Review: Ferio Tego Summa Robusto

Today, we review the Ferio Tego Summa Robusto from Ferio Tego Cigars. In 2021, Ferio Tego was formed by Michael Herklots and Brendon Scott. One of the big stories of the launch of Ferio Tego is that the former brands that were previously owned by Nat Sherman/Altria were acquired by Ferio Tego. The other side of the story is that in addition to being the stewards of the former Nat Sherman brands, Ferio Tego would also launch their own brands under the Ferio Tego name. This started in 2021 with the annual limited edition Ferio Tego Elegancia and Ferio Tego Generoso lines. In 2023, Ferio Tego Summa was launched. Summa would become the first new regular production line under the Ferio Tego brand.

Regarding the name Summa, the co-owner explained the meaning behind the name in a press release announcing the product. “The word summa means a ‘comprehensive work’, a ‘summary or a synthesis of the body of work’ thus far. Ferio Tego Summa is a blend that embodies the diversity and complexity of the Ferio Tego Portfolio. The Summa blend highlights the incredible trifecta of body, flavor, and intensity… and maximizes those levels with wonderful balance.”

Without further ado, let’s examine the Ferio Tego Summa in the Robusto size and see what this cigar offers.

Ferio Tego Summa Robusto – Cigar Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

The Ferio Tego Summa consists of Ecuadorian-grown tobaccos for the wrapper (Corojo) and binder (Sumatra). The fillers are a combination of Nicaraguan and Dominican Tobacco. The Summa is produced at Quesada’s Tabacos de Exportación (TABADEX) factory in Licey, Dominican Republic.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacos de Exportación (TABADEX)

Vitolas Offered

Summa is offered in five sizes. Each comes in ten-count boxes.

Corona Gorda: 5 3/4 x 46
Robusto: 5 x 50
Toro: 6 x 50
Torpedo: 6 1/4 x 52
Gordo: 6 x 60

Appearance (*)

The Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper of the Summa Robusto was almost milk chocolate in color. The surface had a light sheen of oil. Upon closer examination, some subtle mottling and a slight amount of toothiness could be seen. There were some visible veins, and there were a few visible thin seams.

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw (*)

Before lighting up the Summa Robusto, a straight cut commenced the cigar experience. After the cap was clipped off, it was on to the pre-light draw ritual. The cold draw delivered a mix of wood, cedar, and earth. It wasn’t the most exciting of pre-light draws. Since we do not include the pre-light draw experience in the numeric score or value rating, there was no loss of points here. Then it was time to toast the Summa Robusto and see what the smoking phase would have in store.

Tasting Notes

The Summa Robusto opened up with an assortment of flavor notes. This included roasted nut, orange peel, cedar, earth, red pepper, and some musty notes. The musty notes were not a negative here and actually contributed to the flavor profile’s balance. There was a slight edge to the cedar early on, but the roasted nut and orange peel ultimately moved to the forefront. The cedar settled in with the pepper, earth, and musty notes. Meanwhile, there was an additional layer of red pepper on the retro-hale.

The second third of the Summa Robusto saw an increase in the cedar, earth, and pepper notes. The cedar and earth notes joined the roasted nut notes in the forefront. Meanwhile, the orange peel receded into the background with the pepper and musty notes. However, the red pepper notes were on the rise and were the most prominent secondary notes.

The final third saw little change. The cedar and roasted nut remained primary. The red pepper was also the most prominent of the secondary notes. The earth notes receded into the background, along with the orange peel and musty notes. This is how the Summa Robusto came to a close. The cigar finished with a soft, cool nub.

Burn

While the Summa Robusto maintained a straight burn line and burn path, frequent touch-ups were needed to do so. The touch-ups did the trick, but this cigar required more touch-ups than I prefer. The resulting ash was primarily light gray in color, skewed slightly toward the looser side. As for the burn rate and burn temperature, both maintained ideal levels.

Burn of the Ferio Tego Summa Robusto

Draw

The Summa Robusto’s draw performed extremely well. It had a touch of resistance, which I like. At the same time, it was a low-maintenance cigar from which to derive flavor.

Strength and Body

The Summa Robusto opened with medium strength and medium-bodied flavors. There was an increase in the intensity of both attributes along the way. By the second half, the strength was still in the medium range, but the flavors had progressed from medium to full. Throughout the smoking experience, the body had a slight edge over its strength.

BANDING AND PACKAGING NOTES (*)

The presentation of the Ferio Tego Summa is outstanding in terms of the bands and boxes. The Summa uses the primary Ferio Tego logo in gold on a dark blue background. The secondary band is also dark blue and gold and denotes the name SUMMA. The okume wood boxes are quite elegant. I like that the bottom maintains the wood finish.

Packaging of the Ferio Tego Summa Robusto (Photo Credit: Ferio Tego Cigars)

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

I was really glad to see Ferio Tego add a new regular production offering with the Summa. It is a very nice addition to the portfolio. Overall, I found the Ferio Tego Summa Robusto to be an enjoyable cigar. While the $19.00 price point is a little high, the cigar did deliver solid flavors from start to finish. I would categorize the first two-thirds as being the best parts of the smoke. The Summa Robusto is a little spicier than some of Ferio Togo’s other offerings in the other brands, but there is a home for this. I’d probably steer this cigar to a more seasoned cigar enthusiast. As for myself, the Summa Robusto is a cigar I would buy and smoke again. I look forward to assessing some of the other sizes down the road.

Summary

Key Flavors: Roasted Nut, Cedar, Orange Peel, Earth, Pepper, Musty Notes
Burn: Very Good
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium Plus
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium (1st Half), Medium to Full (2nd Half)
Finish: Very Good