Crux Limitada RedLine

The Crux Limitada RedLine is the third size to be released in Crux Cigars’ Limitada line. The Limitada line was first launched in 2015 with the release of the Crux Limitada PB5. Since 2015, the Limitada line has expanded to five sizes and for the most part, has seen the sizes released on an annual basis. The Crux Limitada series has a common denominator in that it uses a Nicaraguan Enganoso wrapper. This is a proprietary wrapper that Crux has been able to procure for its own exclusive use. Since there is a finite supply of the tobacco, Crux has decided to use it exclusively for its Crux Limitada series. With the Crux Limitada RedLine, it introduces a 6 x 50 box-pressed Toro size into the Limitada line. Today we take a closer look at the Crux Limitada RedLine.

In 2016, the second vitola of the Crux Limitada series was introduced with the Crux Limitada (IPCPR) Show Exclusive (now called The Show), a box-pressed Robusto. In 2018 Crux announced the Crux Limitada RedLine (Box Pressed Toro) and the Crux Limitada Gunner (Corona Gorda). Later in 2018, as a part of Crux Cigars’ Short Salomone series, the Crux Limitada Short Salomone was announced. The Crux Limitada RedLine would hit the stores March. This was followed by the Short Salomone in May and the Gunner in June. Each of these releases have been done in limited production batches.

Without further ado, let’s break down the Crux Limitada RedLine and see what this cigar brings to the table.

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

The Enganoso wrapper of the Crux Limitada line is a Nicaraguan grown wrapper from the region of Estelí. In addition, there is a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and an undisclosed filler consisting of five different tobaccos. As with all Crux cigars, the Crux Limitada is produced at the Plasencia factory in Estelí.

Wrapper: Enganoso (Estelí, Nicaragua)
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Five Tobaccos (undisclosed)
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.

Vitolas Offered

As mentioned the Crux Limitada line consists of five sizes.

PB5: 5 3/4 x 54
The Show: 5 x 52
RedLine: 6 x 50
Short Salomone: 6 x 54
Gunner: 5 3/8 x 46

The Crux Limitada RedLine is packaged in 10-count boxes. A total allocation of 1,000 boxes has been produced for 2019.

Appearance

The Enganoso wrapper of the Crux Limitada RedLine has a classic Colorado red hue to it. Upon closer examination, there was some subtle mottling on the surface. There wasn’t much in the way of oil on it. At the same time, the wrapper was void of any significant visible veins and the wrapper seams that were visible were on the thin side. The RedLine has a classic prensado style box-press.

There are two bands to the Crux Limitada RedLine. The primary band is black on the upper portion and silver on the lower portion. In landscape mode is the white and red Crux logo on the black background section. There are also some silver designs on this portion of the band. On the far right of the band (going around the back) is a black, white, and red “crusader-like” dagger. On the silver portion is the text “LIMITADA” in white font (not in landscape mode).

The secondary band rests below the primary band. It is red in color with silver trim. On the red portion of the band is the text “RedLine” in white retro-diner style font.

Prior to the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show, Crux announced it was undergoing a major rebranding and repackaging of its entire portfolio. The 2019 releases of the Crux Limitada RedLine, Short Salomone, and Gunner still utilized the old packaging. Crux previewed what the packaging for the Limitada will look like in the future at this year’s Trade Show.

Packaging of the Crux Limitada line

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw

The cigar experience of the Crux Limitada RedLine kicked off by using a straight cut to remove the cap. Once the cap was detached it was on to the pre-light draw phase. The dry draw deliverd a mix of natural tobacco and dusty earth. There was a subtle sweetness to the natural tobacco. Overall this was a satisfactory pre-light draw. At this point, it was time to light up the Crux Limitada RedLine and see what the smoking phase would have in store.

Tasting Notes

The Crux Limitada RedLine continued with more notes of natural tobacco and dusty earth. The natural tobacco moved to the forefront and had a plum-like sweetness to it. The earth settled in the background where it was joined by notes of mixed pepper and cedar on the tongue. There also was an additional layer of mixed pepper on the retro-hale.

When the RedLine moved into the second third, the natural tobacco remained in the forefront, but it started to lose some of the plum sweetness it. At the same time the pepper transitioned to a black pepper varietal. Just past the midway point, the pepper slowly started to inch its way toward the forefront.

The final third saw the earth notes join the natural tobacco in the forefront. There still were some subtle hints of plum present. The pepper was now a close secondary note. Meanwhile, there still were notes of cedar and a slight metallic component. This is the way the Crux Limitada RedLine came to a close. The resulting nub was firm to the touch.

Burn

The Crux Limitada RedLine maintained a straight burn path and straight burn line from start to finish. The resulting ash had a charcoal gray color to it. This was an ash that was, for the most part, on the firm side. Meanwhile, the burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal.

Burn of the Crux Limitada RedLine-Burn

Draw

The Crux Limitada RedLine maintained a nice balance of openness and resistance for its draw. I found this draw especially good for a box-press because these tend to lead to loose or very open draws.

Strength and Body

In terms of strength, I found the Crux Limitada RedLine to be in the wheelhouse of the intensity levels for most of the other Crux Limitada sizes. The RedLine started out as a medium strength, medium-bodied cigar. Both the strength and body have a nominal increase in intensity along the way. The body increases a little more in intensity than the strength, however despite the increase the RedLine still closes out in the medium range of the spectrum for both attributes.

In terms of strength versus body, I found the body had a slight edge throughout the whole smoking experience.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

At the time of this assessment, I had smoked three of the five sizes of the Crux Limitada series. What I have come to appreciate about this series is how each vitola has brought its own story to the table, yet keeping to a common denominator of the overall Limitada profile. That being said when it comes to the most important category – that being flavor, I would still rank the Crux Limitada Show Exclusive as the top of the three, the PB5 second, and the RedLine third. The RedLine is an excellent cigar, but I still rank it below the other two sizes I have smoked. It’s a cigar I would recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast, but its also one that’s good for a novice looking for something in the medium range. As for myself, I would smoke this cigar again – and pick up multiples for myself.

Summary

Key Flavors: Natural Tobacco, Plum, Earth, Pepper, Metallic Component
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Finish: Very Good