Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Toro
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
This week I am reviewing the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro which is a collaboration between Espinosa Cigars and restaurateur and Emmy Award Winning TV Host and fellow cigar smoker Guy Fieri.
Before I get into this review let me take away some of your doubts. Usually a cigar put out by a celebrity isn’t very good, well this cigar is in a league of its own because Guy wanted to change the status quo and actually put out a quality product so that it doesn’t fall into the “Trash Celebrity Cigar” Category.
Hector Alfonso Sr. Master blender for Espinosa cigars worked directly with Guy Fieri for 2 years to complete 2 blends; Knuckle Sandwich Habano and Maduro (of which I am smoking the Maduro today)
Upon Lighting this cigar I was warmly greeted with notes that reminded me of graham crackers and cinnamon. On the back end I tasted a little bit of black pepper. The most recognizable characteristic is probably the sweetness coming over my palate which is very enjoyable. The cigar stayed consistent with those notes for quite a while and at about the halfway point I started to get more of an earthy note and some mineral notes as well. It started to have a more natural taste to it mixed in with some pepper and spice. The pepper was more like a chili pepper which gave it the spice.
I am definitely not surprised that a chef who smokes cigars would release a cigar with such complexity. This cigar has been a medium to full body smoke throughout the entire process of me smoking, and this is a full flavor cigar. The Knuckle Sandwich ends on a great note, I did not experience any bitterness when smoking and it was a great experience overall.
If you like a medium to full bodied smoke The Knuckle Sandwich is definitely worth checking out next time you come in, but hurry they are selling fast! Next week I will be reviewing the Habano line…
Check back every week for the Shirtless Mike Cigar of the Week