2018 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #13: Protocol Official Misconduct Toro by Cubariqueño Cigar Company

Note: The Cigar of the Year Countdown will not publish on Tuesday December 25, 2018. There will still be regular daily content to enjoy on that day. The countdown resumes on Wednesday December 26th.

“With Protocol Official Misconduct, this is Cubariqueño’s best release to date in what is a very strong portfolio. It’s a cigar that excels in the flavor category. It delivers a combination of rich and smooth flavors while providing just enough of a spicy kick that several La Zona releases are known for..”

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: La Zona S.A
Petite Lancero: 6 x 50
Price: $9.89
Review: Protocol Official Misconduct Toro by Cubariqueño Cigar Company (6/25/18)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 3 (2016, 2017, 2018)

Coming in at #13 is the Protocol Official Misconduct Toro by Cubariqueño Cigar Company. This was the fourth line released by Cubariqueño Cigar Company in 2018.

Like previous Cubariqueño releases, the name Protocol Official Misconduct pays homage to company co-founders Juan Cancel and Bill Ives’ roots in law enforcement. It’s a cigar that features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. Protocol Official Misconduct is the second blend from Cubariqueño that uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper following the original Protocol (Blue) release. While the original Protocol was a powerhouse cigar, the Protocol Official Misconduct is something that was intended to be a more medium/medium plus offering. To date, Protocol Official Misconduct has been released in one size – a 6 x 50 Toro.

Protocol Official Misconduct marks the third consecutive year that Cubariqueño has landed on the Countdown. It follows the Protocol (Blue) Lancero and Protocol Themis Toro. With Protocol Official Misconduct, at #13 it marks Cubariqueño’s highest placed cigar to date. It also gives the La Zona factory a second blend not he 2018 Countdown.

The Protocol Official Misconduct delivers a profile of natural tobacco, coffee, earth, black pepper, and even some floral notes. As promised the cigar delivers a medium strength, medium-bodied profile.

Overall the Protocol Official Misconduct is a cigar that excels in the most important category – flavor. The medium profile meshes perfect with the flavors delivered. This cigar is slightly refined, yet has a slight bite. In the end, this cigar is worthy of being among the best of the best for 2018.