Cigar Review: Cornelius & Anthony Señor Esugars Robusto
10 Jan 2018
I approached this cigar with trepidation. I’m a huge Cornelius & Anthony fan. I recently awarded the Aerial robusto five stogies, and I’ve rated others highly as well.
I’m not, however, a fan of Mexican San Andrés tobacco, the leaf used as wrapper on the Señor Esugars line. But there have been a few cigars with San Andrés in the blend that I’ve enjoyed, usually because they haven’t had what I think of as the tobacco’s typical taste.
So, I had to wonder how this would turn out.
The line comes in four sizes, ranging from a Gordo (6 x 60) down to a Corona Gorda (5.5 x 46). The Robusto has an MSRP of $9.75.
Aesthetically, this 5-inch, 52-ring gauge robusto is stunning. The dark wrapper is virtually flawless with a slightly gritty feel. Its pre-light aroma did seem pretty typical of Mexican tobacco.
That was confirmed when I lit it up; along with a bit of spice was the dirt taste I so often associate with San Andrés. As I smoked down, there was also some coffee, nuts, and, occasionally, spice and sweetness. At about the halfway point, the Mexican dominance dropped a few degrees and the flavors became more balanced.
The filler is Nicaraguan and the binder is an undisclosed U.S. leaf. Like other Cornelius & Anthony smokes, they’re rolled in EstelÃ, Nicaragua, at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory and feature double bands.
And, like other C&A cigars I’ve smoked, Señor Esugars perform flawlessly. The two I tested burned evenly, had excellent draws, and produced lots of smoke.
The cigar’s unusual name has a somewhat winding origin. Brand owner Steven Bailey’s dog is named Oscar, but nicknamed Mr. Sugars. Señor Esugars evolved from that. The cigar box showcases a fine line drawing of Oscar (sporting a derby and holding a cigar lengthwise in his mouth) and a smiling Bailey in the background.
This, for me, is the toughest sort of cigar to review. It’s definitely well made and utilizes quality tobacco. For someone who’s a fan of San Andrés tobacco—and, obviously, lots of folks are, judging by the leaf’s popularity boom in recent years—I think Señor Esugars should definitely be on the try-it list.
But, for my palate, the flavors just aren’t quite there. I rate it three and a half stogies out of five.
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]
–George E
photo credit: C&A Cigars /Â Stogie Guys
Heads up George: The graphic shows 4 stogies.
This has been fixed. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Of note: The error was not George E’s fault; let’s place all the blame with Patrick S.
George: I also have an aversion to San Andres wrappers. I generally don’t like cigars that have them. Curious to know what cigars you have enjoyed that have San Andres wrapper. For myself, EP Carrillo’s La Historia is an exception.
Ted – Cigars with San Andres that I enjoyed that most readily come to mind are (like you) La Historia and La Flor Dominicana’s La Nox (San Andres isn’t the wrapper but the binder).
George – Just smoked a La Mission du L’Atelier. Enjoyed this San Andres wrapped cigar very much. Give it a try if you have not already.
Ted – I think I may have smoked one a while back, though I’m not sure. I’ll definitely put it on my to-smoke list. Thanks.