“(Kurt) Kendall has done some very solid work with his brand, but the Hustler represents his best work to date. This cigar is nothing short of a home run.”

#19 – 7-20-4 Hustler

Coming in at #19 on the 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown is the 7-20-4 Hustler.  This is the third line released by Kurt Kendall’s 7-20-4 cigars

The 7-20-4 Hustler marks a first appearance for 7-20-4 cigars in the Cigar of the Year countdown.  It also marks the first time a barber-pole cigar has made the countdown.  Consistent with all of the 7-20-4 lines, the Hustler is an old brand name that has been resurrected by Kurt Kendall.   The barber-pole consists of Brazilian Mata Fina and Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade – the first appearance for both of these wrappers on the 2013 countdown.

While I incorrectly predicted that 2013 would be the year of the barber-pole cigar, the Hustler did not let me down in terms of what it delivered.  The flavors really work well together.  It delivers a wide range of notes including: coffee, natural maduro sweetness, cream, citrus, nut and pepper.  There end of this cigar had a nice spice and strength kick to it.  The flavors are full-bodied.  The strength is medium to full-bodied and kicks up to full strength at the end.

Click here for our assessment of the 7-20-4 Hustler.

Blend Profile

Wrapper:  Brazilian Mata Fina, Ecuadorian Connecticut (spiral wrapper)
Binder: Costa Rican
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas Available

Dog Walker: 4 1/2 x 40
Robusto: 5 x 52
Toro: 6 x 54
Gordo: 6 3/8 x 58

Recommended Vitola: Toro
Score: 94 (12/27/12)
Assessment Rating: 4.0 Box Worthy

For more information on our vision and criteria for the 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown, see our December 2013 Editor’s Corner.