Cigar Review – Southern Draw Rose of Sharon
When Smoked: October 2023
Obtained from: purchased as single from local cigar shop
Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)
Approximate cost: US$11.00
See ratings below
On a chilly Autumn night, what better way to enjoy a nice Connecticut cigar than while toasting a few marshmallows on the fire pit? Hopefully I will have better luck with the cigar than with the marshmallows.
The Southern Draw Rose of Sharon is named after the wife of Robert Holt, the founder of Southern Draw Cigars, a relative newcomer to the cigar business. The company works closely with A.J. Fernandez for blending advice, tobacco and production.
The Rose of Sharon is a little above the normal strength/body you would expect in a Connecticut – it is an Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper, which is a departure from the usual shade-grown wrappers. Ecuadorian cloud cover provided some shading, but as is common in Ecuadorian Connecticut wrappers, no tenting or other special means were used to shade the tobacco plants.
There was some significant canoeing while smoking this cigar, as shown in the video. A major touch-up was needed to even it out. Following the relight, it evened out and was burning perfectly by the end. Construction issues were offset by very good draw and smoke production – as good or better than one would expect from a Connecticut shade-grown cigar. Flavor was very good, and the taste profile was complex – see the video for details.
All in all, the taste, great draw and smoke production of the Rose of Sharon at least mostly overcame the canoeing, and I rated overall as 8/10. Boldness/strength is a 4.5/10, or medium-minus. It’s one of those Connecticut wrapper cigars where the filler adds a little boldness and spice beyond mild. The price point on Rose of Sharon is reasonable at about $9 to $12, depending on quantity and where you buy it.
