262 Paradigm

[OHRD]

Size: 6 x54, Toro (Box Press)

Wrapper: Brazilian

Binder: Honduran

Filler: Cubito, Columbian, and Nicaraguan (Seco/Ligero from Esteli and Jalapa)

Strength: Medium-Full

Price: Box of 20, $158.00

Grade: 8.9

Revolution 262 was started by 3 cigar enthusiasts in 2009 and they spent most of last year designing the brand and working on their first release, the Paradigm, which was released in January of 2010. 262 carry the motto “Smoke the Revolution” and are advocates for fighting the regulations that impede upon personal freedom, including the ever increasing laws that harm the cigar industry. You can find their manifesto on their website.

The Paradigm jumps onto the scene with a smorgasbord of tobacco, combining Nicaraguan, Cubito, Columbian, Honduran, and Brazilian. The name 262 is taken from the February 1962 date of the Cuban embargo and is a change from the original moniker of Revolution 262. The Paradigm is sold in three sizes, Robusto, Toro (box press), and Torpedo, and is currently being distributed in several states. As of now, this is the only cigar offered by 262, but they are working on a new line with a milder flavor profile, called Ideology.

You can learn more about 262 online and they are also on Twitter. Now, let’s toast it!

Pre-light, 1.8:
With a unique foot band declaring “Smoke the Revolution,” this box-pressed cigar looked great. The dark brown wrapper was smooth to the touch and the box press was excellent. The cigar was firm throughout and the cap was clean. The pre-light aroma was of tobacco and earth and cloves at the foot. The cold draw was similar to the aroma, but with more earthy tobacco, and my senses were intrigued.

Burn, 1.8:
The 262 Paradigm cut, toasted, and lit well with an excellent draw. The first third of the smoke started out well, though I was not satisfied with the amount of smoke until about twenty minutes in, at which point it seemed to really open up. The ash was nicely layered and held about an inch before falling off. The second third produced plenty of smoke with an excellent draw, and this continued to the nub. The burn was spot on the entire time and the 262 needed no touch ups or re-lights.

Flavor, 2.7:
The first third of the 262 had a dark, nutty, tobacco flavor. I also picked up a hint of berry and the spice showed up about fifteen minutes in. The second third produced more spice, leaning towards pepper, with continued notes of dark nutty tobacco with maybe a hint of roasted coffee. Moving toward the finish, the flavor profile was consistent; there was not a lot of movement, but it was still pleasing and the cigar finished strong with continued spice, tobacco, and some coffee type notes.

Total, 2.6:
262 has done a good job with this cigar. The construction was very nice, the burn was excellent, and the flavor profile was satisfying. This is a good smoke, but at eight dollars a stick, I am not sure if I would put it in the daily rotation. However, it is worth picking up a few and trying them out and, of course, making the decision for yourself.

(Total: 8.9)