Agile Cigar Reviews are cigar assessments where we 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 giving a score for the first time. It might be a blend we are looking at in a different size. Today we look at the Protocol Probable Cause Robusto by Cubariqueño Cigar Company. We have assessed the Protocol Probable Cause before, but in different sizes -most recently in the Lancero size back in June 2017.
Wrapper: San Andres Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (La Zona SA)
Robusto: 5 x 52
The Protocol Probable Cause is the sophomore release by Cubariqueño Cigar Company, the company founded by cigar enthusiasts Juan Cancel and Bill Ives. The company’s first release, Protocol, was very well received both critically and commercially and Cubariqueño became one of the revelations in the cigar industry. In 2016, Cancel and Ives decided to add a maduro as its second line, and thus the Protocol Probable Cause was born. While we have assessed the Churchill and Lancero sizes, today we take a look at the Protocol Probable Cause in the 5 x 52 Robusto size.
The name Protocol Probable Cause pays homage to law enforcement. Both Cancel and Ives serve as law enforcement officers in New York. Like all cigars by Cubariqueño Cigar Company, the Probable Cause is made at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The Probable Cause consists of a San Andres Mexican maduro wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. The cigar comes in three sizes. While the Churchill and Lancero sizes are box-pressed, the Robusto is a rounded parejo. The Protocol Probable Cause Robustos used for this assessment have about 21 months of age on them.
Flavor-wise, the Protocol Probable Cause Robusto delivers notes of mocha, earth, malt, and black pepper. Early on the mocha and malt notes took control. As the cigar experienced progressed, the earth notes took control. While the malt flavor diminished, there was still a nice amount of sweetness from the mocha and spices from the black pepper. Toward the end of the cigar, there was more in the way of pepper, but it never overpowered the cigar. The flavors were medium to full-bodied complemented by medium strength.
Overall the Protocol Probable Cause Robusto delivers an excellent smoking experience. There are three things I can conclude about the Protocol Probable Cause: 1) It’s a blend that works well pressed or rounded in a variety of shapes and sizes; 2) It’s a blend that responds very well to aging; 3) The Protocol Probable Cause Robusto delivers in the flavor department. This is a cigar I would recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast or a novice looking for something in the medium to medium plus range. As for myself, this is a cigar I would smoke again – and it’s one that garners box worthy consideration.
Summary
Key Flavors: Mocha, Malt, Earth, Pepper
Burn: Very Good
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Very Good
Rating
Value: Box Worthy Consideration
Score: 91
References
Previous Assessment: Protocol Probable Cause Lancero by Cubariqueño Cigar Company
News: Cubariqueño Cigar Company Introducing Protocol Probable Cause
Price: $9.69
Source: Cubariqueño Cigar Company
Brand Reference Cubariqueño Cigar Company
Photo Credit: Cigar Coop
