I wish to say that I'm not ashamed of anything whatever that I do, and I don't feel that smoking makes me ashamed, and therefore I mean to smoke (cigars) to the glory of God."-Charles Spurgeon
Welcome to a Geek Critique of a cigar generously provided to us by member MichaelCampbellCasdagli of Casdagli Cigars. The cigar provided for this round is the Casdagli Cigars Cypher 3311 Line "Enigma". The name of this unique line of cigars "Cypher 3311" refers to the secret war conducted during WWII. "3311" was Jeremy Casdagli's grandfather's POW number & the "Coat of Arms" used on the band replicates one of his grandfather's wartime embroideries. The blends chosen as well as the imagery on the packaging contain hidden messages that can be discovered by the smoker. The exotic tobaccos of the Cypher 3311 vitolas are rare and expensive thus creating a truly unique blend that requires aging once the cigar is made. There will only be a maximum of 4,000 of each of the 4 cigars made annually. A percentage of every cigar sale will be donated to the Red Cross whose relentless work continues to alleviate human suffering across the world. The Cypher 3311 Line cigars are blended especially for Casdagli Cigars at IGM Cigars boutique factory in Costa Rica.
Casdagli Cigars Cypher 3311 Line "Enigma"
Brand:
Casdagli Cigars
Name:
Cypher 3311 Line "Enigma"
Length:
7.5
Ring Gauge:
49
Country of Origin:
Costa Rica
Filler:
Secret
Binder:
Secret
Wrapper:
Ecuador
Color:
Colorado Maduro
Strength:
Medium-Full
Shape:
Double Corona
Notes:
https://casdaglicigars.com/cigar/enigma/
The name of this unique line of cigars "Cypher 3311" refers to the secret war conducted during WWII. "3311" was Jeremy's Grandfather's POW number & the "Coat of Arms" used on the band replicates one of his Grandfather's wartime embroideries. The blends chosen as well as the imagery on the packaging contain hidden messages that can be discovered by the smoker. The exotic tobaccos of the Cypher 3311 vitolas are rare and expensive thus creating a truly unique blend that requires aging once the cigar is made. A percentage of every cigar sale will be donated to the Red Cross whose relentless work continues to alleviate human suffering across the world. The Cypher 3311 Line cigars are blended especially for Casdagli Cigars at IGM Cigars boutique factory in Costa Rica.
This cigar was enjoyed with Old Pulteney 18
Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible
Nice firm cigar, very little give. Veins are almost non-existent. The mold seams are visible on both sides which is a plus, the cigar won't roll away. The cut was very clean with my Xikar when snipping the well applied triple cap. Great looking band with a sort of stitched looking coat of arms. Colorado claro looking wrapper leaf.
Lighting and Burn: 11 Points of 15 Possible
The burn line was sharp and even, I tapped the initial ash at just over an inch. Second ash tapped off over an inch as it started to curve. It required a small touch up to even out a small high spot after ashing. There's another high spot that needs touching up. I gave it a good toasting to even up the burn line. another touch up after ashing about a half inch. A good amount of smoke output but it doesn't like to sit too long. Past the halfway point is where I really needed to touchup this cigar.
Construction: 27 Points of 30 Possible
Despite being a firm cigar it's not overly dense and is well filled lending to a great draw. The cigar looked and felt well made with a great attention to detail. The band comes off clean only a slight tear but easily removed.
Flavor and Aroma: 36 Points of 45 Possible
The Old Pult 18 opens up the light taste of the initial puffs. Initial notes are mineral, hay, and some cedar which starts to change a bit towards the end of the first 3rd. I get a bit of dried strawberry which is interesting. A touch of white pepper on the retrohale, cocoa powder after letting it sit for a few moments, some leather and dark wood with a hint of underlying sweetness. Mineral notes back to the forefront. The resting smoke has a slightly sweet aroma. Some tartness with dried fruit on a couple of light puffs. The salty sweet notes from the scotch help morph the mineral notes and draw the sweetness back from the palate even a few puffs after the scotch finish. Cashew, oak and cedar while chewing the smoke. I find myself implementing the chewing technique more often with this as I enjoy the flavors it produces. Some caramelized brown sugar comes through while letting the smoke roll out of my mouth and nose. The finish is fairly light and leaves a light woody note on the palate. Mineral notes are a main player with some dark roasted coffee. Retro with scotch in my mouth is really nice, I would say any scotches that lean towards a salty oceanic profile will pair extremely well. Caramelized brown sugar tastes a bit burnt at times but not off putting. Mineral notes still prevalent, coffee and the occasional dried fruit in the final 3rd. Red pepper followed by floral note comes through. Chewing the smoke is spicier and cedary now. After a nice gulp of whisky and a puff brings out nice, sweet and tart notes with the tobacco, it really holds on to the taste for several puffs. The spicier final third is really enjoyable I just wish it came through sooner. I tried taking several fast puffs which brought in a light grassy taste. This cigar needs a good whisky pairing especially for how long it is.
Summary
A big thank you to Casdagli and Michael for hosting this GC. The presentation was phenomenal. The taste profile for me needs a good scotch pairing that really sets it over the top. I'd be interested in trying the other vitolas from this lineup.