Definition Cigars “The Equalizer”

Purchased: Single Perfecto (5 X 54)
Store: Cigar Art, Dallas, TX
Price: $11.00
Buy Again? Yes, and I’m getting a box!
Experience Rating: 97

tldr;

As they say, when you know, you know and here’s what I know about this particular cigar: IT ROCKS THE HOUSE! If you’re looking for a full-body, full-flavored smoke with a kaleidoscope-like complexity, look no further.

From the blender Jamond Hackley:

The Equalizer was created in the mind of the 1st ever Definition Cigar, The Nobility. The goal was to capture the same spirit of the Nobility but raise the bar in terms of flavor and consistency. This cigar was designed to fit into any part of the day.

I’m currently visiting Dallas, TX to help one of my sons move down to College Station and we stopped for a couple of days in Dallas to visit my oldest son. Last night, he and his girlfriend took us to the Bishop Arts district for dinner and, knowing that I’d love to go cigar shopping, introduced me to Cigar Arts (link above). I picked up quite a few cigars such as the BWS Green Hornet and Killer Bee, two cigars that none of my local lounges carry, and the owner also introduced me to a local brand, Definition Cigars.

I had seen their bands posted on various forums and had been curious about them, but to see them in real life was a completely different story. So, I picked up one of their newest sticks, “The Chairman,” and one of their older sticks, “The Equalizer” that I’m reviewing here.

I smoked the Equalizer early this afternoon and took notes. I was SO impressed with it that I gave Definition a call to see if I could visit their warehouse/store today since I’m only a short 20-minute drive from downtown where I’m staying. Unfortunately, I could only leave a message, so I figured making a visit today was off the table.

An hour later, I got a call from an unknown number. Normally, I send those directly to voicemail, but I decided to answer the call. It was Jamond Hackley himself! What a totally cool dude! He called thanking me for my message (yes, I did rave about the Equalizer and how I’m now a big fan) and at the end of the call, we planned to meet up when I’m next in Dallas in June! Getting calls like that and all the comaraderie in the cigar community is what this hobby is all about!

As for the cigar, my tldr; sums it up. This is one tasty, rich and rounded cigar. For me, it’s right up my alley. It presents and ever-changing canvas of flavors. Very difficult to put down.

When I lit it up, I was expecting nuts and coffee. There was some of that, but a there was also a hint of stone fruit that completely took me by surprise. In fact, the whole experience took my by surprise. I’ve had Ecuador Maduro with Nicaraguan binder and filler cigars in the past. Shit! AJ does this! But Jamond took this in a completely different direction. While the underpinnings of the cigar are undoubtedly Nicaraguan, it’s expressed in such a way that makes it a totally unique smoke! For instance, that fruity quality is always there. It wanes at times but always comes back and it never fully disappears. I’ve never had a smoke that had that particular quality as persistent as this one.

As for the rest of the smoke, I think it would be unjust to break it down into thirds. There’s just so much going on that I’ll just list the things I tasted (not in order): honey, stone fruit, dark cacao, espresso, wet earth, charred oak, tannins, black tea, malt, cream, leather, baking spices, green apple, light salt. Only within the second half of the smoke did any pepper spice occur, but it was a subtle white pepper spice that did not linger. Flavor bomb? Yeah.

Strength started out at medium, then quickly ratcheted up to medium+ and stayed there until the end when the cigar had loaded up enough to become full. But here’s the catch: There was nary a nicotine hit! The smoke had a velvety-smooth mouthfeel with a long finish that where hints of green apple and a little salt would arise.

Construction was perfect. It was so good that even on the windy balcony where I smoked it, the burn line was straight. Due to the wind, it would get wavy, but a couple of puff later would straighten out to a razor’s edge!

Whoever Jamond has rolling these is clearly an expert! You won’t find who he contracts to manufacture his cigars, adding to the mystique of the brand, but rest assured, I don’t think you’ll ever complain about poor construction.

I’m just about to pull the trigger on a box of these. You can find them Luxury Cigar Club and if you use the “katman” discount code, you’ll get 15% off! These are a steal at $9/stick!