Kristoff Tres Compadres

The avid cigar hobbyist is all too familiar with the fiery, often full-bodied characteristics of Nicaraguan cigars. Meanwhile, boutique brand Kristoff Cigars has become known for their fondness of Dominican blends in the medium-intensity region. So, when the company made the plunge into Nicaraguan territory, the question was whether we'd see a fuller-bodied experience or a Kristoff-ication (yeah, we're sticking with that term) of the Nicaraguan experience.

The answer came with the Kristoff Tres Compadres cigar, which was made to commemorate the friendship of Glen Case (Kristoff owner/founder), Rolando Villamil, and Chuck Finch, of which the latter two sadly passed away within the prior two years of the cigar's debut. As mentioned, the Tres Compadres (Three Friends) marks one of the first Nicaraguan smoking experiences from Kristoff, and the cigars indeed pull back on the conventionally-fiery reins that the country is best known.

Beginning with a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, the Kristoff Tres Compadres cigar is rounded out with a binder from the Condega region and fillers from Condega, Estelí, and Jalapa. Together, the Nicaraguan puro recipe showcases the sweeter side of Nicaragua, opening up with notes of cedar and light spices before evolving to include graham cracker and a deep creaminess through the finish.