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.
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.
