“I’ve Got My Victory Cigar!”
—Tyson Fury
What Makes This Vintage & Special
Broncano Cigars was established in 2022 by Martin Smith, a Gulf War veteran who served in the Marine Corps. Currently, Martin is the president of a consulting agency in the auto industry. Driven by his passion for cigars and dedication to curating the finest most complex tobaccos, Martin founded Broncano Cigars to offer a premium smoking experience.
When this cigar landed in my hand, I immediately knew it was a very special cigar, especially since the tobacco inside the cigar has been well-aged for twenty years.
“Named in honor of Martin’s Great-Grandfather, Arturo Gonzales Broncano, who hailed from Spain. Our brand is a testament to a rich heritage and love for exceptional craftsmanship. Arturo Gonzales Broncano was not only a revered name in our family, but also a huge boxing fan, his legacy continues to inspire our pursuit of excellence. Every Broncano cigar embodies this heritage, blending tradition with innovation to provide a superior smoking experience.” ~ Martin Smith
The whisky:
With this heavy hitter cigar in one corner, we are obligated to match it up with a heavy hitter whisky in the other corner of the ring. Kavalan Cask Strength Solist definitely fits the bill. This Binny’s store pick comes in at a beautiful 54% ABV to match that lasting strength of this Vintage Toro Broncano cigar. This is a unique whisky, distilled, matured, and bottled in Taiwan. It is fully matured in hand-selected Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks. Arturo would be proud!
I can not wait to see how the deep dark raisin and marzipan notes of this Kavalan, bobs and weaves through this heavyweight bout, with this Broncano victory cigar, which retails at only twenty dollars!
Visual / Pre-light Draw
On this medium milk-chocolate-colored San Andres wrapper, there is visual evidence of small speckled plume that feels like running your fingers over braille. This is definitely due to the age of the tobacco, and can only mean one thing — amazing flavor! The tobacco is tightly packed and its construction is hard with strong-looking veins on the wrapper. I can tell just by looking at this cigar that I am in for a real treat.
The simple but elegant looking black, gold, and maroon-colored band displays ‘Broncano Cigar Company’ over a center coin, containing the brand’s logo. Broncano owner Martin Smith explained the band very thoroughly:
“The brand’s logo crown denotes premium standards, the tobacco leaf highlights superior ingredients, and the vintage design reflects the brand’s rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship. There are three additional side band coins as well. The Lion coin represents the cigar’s lasting strength and high quality, showing it has aged well. The Falcon coin represents the brand’s careful craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. The Tobacco Leaf coin emphasizes the brand’s tradition, expertise, and the superior quality of the tobacco they use. My inspiration for the band comes from a boxing championship belt.”
There are thick bold notes of aged wet hay on the side sniff. Very distinct and bold mint chocolate on the dry foot odor. There is no spice on the palate when prepping it for my all time favorite Colibri V-cut. Then very fruity-like bold notes of raisin bran cereal on dry draw.
I’m intrigued!
First Third
An appropriate slow and proper soft flame lighting of this well-aged cigar initially produced a light chocolate foot smoke odor that eventually transitioned to dark-roasted coffee notes. Then bold leathery and charred vanilla notes immediately hit the palate. The cigar is starting off very mild, with a near perfect draw, burn, and white ash. Then a slight hint of citrus hits the palate, followed by more notes of sweeter vanilla. The retro-hale is full of leather-infused dark chocolate coffee and spice throughout. Very impressive!
Cigar to whisky: This direction packs a big knockout punch, holy cow! Tingly bold dark red wine and plum notes over a leathery and spicy chocolate infused finish. Love it!
Second Third
That lengthy white ash is holding strong. The draw opens up to perfection, we get creamier notes of vanilla, with spiced and charred vanilla wafers on the retro-hale. Absolutely delicious and enjoyable! There is a very unique leathery and salty tanginess to each puff, followed by dark European chocolate on the finish. The cigar has my palate salivating, more than any cigar I’ve smoked, and I’ve smoked plenty.
Whisky to cigar: This direction packs an even bigger counterpunch. Those deep, spicy, and fruity sherry wine notes, melt away to creamy powdered sugar notes. This direction is like a red fruit-filled fried dough pastry, doused with powdered sugar. Dessert fit for a king!
The Royal looking band and incredible flavors of this well-aged Broncano cigar, signals to the smoker, that this cigar is fit for a king, the one mentioned M83’s famous “Outro” track:
Final Third
That white ash is still going strong. Now we get a perfect creamy balance of sweet and salty vanilla that coats the entire palate. Ahhh there it finally goes, the lengthy ash just fell off gently, with dignity. Everything slows and just comes together perfectly in this final third, with a nice lingering leathery chocolate-infused coffee note on the finish. The retro hale remains perfectly spiced and leathery, with beautifully roasted coffee notes on the finish. I am fully relaxed, at peace, and enjoying the perfect balance, as well as the delivery of the delicious dessert flavors of this very aged blend of tobacco, from La Aurora and Broncano Cigars. This is truly one of the best cigars I’ve smoked, making me feel like “the King of my own land,” perched confidently yet contently on his throne.
Excellent job!
Cigar smoked whisky: We have a draw! Everything turns to pure candy with nice smoked and spiced marzipan on the finish. Marzipan is my all time favorite note on both whisky and cigars. This direction gives us the best of both sweet and spicy worlds, perfectly balanced.
Overall, this is an excellent and special punch you in mouth, perfectly balanced pairing, fit for a king, one with a sweet tooth. Both the cigar and this Binny’s pick of Kavalan Cask Strength Solist are very limited, so go grab them before it’s too late!
What a special and appropriate treat to celebrate three years of cigar pairing reviews for Whiskey Network (August 2021-August 2024).
Thank you Kavalan Distillery and Broncano Cigars!
Cheers!
ACKNOWLEDGMENT, NEW ROLE & LIVE PAIRING
Thank you Bill Varnell, Chad Cadden, and the entire Whiskey Network for allowing me the opportunity to elevate my whiskey journey, through this amazing experience, as a Whiskey Network Sips n’ Stogies contributing writer.
After three years of pairing reviews, I look forward to continuing this Whiskey Network journey, as I step into a new role, for this incredible and virtual whiskey lifestyle magazine. It’s bittersweet to progress, however I am confident bigger and better things are in store for our Sips n’ Stogies section. Stay tuned!
Thank you to The Great Cigar & Pipe Show Crew: Ronnie Pecorini, Chooch Master Cousin Frank Minutillo, ‘Retired’ Bob Pecorini, Kyle ‘Lancero’ Jesso, Cathy Poturny of Cigar Box Marketing, and American Sniper Jerah Hutchins, for all your guidance into and through the cigar industry. Keep up the excellent work that you guys do, stay choochie!
Thank you Broncano Cigars owner Martin Smith for sharing this amazing cigar with all of us, live on The Great Cigar & Pipe Show. Thank you Truth Malters’ James Burton, for joining us on the live pairing, and representing Kavalan Distillery with class.
Photography by: James Archie
