Steel Horse Maduro

Purchased: 25-Count Bundle
Price: $175.00 ($7/stick)
Buy Again: Yes
Box Worthy: Yes
Experience Rating: 94

I recently vacationed in the Dominican Republic for one of my son’s wedding on the north side of the island in the Puerto Plata region. We started out at an AirBnB in Cabarete, then moved Sosua to stay at the Marriot Ocean Club where the wedding was held. While in Cabarete, I sampled some great cigars at a couple of local shops, but I was looking forward to visiting Cigar Club Sosua, which is where Steel Horse Cigars are sold (not sure what house manufactures them).

I was introduced to Steel Horse cigars last year when my son got me a sampler pack on a trip to the DR with his fiancé in search of a wedding destination. With that first try, I knew I had to connect with Lee Hammond, the owner of Steel Horse when I got to the DR. And connect with him I did!

I had a free day this past Friday, so I took one of my other sons with me. The lounge was awesome! It’s on the second floor of a building atop an Italian restaurant. It’s open air, which keeps the room cool while you enjoy your stick. What a great experience!

As for the cigar, it redefined my idea of a “Dominican.” My previous experience with Dominican cigars was that they were mostly mild to medium in strength, with the exception being La Flor Dominicana cigars, but I believed them to be an anomaly. But in going to the DR and sampling many cigars, I realized that my preconceptions were totally wrong. I had some real ass-kickers there, from unbanded shop sticks to farm rolls, to branded cigars like the Steel Horse. And this maduro blew away my expectations. Let’s talk about the cigar…

Construction is impeccable. Though veiny, seams are barely perceptible. It’s a heavy cigar firmly packed with no soft spots but despite that, the draw is perfect with just right amount of resistance. The burn gets a little wonky at times and with the few I’ve had thus far, I’ve only had to correct it once per smoke, then it behaves itself. Strength builds up gradually, starting at medium and ending at medium+ to full. Nicotine is there, but not at all overpowering.

As far as the smoking experience is concerned, one thing that I initially found intriguing about this cigar is that it is very balanced. No flavor stands out in particular, except for a burst of hot cocoa at light-up. But from there, the cigar presents a kaleidoscope of flavors; among them are cacao, coffee, cream, malt, floral, leather, mint, forest floor, toast, oak, black pepper, and mild cayenne. Mouthfeel is mostly creamy but can be astringent at times.

An interesting thing to note is that the kaleidoscope effect lasts through the first two thirds. But by the last third, the transitions subside, and the smoke becomes predominantly creamy with a finish that’s akin to a tootsie roll. Katman often uses the term blender’s intent. Steel Horse’s tag line is “Enjoy the ride.” What’s clear to me with this cigar is that Lee Hammond takes you on a ride through the hills in the first two thirds, then cruises down a long, straight stretch of road to just take it all in. It’s a great ride and one I’ve certainly enjoyed!