Tabanero Momentum
- Size: Robusto (5 x 50)
- Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés)
- Binder: Ecuador
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Produced at the Origen Cigars S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua
- Available in 20-count boxes
- MSRP $10 (Box of 20, $200)
- Release Date: April 15, 2025
- Smoking time: 80 minutes
The Tabanero Momentum Robusto proudly exhibits an outward hue of darkest chocolate with hints of tooth, a couple unoffending veins, and seams that I frankly cannot find in the normal background light of my kitchen. I actually had to turn on the flashlight of my smartphone to spy the most microscopic of imperfections.
The Momentum’s band is a lovely sight, with a large, white M centered over a dark-green background, and its reverse side featuring the intertwined flags of Cuba and Nicaragua. Notably, over the centerpiece M, I see small italicized lettering in a tiny window stating the number 2022, the year Yanko Maceda first conceived the Momentum. The cigar feels firm all around, and its pre-light weight comes in at 12.2 grams.
Before light-up, the cigar exudes a scent that is fairly strong and oaky; it announces itself to the room as soon as the cellophane is shed. So already this tobacco is showing personality. A standard punch cut rendered a free draw with just the perfect amount of resistance, and the cold draw continues with the pungent, woody theme of the pre-light nose. Actually, even before light-up, this cigar rather gives the impression that it’s going to be a full, strong smoke, which leads me to offer a confession.
Maduros kind of intimidate me. I freely admit to being a bit of a smoking lightweight. It’s not that I can’t smoke cigar after cigar all day long, and enjoy them all (I can!), but there is just something about the dark tones of a maduro that puts me on guard, like I’m taking on something hardier than my comfort level wants. I have always leaned more to the blond Connecticuts. We’ll see how this smoking experience goes. I am pairing the cigar with a glass of strong, freshly brewed iced tea.
Allocating myself two 4-inch wood matches to light this smoke, I only required half of one match to toast the foot and achieve a nice, round, blazing ignition. Initial flavors are spicy cedar with black pepper and espresso. And boy howdy, it does put out a volume of smoke—a veritable smudge pot. I like a smoky cigar, so things are off to a promising start.
Twenty minutes in I’ve already consumed a bit over an inch. The burn line is a little wavy, but not out of control. The solid, slate-gray ash is free of flakes and nobly hanging on, evincing excellent construction. At 24 minutes, as I pass the inch-and-a-half mark, the ash finally lets go on its own and plops fortuitously into the ash tray. Flavors are softening and sweetening now as the leaf warms up and its natural sugars develop. I’m even picking up a hint of bread pudding in the background. Incidentally, there was never any need for worry that my constitution would be over-taxed. The Momentum Robusto is settling easily into the middle range of rich, delicious medium body, with copious smoke but nothing to chase me into taking a break. Body and strength are both medium; I am not getting lightheaded, but still, my hankering for vitamin N is met.
At 40 minutes I figure I’m about halfway done, and thoroughly enjoying the ride. Smoke output continues to be unstinting, and I do not have to work or pay close attention to keep this cigar lit. A cordial smoke, the Momentum Robusto just gives and gives, with a light, peppery, inviting retrohale and flavors transitioning ever-so-slightly now into sweet baking spices, including nutmeg.
At 55 minutes I lop off the lengthening ash, not wanting it to drop any old place. The cigar is still burning cool and emitting smoke like a locomotive. Taste impressions are transitioning again, now to include an appealing sweet barbecue flavor and pushing toward the higher end of medium body…but still, this is a smoke that any cigar lover with a modicum of experience could tackle with confidence. Only an inch and a half to go at 64 minutes, and this cigar has never required any re-light or even the slightest touch-up. The Momentum lives out its name and just charges ahead—a cigar you can savor with no requirement of close supervision. Absolutely ideal. The cap has held its integrity and remains completely intact.
At an hour and 20 minutes my fingertips are feeling the heat, so I set down what is left—somewhat reluctantly, for the output is still rich and delicious even to the end.
At $10 a stick, the Tabanero Momentum Robusto is a worthy value for such a premium product. Bringing richness without bite throughout, the Momentum rates an unqualified recommendation. It also gives this reviewer new appreciation for the maduro genre. Only 10,000 of these babies were rolled for this year’s release, so get them while the getting is good.
– Samples provided by Tabanero Cigars. Review by William C. Nelson.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.