“Drink it in, Feel the shine upon your skin, Get ready for the night to begin, for the night to begin with those whiskey sunsets…”
– Moon Taxi (Song: “Whiskey Sunsets”)
What Makes It Special
Named after Cro-Magnon Man, one of the earliest human settlers in mainland Europe, RoMa Craft’s original Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper CroMagnon is one of their highest-rated cigars, earning a #15 ranking on the Best Cigars of 2016 list. This line extension CroMagnon Aquitaine, named after the French prehistoric region of Aquitaine, features a peppery medium-brown Ecuador Habano leaf. This was my second time reviewing a RoMa Craft cigar and admit a valid fondness for their quality cigars. This one was even better than their Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion offering.
CroMagnon Aquitane
Brand: Roma Craft
Vitola: 6×56 Torpedo
Filler: Esteli, Condega, & Publo Nuevo
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Ligero
Binder: Cameroon
Body: Medium Boldness
Price: $9
Visual / Pre-light Draw
The cigar appears to be packed well, there was no lumpiness during the roll test, and the level of softness was just right. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper leaf displays a medium brown coffee color, has a nice oily feel, with strong looking veins. The tight overlapping double band (exterior espresso brown over interior white) displays the brand name “aquitaine” in the front, and the trademark RoMa Craft, X over a cross, Christogram in the back. There is a nice exterior odor of fresh barrel hay and cocoa. The V-cut produced a medium dry draw with an awesome burst of grapes and cereal oats. There was also a faint dry hay note in the finish.
First Third
Beautiful pull and mouthfeel, a light cigar with light spicy fruit notes. The foot smoke odor is sweet and chocolaty. This first third is light and simple, but very enjoyable and easy to smoke. The cigar remains oily on the hands, has a nice even slow burn, and off to a solid start. The ash held well, then fell off with dignity approaching the second third.
Second Third
More fresh fruity tobacco notes that keep the smoker relaxed and enjoying the cigar. The cigar manages itself, no re-lights or uneven burn, a great easy smoking stick, especially for beginners. There is also a nice spice and hint of vanilla oats on the retro-hale, which keeps the smoker’s palate engaged.
Final Third
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the consistent fresh fruity and medium spice tobacco flavors of this easy smoking experience. There is nothing harsh or offensive about the cigar, even in this final third. The double band is tightly secured, so it’s best to refrain from trying to take it off. There was not much change in the cigar but that’s a good thing. This is definitely a light cigar that can be enjoyed on a sunny vacation day at the beach, to escape this winter cold.
This was a great pairing as the light fruity cigar balanced out the high proof of the whisky, producing a tropical pineapple infused banana cream pie or custard-like, lingering finish on the palate. Absolutely delicious. For those seeking to venture outside the friendly confines of bourbon and scotch whisky, this is a beautiful pairing, reminiscent of a sweet tropical dessert while you enjoy a relaxing oceanfront “whiskey sunset”.
The Pairing
At 55.6% ABV, this Starward Single Barrel Binny’s Pick packs a big punch with a burst of red wine fruits, along with tropical notes of pineapple, banana, and coconut. The whisky is surprisingly matured for only three years, in French oak wine barrels, and distilled at the Starward Distillery in Port Melbourne, Australia. Starward is known for their readily available red wine barrel influenced whisky expressions, such as “Two-Fold” and “Nova”. This was a great pairing as the light fruity cigar balanced out the high proof of the whisky, producing a tropical pineapple infused banana cream pie or custard-like, lingering finish on the palate. Absolutely delicious. For those seeking to venture outside the friendly confines of bourbon and scotch whisky, this is a beautiful pairing, reminiscent of a sweet tropical dessert while you enjoy a relaxing oceanfront “whiskey sunset”.
Cheers WBSE!
Acknowledgment
Thank you to the folks in Austin Texas, at RoMa Craft, for producing such quality and easy smoking cigars.. You can catch RoMa Craft owners Michael ROsales and Skip MArtin, give valuable information on cigars and “how not to be a chooch”, on these fun youtube episodes of The Modern Rogue: “Understanding Cigars” and “How to Get the Most out of a Cigar”.
Visit romacrafttobac.com to explore their awesome cigar portfolio.
Photography by: James Archie
