Casa Magna Colorado Gigantores

Released in 2008 the Casa Magna Colorado line was well received by consumers and reviewers alike. With the Robusto named Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year, this Nicaraguan puro quickly became a popular cigar not only because of the enjoyable blend, but also because of its very agreeable price point of $5.25. There are actually two regular production lines of Casa Magna: Colorado and Oscuro. The Colorado line is a blend of stronger Estelí tobacco and sweeter Jalapa tobacco.

Charlie wrote about the Gigantores limited edition release earlier this month:

Fumé Cigars of Montclair, NJ will be receiving an exclusive version of the Casa Magna Colorado, the Gigantor. Terrence Reilly of SAG Imports confirmed to halfwheel the 6 x 64 Toro Gordo will be exclusive to the New Jersey store, which is also one of SAG Import’s select España accounts. The Nicaragua puros are made at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua, like the rest of the Casa Magna brand. To date, this is the first single store exclusive for the Casa Magna line. In addition, the Gigantores is the most limited Casa Magna to date with just 100 boxes of 10 cigars being made.

Pricing for the Gigantores is $8.75 before state taxes, which ultimately will place boxes of 10 at around $100.00.

• Cigar Reviewed: Casa Magna Colorado Gigantores
• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
• Wrapper: Nicaragua
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Length: 6 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 54
• Vitola: Toro Gordo
• MSRP: $8.75 (Box of 10, $87.50)
• Release Date: 2012
• Number of Cigars Released: 100 Boxes of 10 Cigars (1,000 Total Cigars)
• Number of Cigars Smoked For Review: 2

The Gigantores has a thick, oily wrapper that has a reddish brown hue to it. There are a few veins, but nothing distracting and is firm to the touch without any soft spots. The Casa Magna band is very nice, almost regal-looking, however the gold used on the band gets a glittery sheen all over everything it touches. However the first thing you notice is just how big this cigar actually is. The massive 64 ring gauge is almost too awkward to hold as I go to cut it. After cutting, the predraw brings some minor pepper, a cinnamon toast note, some leather and a touch of raisins.

After over a minute of lighting, the first third begins with a spicy pepper note on the tip of the tongue along with some toast, leather and fresh earth. After about a half an inch the pepper has all but disappeared, leaving a sweet nutmeg undertone that is going well with the leather and earth notes. The brownish gray ash holds on easily to one and a half inches, showing the solid construction of the Nicaraguan puro. This is a real chimney of a cigar too producing an abundance of thick bluish white smoke.

The second third continues along the same lines as the first with lots of earthy, woodsy notes complimented by some spices. Some sweet cinnamon notes have also returned along with a newly developed light roast coffee note. I’m starting to feel the strength of the Gigantores and whether or not it might is classified as a strong cigar or not, just the sheer amount of tobacco will lead to more nicotine in the cigar than many people might be used to. Towards the end of this third a damp hay aroma has developed that I can’t say is either unpleasant or pleasant, it’s just kind of there.

I’m getting my ass kicked. The Casa Magna Gigantores has definitely grown in strength by the final third, but on the flip side the flavors have become very muted. It’s the same earthy notes are still there, but they have either become overshadowed by the strength of the cigar or my palate is burnt out by the previous five inches of this 64 RG cigar. I finish it out at an inch and a half remaining, but that was a poor decision and I should’ve stopped sooner because I can already feel the nic-spins starting.

Final Notes

• For its first single store release, this LE has a fantastic price point and isn’t priced high simply because it is a small batch release. This was a good move on SAG Import’s part continuing with their reasonable price point trend.
• As with other manufacturers, the trend of enormous cigars continues but I think even the name “Gigantores” pokes a little fun at that.
• Long, large ring gauge cigars are not a new trend. The American market has been lusting after big fat “stogies” ever since the cigar boom in the 90’s. Some regular production cigars that come to mind in a similar format would be the ever-popular 6 x 60 and the La Flor Dominicana Digger at 8 1/2 x 60.
• I had major issues keeping this cigar burning right. It seemed like I was constantly doing touch ups with my lighter. These cigars had been in a stable environment for a few weeks now, so I’m not sure what might be the cause of this.
• This is the first cigar in the history of my smoking career that has made me sick to the point of vomiting. I don’t want to hold this against the cigar, but I feel this needs to be stated as somewhat of a warning. Even on a full stomach the sheer amount of nicotine introduced into my system was overwhelming to a cigar smoker of seven years.
• Final smoking time was a whopping two and a half hours – this is a slow burner for sure.
• If you would like to purchase the Casa Magna Colorado Gigantores, you can call Fumé at 973.783.3863. Don’t forget to tell them halfwheel sent you.