Vitola: Robusto- 5” x 50 ring gauge
- ~$9
- Small Batch Cigar
Background
Last week at this time I posted my review of the Powstanie Habano. Today I’m following up with a look at the Broadleaf version of the same vitola. As mentioned previously (and really, just read the other review if you haven’t already), I bought these from Leaf Enthusiast sponsor, Small Batch Cigar, in a Powstanie Sampler. And as before, I reference halfwheel’s article on the initial release of both the Habano and Broadleaf blends.
Cigar Hustler brothers, Mike and Greg Szczepankewicz, each created their own blend with help from Esteban Disla and Skip Martin from Nica Sueña, better known as the factory where RoMa Craft cigars are made. Greg decided to go with a Broadleaf blend. He uses an unspecified “broadleaf maduro” wrapper (usually that means either Connecticut or Pennsylvania-grown), Indonesian binder, and fillers from Nicaragua, including Estelí ligero and tobaccos from Jalapa and Pueblo Nuevo (near Condega).
This is the third time I’ve had this blend, although the first time in this vitola. I purchased the review samples from Small Batch Cigar.
Prelight
The box and band on this version are pretty much the same as the Habano. Each of them has a secondary band that tells which version of the cigar it is. The wrapper leaf in this case is darker, a more espresso bean color with more oiliness and a bit of a fine-grit sandpaper roughness, as well.
The wrapper smelled earthy, with touches of coffee and cocoa powder, making me think it’s probably Connecticut-grown leaf, which in my experience has a sweeter and riper aroma to it. The foot of the cigar had a riper earthiness…notes of barnyard with a back-note of cedar.
Once clipped the Powstanie Broadleaf was a little tight for my liking. I was going to give it a try burning before doing anything more, though. Cold flavors were of earth, anise, and semi-sweet chocolate.
Flavor
After I got it fired up the draw seemed much better. Initial flavors were of oak and earth and bittersweet chocolate, with notes of cinnamon and black pepper playing during the finish. The retrohale was woody and nutty, with a much more pronounced red pepper blast.
As I started getting into the second third, notes of cinnamon were becoming more pronounced, backed up with wood and semi-sweet chocolate, along with an earthy finish. The retrohale enhanced the cinnamon spice and woodiness.
The final third of the Powstanie Broadleaf had an increase in cedar, while the cinnamon notes moved to a more supporting role. There were hints of chocolate sweetness and earth on the finish.
Construction
The draw was slightly tight, but not so much that it caused a problem. It actually may have helped the burn line stay more even as the entire cigar was very slow-smoking. The ash was solid, too.
Value
Very good cigar, very good price tag.
Conclusions
Nine times out of ten if you tell me a cigar features a Broadleaf wrapper I’m going to love it. I thoroughly expected to like the Broadleaf version of Powstanie better than the Habano. And don’t get me wrong—the Broadleaf wrapped edition is very good—but the Habano is richer and more complex and just a better cigar overall. If you are a fan of Broadleaf, though, you really should try this one. It’s a little less body overall than a lot of Broadleaf Maduro sticks out there and the complexity is higher than quite a few of them.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
