2021 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop's List): #30: Viaje Black and White Connecticut

“The big question on whether or not Viaje could deliver a quality Connecticut Shade cigar to market is answered with the Viaje Black and White Connecticut.”

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Unknown
Country of Origin: Unknown
Factory: Unknown
Perfecto: 6 3/4 x 52
Price: $14.00

Sponsor: No
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: Viaje Black and White Connecticut (2020) (2/17/21)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 7 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2021)

Coming in at #30 is the Viaje Black and White Connecticut. For over a decade, Viaje has released dozens of small batch production releases. Up until 2020, none of those releases featured a Connecticut Shade wrapper. That all changed in 2020 when Viaje released the Viaje Black and White series. The concept of Viaje Black and White is based on the Black and White Cookie. It consists of a Maduro blend and a Connecticut blend. Just like the Black and White Cookie, the argument is whether to eat the black (maduro) side or white (Connecticut Shade) side. In this case, it’s the white side, the Viaje Black and White Connecticut that lands on the Countdown.

Viaje often keeps it secret when it comes to the origins and tobaccos of the blend. The Viaje Black and White Connecticut is no exception. The only thing we know about the cigars is that they have a Connecticut Shade wrapper. The binder, fillers, and factory where this cigar was made have been kept secret. The cigar itself comes in one size – a 6 3/4 x 52 perfecto (the Maduro counterpart also comes in the same size).

The Viaje Black and White Connecticut delivers flavors of cream, natural tobacco, cedar, citrus, and pepper. These flavors are medium-bodied and countered by medium strength. The flavors delivered are classic in terms of a Connecticut Shade, yet there is enough boldness to put it right on the edge of being a more contemporary smoke.

Viaje is no stranger to the Countdown. This marks the seventh year Viaje has landed on the Countdown. It also marks Viaje’s first appearance on the Countdown since 2018.