Kristoff Maduro

[OHRD]

Size: 7×48, Churchill

Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro

Binder: Olor Dominican and Cuban Seed

Filler: Olor Dominican, Cuban Seed, Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium/Full

Price: Box of 20, $125.99

Grade: 8.8

The Kristoff Maduro is made by Exclusive Cigars, which was established in 2005. EC is a manufacturer of boutique cigars, including the Vengence, Brittania, Cuban Selection, and Premium Selection. The Kristoff is without a doubt the most popular brand from Glen Case’s Exclusive Cigars.

The Kristoff Maduro is available in four sizes: Torpedo (6 1/8×52), Churchill (7×48), Robusto (5.5×54), and the Matador (6.5×56). The Kristoff line also encompasses a few other blends including a Kristoff Criollo, Kristoff Ligero Maduro and Criollo, and a Kristoff Sumatra that looks very tempting. The cigars are packed in a rough cut cedar box with loose tobacco, giving these cigars a very rustic feel. Kristoff cigars are fairly easy to find online, though I haven’t come across them yet in my B&M. More information can be found online.

This is our first review of a Kristoff cigar, though we’ve been looking forward to it for some time. So, on to the toast!

Pre-light, 1.7:
The Kristoff Churchill is a hearty looking smoke with a shaggy foot and a well-constructed pigtail cap. The Brazilian Maduro wrapper is dark and oily with a few prominent veins. The cigar is well packed with no soft spots and has an excellent weight in the palm of the hand. The simple banding really fits the character of this smoke, and it also textured which is a nice touch. The pre-light aroma is of rich tobacco along the wrapper with some nutty vegetal notes at the shaggy foot. The cold draw is a little tight but produces some warm tobacco notes.

Burn, 1.7:
The Kristoff’s shaggy foot toasts and lights well. The draw is a bit tight to start but opens up about half an inch in and is dead on the rest of the time. The ash appears to be flaky but holds well past one inch before I bump it off in the tray. The Churchill produces plenty of smoke throughout the life of the cigar and at a good temperature, with no touch ups or re-lights required.

Flavor, 2.7:
The first puff on the Kristoff produces woody and vegetal tobacco notes and the finish leaves a warm spice on the lips with some sweetness. The first third is of tobacco, some barely present sweet spice, and some salty notes here and there. The second third transitions into a solid tobacco that has earthy and woody characteristics, which are coupled with a sweet spice on the finish. The cigar is somewhat creamy at this point as well. The last third continues with a solid tobacco profile that is paired with some sweet spice throughout. The creaminess persists and is a nice addition to this profile.

Overall, 2.7:
The Kristoff Maduro is a fun and enjoyable smoke in my opinion. The draw was good, the burn even, and the flavor profile solid. Coming in at a little over six bucks a stick, this one is priced right. The solid tobacco, coupled with some sweet spice and creaminess, will make for an enjoyable smoke.

(Total: 8.8)

[bsmokin]

Thanks for the review Matthew.

I tried these a while back and it was just ok for me. I thought it was pretty muted and a bit muddy... but not too bad anyway.

[Kreth]

Nice review. I haven't tried the Sumatra yet, but the others are all great smokes.
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[Ogre]

Thanks for the review, i have smoked the Matador and really enjoyed it!!

[kelmac07]

Nice review Matthew...these are yummy!!

[Pass]

Nice review! I just had my first Kristoff Maduro last night and was struck by the salt I tasted both in the smoke and on my lips. It was definitely an entertaining cigar and original - at least to me. Figured I would search out reviews and see if anyone else had the same experience I did.

[CigarNut]

Thanks for the review!

[STEVE S]

Very nice review, I'll have get my hands on some to try!

[Kreth]

Originally Posted by STEVE S

Very nice review, I'll have get my hands on some to try!

Famous and Tex Cigars both carry them. The best price would probably be on Cigar Auctioneer.
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[RevSmoke]

I really like these, and they have a unique flavor profile.

Thanks for the review.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[d'am]

I've been looking at these sticks, but others have complained about draw problems with Kristoffs in general. Given the enthusiasm here, maybe that's not the case with the maduro?

[Kreth]

Originally Posted by d'am

I've been looking at these sticks, but others have complained about draw problems with Kristoffs in general. Given the enthusiasm here, maybe that's not the case with the maduro?

I've never had a draw problem with a Kristoff, and I don't even cut them. I just bite off the pigtail and light up.
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[Bill86]

I'm smoking one now and I find the draw irritating. Not getting near enough smoke and it's getting better. But so far the first inch is very annoying. It does taste fantastic though..... Hmmmm not to Jack the review but I'll post my findings when I'm done