Initial Thoughts:
As I mentioned in our review of the Kauai Cigars Island Prince, experiencing a culture through what they make is a great way to learn about a community. So, today, we're gonna review the second cigar purchased from Kuai Cigar Company, the Hawaiian Vintage Series No Ka Oi Perfecto.
After removing the cigar from the cellophane, the aroma of the wrapper wasn't all that impressive. The smell wasn't super rich and I couldn't smell anything distinct, so this could get interesting.
Once lit, the Kauai Cigar Co Hawaiian Vintage Series Perfecto tasted a little green, but also a little familiar. There's also slight hints of sweetness, perhaps like angel food cake, that might keep this cigar very interesting. However, the semi-tight draw from before remained present through the first few minutes.
CigarScore:
Brand: Kauai Cigar Co
Line: Hawaiian Vintage Series
Size: 6 x 59
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch
Price: $17.25
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Hawaii (Kauai), United States
Filler: Hawaii (Kauai), United States
Smoke Time: 90 minutes
Through the middle of the cigar, the draw did open up and the construction seemed good, but the flavors weren't yet up to par with other cigars in the $15-20 price range.
Final Thoughts
At a price point of almost $18, I think I overpaid for this cigar by half. The Kauai Cigar Co Hawaiian Vintage Series Perfecto is a decent cigar for maybe $7-$8, but not for almost $20.
Price aside, the Hawaiian Vintage Series isn't a bad cigar. The construction was decent, but the flavors didn't taste all that premium. Compared to other cigars in this price range, the flavors of this one aren't up to par.
However, this cigar is way over priced, regardless of whether you pay tourist prices. And, I didn't just love the flavors. And, this cigar isn't comparable in quality to other cigars like it. So, at best Kauai Cigar Co Hawaiian Vintage Series Perfecto earns a CigarScore 3.
1 Comments
Hal R.
I have been familiar with these cigars now for 20 years. I live on the mainland but own property on Kaua’i. I know both Les Drent and Tai Erum the managers (?) of both the Coffee Times and Kaua’i Cigar Company. Let me tell you why these are good cigars; my go to cigar is the Ashton ESG. The binder and filler tobacco is grown on the west side of the island in soil that is high in iron, much like Cuba. The humidity and general climate on Kaua’i works well for KCC’s products. I recommend their Island Prince Bambooka which is about $13 per stick. It has a woody and slightly fruity flavor and has an easy draw. It resembles the genuine natural Cohiba’s. So, please don’t judge KCC and its cigars by solely this one review.