Olmec Claro Robusto Cigar Review

The Olmec Claro from Foundation Cigar Co. takes its name from one of the earliest known Mesoamerican civilizations. It features a Mexican San Andrés claro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Estelí and Jalapa, all rolled at the A.J. Fernandez factory in Nicaragua.

Stogie at a glance

Review

initial Light

Nutty pepper on the initial light. Lots of pepper on the retrohale. An enjoyable but not sweet aroma. Cedar and spice lead the way at the start. Lots of nutty cedar and salt and pepper as I settle into the first third. Some black coffee on the finish. Medium finish. As the cigar opens up a slight sweetness comes through while cedar and spice continue to carry the profile.

Halfway through the first third the main notes are cedar with a bit of nuttiness and pepper on the retrohale. Slight cherry notes start to emerge along with a savory quality I was not expecting. I am already feeling the strength of this cigar. The finish has smoothed out some with black coffee and a touch of nuttiness. The aroma has turned slightly sweeter and more satisfying.

Near the end of the first third more dark cherry shows up with spices and cedar. On the finish I get slight steak or beefy notes along with cedar and spice. The finish has lengthened and feels smoother than the initial light.

Second Third

The second third opens with more cedar and nuttiness plus a slight floral note. The finish is very savory and reminds me of eating a savory steak. After the ash falls chocolate and black coffee come through with almond notes that reinvigorate the smoke. While the cigar offers a range of notes they are all delivered with a consistent cedar spice that wraps itself around the flavors and aromas.

Finishing the second third cedar almond and leather take the lead. The finish is smooth and leaves leather on the palate. A sea water saltiness joins the aroma as the second third ends.

Final Third

The final third starts with salty peanuts cedar and leather on the finish. The finish remains smooth and continues to lengthen. Only one touch up needed on the burn line. Overall a well constructed cigar. More salty peanuts and cedar come through with leather and black coffee on the finish. Pepper starts to ramp up as well.

The flavors from earlier return but stronger now. Dark cherry coffee and leather come through making the experience more complex and enjoyable. Everything is still wrapped in the cedar notes that have been constant throughout.

Near the end cedar still dominates the palate with only hints of the chocolate cherry and coffee that showed earlier. Very enjoyable but not as multidimensional as I would like.

Score

90/100