Brand: Exclusive Cigars (Kristoff)
Line: Criollo
Vitola: Churchill (7 x 50)
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Criollo
Binder: Cuban seed Orlor Dominican
Filler: Cuban seed Orlor Dominican, Nicaraguan
Body: Medium
Strength: Medium
As you know, not every cigar is a Cohiba or Montecristo, and part of what makes cigar smoking an interesting hobby, I believe, is when one discovers new and boutique brands.
With that, I recently met Glen Case, president of Aurora, Ill.-based Exclusive Cigars, at a local herf featuring his line of Kristoff cigars. Since I had a small lunch, I chose to light up his Criollo stick. (I’ll be reviewing the Kristoff Maduro at a later date.)
The Kristoff Criollo has a slightly veiny, oily wrapper and a bit of a spongy feel, reminiscent of a Graycliff. Its pigtail and shaggy, closed foot give it a rustic, old-time look, but you’ll immediately be drawn towards the Kristoffs because of its box, which features unfinished wood lined with loose tobacco.
Anyway, the first half of the Criollo is spicy, with hints of toasted almonds, but it smooths out in the second half. It’s still spicy, mind you, but the aftertaste is reminiscent of dried fruit and caramel.
Verdict: The Kristoff Criollo is a complex, enjoyable, tasty stick, that I would recommend to experienced smokers. It has an even burn, and some nice white ash, but you may find the draw a tad inconsistent. I smoked four of the Kristoff Criollos, and three of them drew completely well. The last one, however, was a bit plugged.
Anyway, three out of four ain’t bad, and maybe there are some construction issues to work out. In the meantime, I’d smoke Kristoffs again in a heartbeat, depending on the price.
Similar cigars: It’s a bit stronger and more complex, I think, than the CAO Criollo.
Popularity: 31% [?]
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have not tried the Criollo..I do love the Maduro..Looking forward to your review of that stick..
Rob
did you find the maduro to have a tight draw? I my first tonight and the construction/burn was amazing, just did not give for much smoke…
I’ve had no draw issues wiht the maduro..though I’ve only smoked 2…Both smoked well and had plenty of smoke
I got a dud. Possibly the worst draw I’ve ever experienced. Canoed all the way. I have the maduro in my humi and I’m hoping for a better result.
I was extreemly pleased with the over all smoking experience of the Kristoff Criolo. What great flavors. Not allot of billowing smoke, but an even burn. I would have another one in a heartbeat. Wayne
I’m currently smoking a Criollo robusto I bought from Famous about 8 months ago. Its a great pair with coffee to start the day out. I don’t detect the spice so much but there’s a slight coffee flavor and I am picking up on the caramel too. I’d peg this stick as a medium stick. The spice picks up in the second third and is very pleasing to the pallet.
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