Quick Smoke: Nat Cicco HHB 56

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.”

Nat Cicco, a company best known for its value-oriented “Rejects” lines, openly invites you to compare this large (6.25 x 56) cigar to the ultra-expensive Cuban known as the Cohiba Behike, one of the most hyped, expensive, and rare specimens on the market. Let me settle the score by saying there really isn’t any comparison. The Behike is beautifully balanced with tons of depth and complexity, albeit at an exorbitant price; the Nat Cicco HHB 56 is a nice smoke that’s, quite bluntly, overpriced at $14. Now that isn’t to say I don’t enjoy the flavors of the HHB 56. Its Ecuadorian wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and fillers produce a mild- to medium-bodied experience that’s creamy, nutty, and well-constructed. In terms of return on investment, though, I’d say it should be priced at more like $7, $10 tops.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys