Cigar Geeks - Casdagli Cigars Cypher 3311 Line "Enigma"

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Casdagli Cigars Cypher 3311 Line "Enigma"
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Cfickter

88
Cigar Geeks Rating

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 Water

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

When looking for a new cigar, for many of us the initial judgement can be the branding or visual appearance. Something might catch your eye, a tubo, coffin or some unique band. The Enigma has that eye-catching quality, but more about this in the summary.
As for the cigar itself it has a good-looking wrapper with moderate veining, and great color. Firm body. Pre-light aroma is very light with notes of baking spices like baked bread. The pre-light draw was open and has that light spice along the lines of anise.

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

Initial cut was clean but flaky. It was quick to light, and the early burn line is very good. Smoke volume at rest is almost non-existent, but on the draw it is great, putting lots of light white smoke. Ash is white and layered. Holds very well. No issues with tunneling or canoeing. As the smoking progressed the burn line continued to be great.

Construction: 26 Points of 30 Possible

Cigar is well constructed, no visible flaws in the wrapper, triple cap. Initial draw if open. Going into the final third there was a separation at the edge of the wrapper just below the band. The separation stayed localized and was able to easily smoke thru it without too many issues. Cap help up well thru the entire smoke.

Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible

First 1/3: Initial flavors were stronger than expected given the notes in the pre-light draw. You get some white pepper that slightly overrides the baking notes. Progressing the thru the first third you begin to pick up a nutty flavor, almost like unsalted peanuts. But all the flavors pare well with each other. The progression is smooth.

Second 1/3: Pretty much following the first third. Retrohale tends to bring out more the pepper. Getting towards the half way point of this third you begin to get some woody, cedar notes. A nice change

Final 1/3: the pepper notes seem to pop in and pop out. The retrohale is now balanced between the lighter bakery spices with the pepper more in the background. You begin to get some salty notes.

Summary

While not overly complex there are some great flavor notes and the transitions between those are smooth, three are some surprising pop ins.

This cigar has probably the best back story I have run across when it comes to the names of cigars. I would encourage you to check out the story on Halfwheel. They have managed to do some great incorporation of the backstory into the branding. While I personally the MSRP is higher than the cigar deserves knowing that 20% goes to charity makes that a bit more palatable.