Agile Cigar Reviews replace what we termed “Assessment Updates”. The concept is the same, but the name is different. Agile Cigar Reviews use a lightweight, shorter format. These will never take the place of our comprehensive reviews. They are only used on blends we have previously assessed. This might be a blend we are re-scoring or providing a score for a first time. It might be a blend we are looking at in a different size. Today we look at the RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal in the HN size. This is a cigar we did a pre-release assessment back in May, 2015.
RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal HN
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Filler: U.S. Pennsylvania Double Ligero (GR-S1), Nicaraguan (Conega, Jalapa, Pueblo Nuevo, Esteli), Dominican Republic (Olor)
Country or Origin: Nicaragua (Nica Sueno)
HN: 5 x 52/58 (Figurado)
The Neanderthal is the fifth regular production line by RoMa Craft Tobac. The goal of the Neanderthal was to deliver a powerhouse cigar in terms of strength, yet maintain flavor and complexity.
The key to Neanderthal’s power is the incorporation of a Pennsylvania Double Ligero leaf in the filler known as Green River Valley Sucker One (GR-S1). This is a regrowth leaf from Pennsylvania broadleaf that has a natural higher nicotine level (between 9% to 13% – significant higher than the 5% – 6% found in Esteli, Ligero). The remainder of the filler consists of Nicaraguan tobacco from Condega, Jalapa, Pueblo Nuevo, and Esteli) as well as Olor from the Dominican Republic. A U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf binder is also used and the cigar is finished with a San Andres Maduro wrapper.
Neanderthal is currently available in one regular production size which is the HN . This is a 5 x 52/58 figurado. There are also two limited production sizes – the the Neanderthal SGP – a 4 1/2 x 52 short robusto that has been released to two retailers. The other size is the Neanderthal HoxD – . a 4 x 46 petite corona available as a part of the El Catador de las Petite Coronas sampler. Today we take a another look at the Neanderthal HN.
The pre-release was smoked with ten months of time in my humidor. This post production cigar had three months of age on it.
The flavor profile on the pre-release I smoked was outstanding, and I didn’t find the post production one to deviate from what I got last time. This cigar delivers notes of coffee, dark chocolate, red pepper, and baker’s spice. In particular, I loved how the dark chocolate and red pepper came together delivering that “Mexican Hot Chocolate” note. The spice seemed a little more prominent on this one than the pre-release, but it still made for an enjoyable experience.
There was no surprise that this cigar delivered a full strength and full-bodied smoking experience. Despite having plenty of strength, it does not overpower the flavors on this cigar. Back when I smoked the pre-release, I had smoked a sample ten months old and was amazed how that cigar held its power. The three month sample I smoked for this review was pretty much at the some level for both strength and body.
Overall, this is a home run by RoMa Craft Tobac. This cigar succeeds at delivering a powerhouse cigar with a lot of flavor. This is not for the beginner, and it’s not for someone who can’t handle a strong cigar. However, it showcases RoMa Craft Tobac at it’s best. The HN comes in 50 count boxes, but I would still consider this worthy of a box purchase if I was looking for a 50 count box.
Summary
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Full
Body: Full
Assessment: 4-Box Worthy
Score: 93
References
Original Assessment: RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal HN (Pre-Release)
News: RoMa Craft Tobac Showcases Neanderthal Line at 2015 IPCPR
Price: $12.00
Source: Purchased
Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 92, Episode 140, Episode 148, Episode 158
Stogie Feed: RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal HN (Pre-Release), RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal HN (Paul), RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal HN (Will)
Only smoke the Neanderthal if twice the nicotine is what you’re looking for.nothing good comes from this killer stick.the shape, the look,the aroma, ugliest cigar I have ever seen not even the label looks good.decent draw is the only good comment I have..at 50 years old,i have smoked plenty of cigars.not once have I had the cigar sweats, nausea, and dizziness, that I got, thanks to the Neanderthal.and at $12 a stick, you should smoke a Montecristo,Padron,Avo,or buy 2 Rocky Patels.if your looking for something with a little more bite, grab a few cigarettes, chew on them, then wash them down with some Copenhagen.this cigar was given to me, if I paid $12 to get sick,i would have surely thrown up.
My experience with the Neanderthals is completely different from Raymond’s and similar to Coop’s. This is a great cigar and near the top of my list of 2015 best releases (at 2 or 3). Super flavorful! If you like cigars with San Andres maduro wrappers and can handle a bit of strength, give this one a try.