Micallef Blue Label Robusto

For the first episode of the Cigars in the Car Podcast, I decided to smoke a cigar that is currently a contender for my personal cigar of the year list.  I was introduced to the Micallef Blue earlier in 2024 after smoking through several Micallef Black cigars in 2023.  

Although not well known in the cigar community (this is clearly an assumption due to the company being less than 10 years old), Micallef Cigars has been producing hand-made premium cigars since 2016.  Founded by Al Micallef, the family-owned company is headquartered in Weatherford, located in the heart and soul of Texas.  

Producing over one million cigars annually, Micallef ensures their commitment to quality through a dedicated team in Esteli, Nicaragua, and the sourcing of high-grade tobaccos that undergo a precise fermenting process.  The Micallef portfolio current includes the following lines:

For more information on the Micallef Cigar Company, you can visit their website here.  Also, you can access the Cigars in the Car Podcast episode, where I smoke the Micallef Blue Robusto cigar, here.

Cigar Attributes

LH: 5

RG: 52

Size: Robusto

Wrapper: Mexican SanAndres 

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Price: $6.65 single; $157.50 box of 25

Aesthetics [pre-light ritual/construction]:  Beautiful medium brown wrapper.  Much lighter than what I typically associate with Mexican San Andres leaf.  Small veins are minimal with seams being nice and tight.  No soft spots are detected on the roll and the head/cap of the cigar is perfectly constructed.  Cold draw shows the slightest resistance with a rich tobacco flavor being most prominent on the palate.  Band is a simple royal blue with gold embossed lettering. 

Performance [draw/burn]:  Draw on the Micallef Blue Robusto was perfect showing almost a perfect amount of resistance.  Burn was wavy throughout the smoking experience and did require a few touch ups.  Carbon line on the burn was very good and cigar gave way to a flaky grey/white ash mix.

Flavor [taste/aroma/strength/body]:  The most enjoyable part of the flavor experience was the aroma.  Excellent notes of baking spices and sweet wood (similar to a rich Spanish Cedar).  Tastes included dry wood, walnut, coffee bean, and hints of vanilla.  The cigar provided a predominantly medium bodied experience with the strength also being medium.    

Overall Impression [value/experience/quality]:  When talking value, the Micallef Blue Robusto can't be beat.  This is a solid cigar that offers a very enjoyable smoking experience and can be savored by new and veteran aficionados alike.  The flavor profile is not overly complicated (does not require a super refined palate - i.e., super taster) and the blend does an exceptional job of keeping my palate's interest piqued.  This cigar was very enjoyable and affordable.  Something that is no so frequent in today's cigar market.  Some again?  Absolutely!  Share with friends?  Without a doubt!  Box worthy?  Yes!      

Score [out of 10]:

~Kyle Andrew, CCST~