Cigar: Diamond Crown Julius Caeser
Size: Toro
Smoke time: 50 minutes
Appearance & Aroma
The Diamond Crown Julius Caeser is housed within a leather finish box with gold embossed lettering. The interior is lined with a plush purple velvet with Julius Caesar’s likeness centered, overseeing and approving of the contents. This is a box fit for royalty. The cigar itself is wrapped in a slightly toothy, chestnut brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with a Dominican binder and fillers from the Caribbean and Central America. The aroma is chocolate, with a natural sweetness, and notes of cedar.
Light-Up & Draw
Using a straight cut, I go in just below the cap. This cigar is well constructed, which is evident in the initial draw. My first tasting impression is of cedar, cream and a hint of dried fruit. A quick toast to the foot, and it is time to light up. This cigar produces a full-bodied smoke that borders on the edge of creamy, but not quite.
Early Profile
It is smooth sailing in the first third, and I am riding on waves of cream and cedar. A bit of nuttiness emerges followed by a dash of white pepper. This cigar is an easy medium. Easy to smoke. Easy to enjoy. Nuanced enough not to get boring.
Middle Profile & Burn
Again, I am impressed with the construction of the cigar. It burns evenly with no need for correction. The ash clings on in perfect symmetry. I notice an immediate change in mouth feel when entering into this third, with tannins causing a drying effect. Cedar, toasted nuts and dried fruit have been present throughout the smoke, but leather and earth now take the lead.
Late Profile
The cigar intensifies without leaving the bounds of a medium. White pepper and spice begin to bite a little harder. The earthiness blooms, picking up mineral undertones and a distinct peatiness. Leather still lingers in the mix. The change-up in this third is unexpected, and welcomed, ending the experience on a high note. It leaves me wondering when I will be able to take the time to enjoy this stick again.
Overall Impression
The Diamond Crown Julius Caeser is an expertly blended and incredibly well crafted cigar. The smoker can kick back and relax without having to finesse this stick. Very few relights or corrections were needed throughout the smoke. The cigar breaks you in gently in the first half, making it approachable for a novice smoker. Yet, the sophistication of the flavor changes in the second half is enough to keep an experienced smoker engaged. Overall, this is an excellent smoke that will continue to be a staple in my shops and in my personal humidor.
– Review by Sam Souhail, a tobacconist at Casablanca Cigar Bar.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 3, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.