Quick Smoke: Don Kiki Red Label Corona
13 Jun 2009
Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.
We’ve made no secret of the fact that Cuban Crafters, quite simply, has some of the best bang-for-your-buck cigars around. And with its White, Green, and (especially) Brown labels, this Miami-based boutique’s Don Kiki line is no exception. But I don’t think the Colorado sun-grown Habano-wrapped Red Label is in the same league. While the physical properties are fair and the price ($33 for a bundle of 25) is more than approachable, the flavor—best characterized as dry wood—has little to offer. I’d surpass this Corona (5.5 x 44) and instead focus on all the other wonderful Cuban Crafters creations.
Verdict = Sell.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
I found this review a little surprising since in an interview with Doc from Stogie Fresh Don Kiki himself had this to say…”My favorite cigar to smoke is the DON KIKI RED LABEL, however, I must sample all of them for quality control and to preserve the integrity of the brand.” Though I imagine his red labels come from a slightly more aged/premium stash of cigars then those that ship on a regular basis.
I'm smoking a Don Kiki Red Label churchhill as I write this. I only have one to smoke (got it as a freebie in a CubanCrafters order), so I can't speak on consistency.
My thought while smoking it is: not bad, not bad. Construction-wise, it's a very good looking cigar – deep brown with a reddish tint. I expected a stronger smoke, much like a RP Sungrown. But this is really a mild smoke.
I don't disagree with the review, except maybe the Sell verdict. True, it doesn't have a great deal of complexity or flavors. "Dry wood" is fairly accurate. Maybe a little leather taste and some pepper every now and then, but definitely not a complex smoke. Burn qualities are very good on my churchhill – straight burn line, even outdoors. The smoke aroma is pleasant, but not overly memorable.
I'd say this smoke is very similar to the Don Kiki Green Label lanceros I bought a box of. Nice everyday smokes…something you can enjoy on lunch break or while typing a blog post. 🙂
I wouldn't say it's a bad smoke at all. And for the price, it might even be a good smoke. But not outstanding. Interesting that Don Kiki himself prefers this one to all the others in the Cuban Crafters offerings. I'd take a J.R. Salazar over this stick any day, but then again I love those Salazars…
I found this review of yours after researching it while discovering this line myself. It is a great cigar and for the price a bargain! I will have to sample their entire lineup if you do suggest this is the weaker offering. Definitely a nice find from a brand you don't find on the major cigar eTailer sites.