Esteban Carreras Habano Maduro Robusto Review

Esteban Carreras Habano Maduro Robusto Cigar Review

10/10/2022 

Have I stated that I'm a big fan of Esteban Carreras cigars? I think every review for the 3 different cigars from them I've reviewed I have raved about them. All 3 I have bought boxes after trying them and I bought a box of these for $80 and I knew they'd be good. This may be about the cheapest cigar they make, but I don't think they make a bad cigar. This is only the 2nd one from the box I've smoked. The 1st one was great and I will review in detail this one. It is all Nicaraguan with a dark and oily wrapper. The band says aged 13 years. Can't find much info on what is aged that long. But it tells me these cigars like age and I like to buy a lot cigars so that I can age them for many years, sometimes up to 15 years. 

Lighting her up I can tell that this is more fuller in profile than most cigars. You don't usually call it Habano and make it weak, unless you are a gimmicky brand (which I'd say is quite common). But I can tell you, this is a brand that only makes high quality cigars that could easily be priced way higher. Let's see how this one does. It's a late night for me. Had to chase down 3 shots of Monte Alban tequila to accelerate my night. I figure this robusto will smoke quick enough so I won't be up all night. It's smoking good now. No overpowering flavors. Just a smooth chocolatey taste. Maybe a tad spice. Sweet aftertastes, but not sweet like the Christoff Criollo I smoke a week or so ago. This one is more subtle and refined. Definitely more full flavored, but really smooth and relaxed. Can taste a nutty flavor, like a Brazilian nut taste. No bite, just a rich, complex profile. After an inch, can pick up some leathery and fried fruit. Slow to change, but definitely changing flavors. The box says packed April 2018 so it probably has peaked it's it aging and should be mellow, which is what I'm experiencing. Definitely very refined, mellow, but full of good flavors. 

Maybe half way through, 30 minutes into it. I shouldn't compare it to the more medium Hellcats, as it's stronger, cheaper. The Hellcats are better, smoke longer, more smoke, but this one has richer, but more subtle flavors. Definitely a very satisfying cigar. 

If you can find these, buy it for those times you want a stronger, quicker smoke. No harshness, just smooth, dry, rich flavors. I've only smoked a few full flavored Cubans and this would be the cheaper version to remind of those flavors. It's full bodied and, as I stated, it's late tonight and I'm fully relaxed and enjoying every bit. I haven't mentioned the burn because it has been all perfect, as should be for a 4+ year old smoke. It's top notch. 

Got a couple inches left and it is still mellow. Always cool burning. Pulling more chocolate and nuts. Starting to add some spice. There been slight cedar tastes here and there. It seems it has many flavors that change every time you give it some strong puffs. Did I say I like this brand? Lately this is my go to brand for an all around excellent cigar. 4 boxes, I guess will tide me over. I suggest you do the same. If you like medium to full, this brand has one I'm sure you'll find in your normal go around. I'm past an hour now and totally satisfied. 

 Still adding subtle differing flavors. Even at the nub, creamy caramel and cappachino flavors are coming out. Still cool and full flavored. Hard to put down. Feeling it good now. Will have to finish, but don't want to stop. This is why I smoke, to end the day fully relaxed. After burning my fingers, I will look forward to the next one on another good night. 

Overall: 92 

Flavor 92, complexity 90, burn 92, experience 92, value 92.