The Martinique From Principle Cigars
I have a lot of the Principle Cigars lineup resting for future review, but the LACC Collective Pack included the Martinique, so that was moved up as I run through those cigars. According to the Principle website, the goal of the Martinique was to "deliver Aviator-like complexity with the creamy and elegant style of an ultra-premium Connecticut."
BRAND / CO: Principle Cigars
CIGAR: Martinique
VITOLA: Corona Gorda - 6" x 46
STRENGTH: Medium
WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Connecticut, Natural
BINDER: Dominican Republic (Monte Plata)
FILLER: Dominican Republic (Two Regions) / Nicaragua
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic, Kelner Boutique Factory
APPEARANCE & CONSTRUCTION: Good
This is an easy cigar to pass over. It's wrinkly, light colored, has a thinner ring gauge that's wrapped in a delicate, old looking band. And there's no big ring gauge option as the Corona Gorda is the larger of the two options with the other being a Lancero. But, it's also a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper on closer inspection. Velvety soft, it's supple to the touch and has a beautiful light tan color to it. It has a light oily finish to it with minor mottling, but a lot of lumps and bumps from the binder layer showing through. This is a seriously thin and delicate wrapper. There's a lot of wrinkles and stretch marks, but the seams are nearly invisible and the triple cap is perfect. With the vintage style ocean themed band, it looks like something plucked from the 1920's. You wouldn't think of coral being the primary image you'd use on a cigar band, but it works perfectly here.
DRAW & BURN: Good / Great
The draw is on the tighter side, but we'll see if it opens up. The burn starts a little wavy, but clean. The ash is a light to medium gray that is a little flaky, but the striations in the ash are even and tight. At the first third, the burn line is razor sharp, dead even, with just the slightest hint of wave. The draw has also opened up to perfect resistance at this point. The ash holds well into the second third.
FLAVOR PROFILE: Excellent
Sweet Jesus this is fucking creamy. I literally feel like I'm spraying whipped cream in my mouth. But there's a really pleasant mix of baking spice and citrus. There's both cinnamon and orange citrus in that creaminess that gives it a little bite in the most delightful way. The base flavors are very woody and nutty. It's cedar heavy with a mix of cashew and almond, more savory nut flavors. This is smooth, but the star of the show is the creaminess.
With the second third, baking spice is still mild, but citrus sweet is increasing. Still very nutty and woody, with just a hint of breadiness and coffee in there. There's not a hint of harshness or bitterness. It's not the most complex blend at this point, but the flavors it brings are just exceptional. It's like a light cinnamon pastry with a citrus whipped cream in top. There are no real changes through the final third, just a strong woody finish. But that's all good because this is a 🔥 blend.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Excellent
Definitely among one of the creamiest finishing cigars I've had to this one. It's interesting because it's light and creamy in flavor, but not mellow as the flavors are also thick and strong. This is a banger of a blend and would make for a fantastic morning cigar.
Purchase Singles or by the Box HERE
Reviewed by Sean McCloskey of The Collective