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Another release from Xikar, the Kansas City company that brings you
cigar accessories with lifetime warranties, the Habano Squared is
believed to have been made in Nicaragua at A.J. Fernandez's factory. This box-pressed robusto by Xikar's HC brand was a cigar that I've been eager to try to see how it stands up against the other HC cigars (Habano Colorado, Criollo, and Connecticut). I used a punch cut and a torch flame, and paired with a dragonfruit flavored Vitamin water.
1/3: The first thing I noticed was the loose draw. I was thinking that this cigar was going to make a quick exit into the ashtray, but surprisingly, the draw improved. After the first few minutes, the draw showed some welcome resistance. I found the 1st third to be on the dry side, with notes of white pepper.
2/3: Much improved and consistent resistance on the draw. Notes of chestnut appear in the 2nd third. To describe the physical traits of this stick, I found the wrapper to be a nice leaf that produced a slightly jagged burn line. Visible, yet smooth veins are noticeable. Throughout the smoking experience I dealt with some tunneling, but not too bad. No soft spots.
3/3: In the final third, the cigar picked up some strength. Woody notes make their way to my palate.
Good stick. Will I reach for it over the Criollo or the Habano Colorado? Maybe not, but I'd smoke one again. The box-press reminds me of some other cigars out there now with the oval-shaped box shape, i.e. Oliva Master Blends 3, San Lotano Oval, etc.
1/3: The first thing I noticed was the loose draw. I was thinking that this cigar was going to make a quick exit into the ashtray, but surprisingly, the draw improved. After the first few minutes, the draw showed some welcome resistance. I found the 1st third to be on the dry side, with notes of white pepper.
2/3: Much improved and consistent resistance on the draw. Notes of chestnut appear in the 2nd third. To describe the physical traits of this stick, I found the wrapper to be a nice leaf that produced a slightly jagged burn line. Visible, yet smooth veins are noticeable. Throughout the smoking experience I dealt with some tunneling, but not too bad. No soft spots.
3/3: In the final third, the cigar picked up some strength. Woody notes make their way to my palate.
Good stick. Will I reach for it over the Criollo or the Habano Colorado? Maybe not, but I'd smoke one again. The box-press reminds me of some other cigars out there now with the oval-shaped box shape, i.e. Oliva Master Blends 3, San Lotano Oval, etc.
Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000
Binder: Honduran, Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan, Ecuadorian Sumatra
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