Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) A re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we provide a numerical score to the Recluse Kanu #2 by Iconic Leaf Cigar Company. We smoked several other sizes of this blend including the Kanu #1 back in November, 2013 as well as the Robusto size back in October, 2012.

Recluse-Kanu-2-by-Iconic-Leaf-Cigar-Company

Recluse Kanu #2 by Iconic Leaf Cigar Compan

The Recluse Kanu #2 by Iconic Leaf Cigar Company is one of the most unique vitolas in the industry today.   It’s unique box-press perfecto is shaped like a kayak.  In fact Iconic Leaf Cigars has moved forward with the trademark process on this particular cigar design.This shape is one of three frontmarks in Iconic Leaf’s first cigar line – Recluse to use this design.  Today we take a look at the Kanu.  Overall I have been quite pleased with this unique box-press shoe.  We took at look at the Kanu #1 and were impressed.  The Kanu #2 was equally impressive.  While it’s design might be contemporary, I found this to deliver a solid cigar experience.

The blend for the Recluse features a Brazilian Maduro wrapper, a binder from Cameroon, and fillers from the Dominican Republic.  Iconic Leaf Cigar Company took a bold step launching the Recluse line in ten frontmarks – of which three have the Kanu shape – the Kanu #1 (6 x 54), Kanu’ #2 (7 x 52). and Kanu #3 (8 x 58).  The Kanu #2 represents the middle size in length, but thinnest ring on the three Kanu shape.   As mentioned, the Kanu has a box-press size – with the exception of the Recluse Tarantula (6 x 60), the Recluse line is all box-pressed.

The Kanu had a profile of notes of earth, oak, pepper, and cocoa sweetness mixed in. I found some more sweetness on the Kanu #2 when compared to the Kanu #1 – especially in the first half.  At the same time, I still found the box-pressed robusto still had more sweetness than either Kanu #1 and Kanu #2  The flavors to the Kanu are medium to full-bodied.  I also found the strength level to be medium to full-bodied.

When I assessed the Kanu #1, I noted how many artesian styled vitolas can really disappoint when it comes to the attributes of burn and draw.  There were no such problems with the Kanu #1 and the Kanu´#2 performs equally at a high level.  In particular Iconic Leaf Cigars has a philosophy to roll entubado style, and it’s this philosophy that they contributes to the cigar’s solid construction.

The Kanu #2 joins the Recluse Toro or Robusto as my Recluse frontmarks of choice.  This proved to be a very enjoyable cigar and its worthy of a box split in my book.

Summary

Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium to Full
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Excellent
Assessment: 4.0 – Box Worthy
Score: 92

References

Price: ~$10.00
Source: Cigars provided by Iconic Leaf Cigar Company (*)
Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 65, Episode 69
Stogie Feed: Iconic Leaf Recluse Kanu #1
* The cigar for this assessment was given to Cigar Coop by Iconic Leaf Cigar Company.   Cigar Coop is appreciative for the sample, but this does not influence the review.