the taste, not overpowering but noticeable enough to pique my interest. It even felt like a bit of cinnamon was peeking through the flavors.
The pepper kicked in again, subtly yet unmistakably, adding to the complexity of the flavor.
Retrohale Observations
When retrohaling, I detected some distinct black peppercorn. The cedar came through stronger this way, too. This contributed to a pleasant experience, making each puff interesting and engaging.
The balance between the pepper and other notes kept it from being too harsh, achieving a nice equilibrium.
Last Third Smoking Journey
Shift in Flavors
In the final third, the flavor really hits its stride. I’m now picking up on some white pepper notes. Earlier, I mentioned tasting something like dried apricot, and it seems to be evolving into hints of raisin or possibly plum. It’s these complexities that make each draw intriguing.
Final Burn Insights
The ash has been hanging on quite well, only needing to be tapped a few times. The burn isn’t as razor-sharp as it could be, but that’s not necessarily a problem. It’s just part of today’s experience with this particular cigar. If you haven’t given the Protocol a chance yet, you might want to consider trying it out. The folks at Lozano have done a great job with this series.
Final Thoughts and Suggestions
This cigar features a distinctive Mexican San Andreas wrapper and a combination of Nicaraguan binder and filler. It’s the second in its series and stands out with its Churchill size, measuring about 6.5 by 48 inches. Picking this up usually costs nine to ten bucks, depending on where you find it.
What grabs my attention is the wrapper’s gritty texture and oily finish. That slight grittiness sets it apart when rubbing it. A sweet cocoa aroma is noticeable right from the start. It reminds me of the chocolaty and sweet dried fruit flavors common in Nicaraguan cigars.
Lighting up this cigar reveals a smoke with a unique, sweet, barbecue flavor near the beginning. A mix of chocolate and a sweet hay note also comes through. The draw feels just right, not too loose and not too tight, making the smoking experience comfortable.
As I continue smoking, there are new notes like black peppercorn and cedar, adding to the complexity. The draw remains steady, without any issues.
In the final part of the smoke, the flavors evolve into white pepper along with dried fruit notes like raisin and plum.
I would suggest trying the Protocol, a cigar if you haven’t yet. It’s a strong addition to any cigar enthusiast’s collection, with a flavorful experience. If you come across this one, give it a try and see if it matches your taste. Enjoy every puff!
