When Smoked: November 2023
Obtained from: part of four cigar Southern Draw sampler
Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)
Approximate cost: US$10.00
See ratings below
My cigar smoking falls into two categories: the ones I smoke in reviews and ones I smoke for “fun,” not on video. Quite often, I regret not doing a video review because the cigar turned out pretty darn good. Those written-only (without video) reviews are exclusively on this site.
That brings me to the Southern Draw Firethorn. Yesterday was a beautiful day for mid-November in the Upper Midwest. “Beautiful” is defined as sunny and 60 degrees F. I did a video review in the morning but didn’t want to waste the afternoon. So, I fired up the Southern Draw Firethorn that I had gotten in a Southern Draw sampler pack.
Southern Draw brand name isn’t immensely popular, and the Firethorn isn’t the most well-known of the Southern Draw blends. Setting up a video review seemed like a waste of time.
Surprise! The Firethorn turned out to be quite a pleasant smoke, so I hope to right my wrong and give it a solid written review.
The Firethorn is wrapped in a Habano-Rosado leaf that the company says is “double fermented.” Roasado tobacco requires a little more fermentation than other tobacco, so that makes sense. If you’re not that into Rosado wrappers, join the club. It isn’t widely used, and I’ve found that Rosado wrappers have an unappealing touch of bitterness to my taste buds.
The first thing I noticed in this smoke was the amazing construction. This is an A.J. Fernandez-made cigar (at his Nicaragua factory) and it has the typical AJ quality construction. Draw is first-rate, burn was razor-sharp all the way down. Smoke production was also way above average.
This is billed as a medium body cigar, but like just about every AJF-made stick it punches well above its weight class in terms of strength. Filler is all Nicaraguan. It started near full-strength for me but settled into the medium-full level and even medium in the last one-third. For body, let’s call it 8/10 taking strength into account.
Spice is one of the predominant flavors, but sort of a sweet spice – let’s say figs and cinnamon. The flavor base was oak, which was supplemented with hints of cocoa at times. It has a very pleasant taste without the bitterness I associate with Rosado wrappers.
Overall smoking experience for the Southern Draw Firethorn is a 8.5/10. This is a very good cigar. If you come across an opportunity to snag one, I would jump on it – but don’t pop for more than one unless you are already an A.J. Fernandez fan. Because this cigar has AJ written all over it.
