Escobar Cigars Habano Robusto
- Size: 5 x 50
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua
- Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua
- MSRP: $13.50 per cigar or $270 per box
- Release Date: 2024
- Average Smoking Time: 56 minutes
- Number of Cigars Sampled: 5
The Escobar Cigars Habano Robusto is a striking cigar that promises a rich and flavorful smoking experience from the first glance. The 5 x 50 Robusto boasts an inviting presentation, with a slightly oily, golden-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Adorned by a sleek black-and-gold band with red highlights, as well as a red band around the foot, everything regarding Escobar’s Habano Robusto’s appearance hints at the luxurious smoking experience the cigar offers.
The Habano Robusto is expertly crafted at Tabacalera Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua, a factory celebrated for producing premium, well-balanced cigars. The features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that exhibits a subtle sheen and is flawlessly applied, covering a blend of Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran filler tobaccos sourced from the most fertile soils both countries have to offer. Impeccably constructed, the Habano Robusto boasts a clean double cap, an even and easy draw, and a razor-sharp burn throughout the complex and flavorful smoking experience, reflecting the Escobar Cigars team’s expertise in blending tobaccos and the meticulous rolling expertise displayed at Tabacalera Fernandez.
Pre-Light Assessment: The Habano Robusto impresses right out of the gate with its flawless construction, featuring a smooth, tightly applied double cap and a firm body with no soft spots. A sniff of the foot reveals an inviting combination of earthy hay and cedar, accentuated by whispers of dried fruit and baking spices. The cold draw is equally appealing, offering notes of sweet molasses and black pepper, accompanied by an effortless pull that highlights its excellent craftsmanship.
First Third: Upon lighting, the cigar introduces itself with a medium-bodied profile that is both smooth and flavorful. The initial puffs are rich with roasted nut flavors, creamy cedar and a subtle touch of citrus zest. The retrohale adds a gentle layer of spice, featuring hints of white pepper and cinnamon which enhance the overall complexity without being overpowering. The burn line remains straight and even, and the firm, white ash speaks to the cigar’s superior construction.
Second Third: As the cigar transitions into the middle portion, the flavors become more nuanced and layered. A creamy caramel sweetness takes center stage, balanced by undertones of toasted bread and rich espresso. The spice from the first third mellows, allowing for the emergence of nutmeg and leather, which add depth to the blend. The smoke output is generous and leaves a smooth, velvety feel on the palate. The medium-bodied strength remains consistent, making it enjoyable for a wide range of cigar enthusiasts.
Final Third: The final third of the Habano Robusto intensifies the cigar’s earthy flavors, which are now complemented by a bittersweet dark chocolate note and a hint of oak. The spice, which had softened earlier, reappears on the finish, providing a satisfying and bold close to the smoking experience. The balance of flavors remains impressive until the very end, and the cigar’s impeccable construction ensures a burn that requires no corrections.
Overall Impression: The Escobar Cigars Habano Robusto is a testament to expert craftsmanship and thoughtful blending. Its medium-bodied complexity, smooth transitions and well-balanced flavors make it a versatile choice, suitable for both casual smokers and seasoned aficionados. Escobar Cigars’ Habano Robusto delivers a refined and enjoyable experience that is sure to impress and serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and flavor. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned aficionado, the Habano Robusto is a cigar worth adding to your humidor.
– Samples courtesy of Escobar Cigars. Review by Stephen A. Ross.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 1, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.