The Noir Connecticut by Definition Cigars
Diving out the Definition lineup. They're a relatively new brand having been founded back in 2019. Most of their cigars have a distinctive nylon rope band instead of a traditional printed paper label. But as that doesn't tell you anything about the cigar, it's fortunate that most of their blends only come in single vitolas so it's easier to keep tabs on which is which! I still had to add notes to my database so I could keep it straight. There's been mentions that Definition might move away from those unique bands for more traditional paper labels in similar designs as they do add a significant cost and take longer to apply, but they're eye catching and well done.
BRAND / CO: Definition
CIGAR: Noir Connecticut [Purple Band]
VITOLA: Robusto Grande - 5.5" x 54
STRENGTH: Medium
WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Connecticut, Natural
BINDER: Nicaragua
FILLER: Nicaragua
ORIGIN: Nicaragua, Fabrica de Tabacalera
APPEARANCE & CONSTRUCTION: Good
It's nice to see an Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf that doesn't have that sickly yellowish color to it. This is a nice tannish, light brown with a light sheen and light mottling. The wrapper has a soft texture to it but the cigar is firm. There's a number of veins but they're mostly thin and flat. The seams are tight and the and the triple cap is clean. I do love the intensity of the purple material used for the band. This cigar gets a little extra rustic treatments with a closed foot and pigtail cap
DRAW & BURN: Good / Great
The draw is spot on and the burn starts well. The ash is a light to medium gray with tight banding between the striations with some extra dark spots. The burn line is razor sharp in the first third and holds that way through the end. The ash is nice and thiiiick. I took it past the first third and it fell in in a very satisfying single clump when I ashed.
FLAVOR PROFILE: Great
Great flavor out the gate. Heavy cinnamon and baking spice, strong toasty cedar, bits of earth, coffee and a rich honey sweetness on the backend. Getting past the first inch, the sweetness ramps up and the cedar starts to evolve into breadiness, turning into a really nice honey cinnamon graham cracker combo. It develops extra pepper spice on the side with a base of slight musty barnyard and earth. There's some really nice complexity and balance with the first third.
With the second third, the honey sweetness gets a citrusy zest to help cut it. I get hints of coffee and chocolate but they're really not the stars of the show here. It's still an earth heavy base with some light must, heavy baking spice, strong cinnamon, light other and toasted bready / woody notes with a sweet and creamy finish. Banger!
Unfortunately, I'm finding the pepper does target the soft palate and cuts the creaminess while bringing a little harshness. This isn't the smoothest Connecticut, but it's bringing a lot more flavor than you would expect which is a happy trade-off. At the midpoint, I started getting a bit of the bitterness I associate with Ecuadorian Connecticuts, particularly when paired Nicaraguan tobacco in some blends. Still a fantastic flavor profile, but there was just enough harshness and bitterness that appeared in the last third that it knocked out from a perfect score.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Great
This is a fantastic "I don't like Connecticuts" blend. There's plenty of robust flavor, spice and complexity to satisfy most palates here. It strikes me as a great morning or hot weather smoke for people who prefer full strength cigars. With the breadiness and creamy finish, it's your morning cereal, so bring a strong cup of coffee to pair with it.
Purchase Singles or by the Box HERE
Reviewed by Sean McCloskey of The Collective