Cigar: Kafie 1901 San Andres
Size: Toro
Smoke time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Appearance & Aroma
The Kafie 1901 San Andres has the classic double band of red over green covering a flat, chocolate wrapper. The cigar offers a soft smell of hay and earth on both the wrapper and foot. It has an understated oiliness that hints at its Mexican San Andres wrapper.
Light-Up & Draw
I used a deep “V” cut to open the draw, which gave an even and easy light with a smooth, rich draw right off the bat. The unlit aroma of earth remains, but the hay is replaced with a soft sweetness that likens to caramel and cocoa. The mouthfeel is soft, and the retrohale has a full earthiness to it with no bite.
Early Profile
The cigar remains soft on the palate with just a hint of spice while retaining a subtle sweetness. It is full-flavored but still has a true medium feel on the palate and tongue. The first ash tap occurred at the 20-minute mark but, honestly, wasn’t needed.
Middle Profile & Burn
Approaching the middle, the ash remains even and firm with the flavor going more toward the spicy side that pairs well with the thick sweetness that remains. A dark fruit flavor develops that enhances the flavor and opens up the smoking experience. The lower band comes off at the 30-minute mark with the ash remaining firm and even.
Late Profile
The cigar remains full, and the spice mellows to that of an even, thick sweetness with a subtle bite of nut (walnut ?) and fruit (ripe plum ?). I removed the upper band at the 50-minute mark. I would have never thought to consider this cigar as a contender for a long ash contest, but the ash remains tight with no hint of flaking or sag. It has been an even smoke to just over an inch remaining.
Overall Impression
The San Andres is a great example of the complex blending that Kafie puts into their cigars. What I expected to be a full-bodied, full-flavored smoke was surprisingly smooth with an even, not overpowering flavor. Darker sticks tend to scare off smokers of the “mild” cigars, but this is a great gateway smoke for those looking to expand their palate without the shock that some experience with a darker cigar. On the full side of medium body but with a gentle fullness that leaves me wanting another.
– Review by Thomas Bishop, tobacconist at Brown & Sons Premium Cigars in Olympia, Washington.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 4, 2023. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.