Upper Realm review by Don José
Hey team, Don José here back with another review.
Today we have the
Upper Realm
by Warped Cigars
If this is your first time here, my reviews rate each cigar on 10 factors and each factor gets a rating out of 10 giving me an overall out of 100. The 10 factors are: Construction, Draw, Burn, Flavour, 1/3 overall, 2/3 overall, 3/3 overall, Journey (how well it flows), Complexity & Value for money.
Overview
As part of the new arrival of Warped cigars directly from the factory to NZ, comes the Warped Upper Realm.
Upper Realm is a 5 x 48 Rothschild vitola, Nic Puro.
"Blended to showcase the 3 prime growing regions of Nicaragua, and enter into a new realm of flavour profile for Warped. Esteli Criollo ‘98 is the dominant varietal for this 100% Aganaorsa Nicaraguan Puro. Jalapa Corojo ‘99 and Condega Corojo ‘99 fill out the remainder of the blend."
I think the most insane detail about this cigar is not really even about the cigar. Its that you can buy these in 200 count boxes... yes. 200 count boxes.. Which suggests that they have plenty of this tobacco available!
Details:
Brand: Warped
Size: Rothschild
Origin: Esteli, Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Jalapa Corojo '99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
About the wrapper.
Popular releases like Rocky Patel The Edge use the Corojo (core-ro-ho) leaf that originated in Cuba, but today is grown in Honduras and in Western Kentucky and even a little in Dominican Republic.
Cubans used the leaf for wrappers that carried a significant level of spice, but the susceptibility of the Corojo leaf to disease led the Cubans to abandon it and develop hybrids like Habano 2000.
Honduras still grows pure Corojo, but hybrids are grown in many other regions. This cigar uses one of those hybrids, the '99 from the Jalapa region in Nicaragua.
let's get into the review.
First thoughts
Great looking stick, band is nearly plain black, it has embossing on it but its not very easy to read.
Cold draw gives me nuts, cocoa and earth.
Construction
Construction is perfect, great looking wrapper and nice even roll. If anything it feels a bit light.. but then it is a Rothschild not a Robusto.
Burn & Draw Burn and draw are good, plenty of thick white smoke, no relights.
Flavour & Complexity Flavour wise, a nice blend, its not all that strong but has a good complexity. I get nuts, earth, chocolate, spice, pepper, wood and leather!
Strength 70% - Medium
Enjoyment / Journey I do love Warped cigars. They seem to have a quality about then that not all brands achieve. This stick albeit small, has a great journey and good complexity and flavours.
Overall Another epic cigar from the Warped team and an awesome new addition to the line up in NZ!
I rate this cigar 93 points!
A look at the numbers.
Construction -- 10/10
Burn -- 9/10
Draw -- 10/10
Flavour -- 9/10
Complexity -- 9/10
First 1/3 -- 9/10
Second 1/3 -- 9/10
Third 1/3 -- 10/10
Journey -- 9/10
Value -- 9/10
About the author
Joe Murdie aka Don José has been reviewing cigars in New Zealand for over 10 years now, originally as a writer for NZBlokes, a mens magazine.
Outside of Cigars Joe is an international award winning film-maker based in Wānaka, OTA.
