Quick Smoke: Cain Maduro 550

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Sam Leccia’s “straight ligero” line called Cain debuted at the 2009 industry trade show in two wrapper varieties: Habano and Maduro. The latter is built with a dark Brazilian exterior leaf, a Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa. As you might expect given its recipe, the toro-sized 550 (5.75 x 50) produces tons of spice on the lips and a rich profile of roasted coffee beans and dry wood. With little depth, unwavering consistency in taste, and zero maduro sweetness, though, I can’t fully recommend this $5-6 cigar. The Habano is superior in my book.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys