“Celebrate the wins in life with those who are there every step of the way.” –Kelsey Plum
So says the motto that emblazons every box of Kelsey Plum Signature cigars, a fresh, refined and unique addition to the premium cigar world. A collaboration between Kelsey Plum, the WNBA star who plays for the two-time defending champions Las Vegas Aces, and Kingmakers Cigars, Kelsey Plum Signature cigars may very well mark the first time a female athlete or celebrity has created her own cigar line.
Plum’s team has won back-to-back WNBA titles and may well be on their way to a threepeat. To win a championship, let alone two…or more…in succession, takes unselfish, harmonious play from the five players on the court who are more concerned about the name on the front of their jerseys than the names on the back. Like the leadership ability Plum displays throughout a WNBA season, helping to make her teammates better, the Kelsey Plum Signature Toro displays a harmonious balance between the filler tobaccos, binder and wrapper to present cigar smokers with a delightfully mild but intensely flavorful smoking experience.
Appearance and Construction: From the moment you hold the Kelsey Plum Signature Cigar, you can tell it is something special. The slightly reddish wrapper is smooth with a slight sheen, indicative of quality tobacco and careful curing. The cigar feels firm and tightly packed hinting at a potential problem on the draw. The band is stylish, featuring Plum’s logo in an elegant burgundy and gold design that hints at the cigar’s sophistication.
Aroma and Cold Draw: Pre-light, the cigar offers a rich, inviting aroma of earth, cedar and a touch of spice. The cold draw reveals subtle fruity notes—think Bananas Foster—with a slight pecan undertone, suggesting a complex flavor profile that promises a rewarding smoke.
First Third: Upon lighting, the early concerns about draw manifest but fortunately after a few quick puffs and a minute or two of letting the cigar rest, the Kelsey Plum Signature Toro opens up magnificently. The draw never becomes a concern again and ends up providing copious amounts of smoke that is both creamy and aromatic. The burn is even with a solid ash forming, indicating excellent construction. Subtle fruit notes with solid oak flavors balance with hints of toasted nuts and a whisp of pepper. The ash stays tight on the cigar and only falls off after 25 minutes of enjoyable puffing.
Second Third: As you progress into the second third, the flavors begin to evolve, presenting some cocoa or hot chocolate notes with a deepening sweetness that is reminiscent of molasses, or ironically enough, plum. The sweetness pleasantly balances the spice, making each puff intriguing and satisfying. The smoke continues to be rich and voluminous, enhancing the overall experience.
Final Third: In the final third, the Kelsey Plum Signature Cigar truly shines. The flavors become more pronounced, with graham cracker notes taking center stage, enriched by hints of espresso and a slight nuttiness. The peppery spice from the first third makes a subtle return, adding a final flourish to the smoking experience. The burn remains consistent, and the cigar doesn’t become harsh, maintaining its smooth and enjoyable profile until the end.
Overall Experience: The Kelsey Plum Signature Toro is a testament to quality and sophistication. It’s clear that every aspect—from the choice of tobacco to the final blend—has been carefully considered and executed to offer a complex yet balanced flavor profile that evolves beautifully from start to finish. No matter what championship in your life you might be celebrating, the Kelsey Plum Signature is a cigar that doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them, delivering a memorable experience … just like its namesake.
Kingmakers Cigars’ Kelsey Plum Signature Toro
- Size: 6 x 52
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua
- MSRP: $175 per 10-count box or $17.50 per cigar
- Release Date: June 10, 2024
- Average Smoking Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
– Samples courtesy of Kingmakers Cigars. Review by Stephen A. Ross.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 3, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.