Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: 5 7/8 x 52
Strength: Medium-Full
Purchase Link: Crowned Heads Four Kicks Mule Kick LE 2022
MULE KICK 2022 REVIEW – DOM
Summary: The only way this cigar wins an award at a beauty pageant is if it’s a participation award. After a few puffs, the flavor matches the appearance: dirt. Potpourri and mulch maintain the garden box theme. Tapping the ash, I enjoy this cigar more now with the introduction of coffee, which ties together all the flavors like a decorative rug ties together a room.
While the first half felt like eating eggs, milk and flour, the second half feels more like a cake after it’s been baked. Buttermilk adds a creamy twang to the darker notes. In the final third, the smoke heats up my palate a bit. I enjoyed this cigar when the pieces of the puzzle came together, so I’d smoke another, brother.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Watching slo-mo explosions in reverse .
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee with sugar.
Perceived Strength: Medium+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
MULE KICK 2022 REVIEW – RICH
Summary: This cigar brings earth, sweetness, a lot of chocolate, a light pepper that lingers in the mouth, a slight vegetal note, and growing flavors of oak and pine. I was super into this profile and how the flavors all worked together.
The draw and burn were both right on. Smoke production was through the roof. Metaphorically, that is. Otherwise, that roof needs fixing.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Home runs at the ballpark.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee with cream.
Perceived Strength: Medium.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
MULE KICK 2022 REVIEW – BEN
Summary: A dry white pepper introduction on this less than attractive cigar gave me the sneezes. The lingering ring of warmth swirling in my nostrils gives me a dragoon-like feel. First third offers a dry smoke with massive snowflakes. Be sure all exposed skin is clear of ash droppings.
A bitter second third and a surprised smoothness approaches my palate. The transition from first to second is very different. Soothing even; hello cedar complimented by high smoke production! Six puffs further and the heat is back with a tickling baking spice tongue sensation. As a last tasting effort, leather and espresso appear.
I'm learning that the appearance of a cigar isn't an indication of a bad cigar. Quite the contrary but I will say this, with the dryness, it's best to enjoy this cigar with a little liquid hydration.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Smoked meats and cheese of the charcuterie type.
Pairing Suggestion: Dominican Rum.
Perceived Strength: Full.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5-pack.
MULE KICK 2022 REVIEW – TED
Summary: A dark, smooth wrapper on this stick with a cold draw featuring dark cherry and rich tobacco notes.
The draw is tighter than I prefer but we’re smoking. Leading with flavors of grilled meat, dark fruit, a slightly chalky leather note and a mild citrus and pepper mix.
Landing smack in the middle of this smoke and the ash just fell. Impressive. I’m tasting more citrus and fresh wood notes along with the continuation of dark fruit flavors. There’s a faint sweetness to the mix as well. The draw has opened up to provide a more pleasant experience.
Final third. Stronger wood notes prevail but there’s a bold mixture of dark chocolate, earth and leather behind it. The retro hale smoke is warm and mellow featuring hints of citrus and pepper with a long finish of fresh wood. I’m still tasting that faint sweetness in the mix too. I dig it.
Kudos to the factory making this cigar. Construction has been spot on from start to finish. It has a clean ash and razor sharp burn line.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: A plateful of rich food.
Pairing Suggestion: Chocolate porter.
Perceived Strength: High end of medium.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
Comments
Yikes!