10. Crux Epicure Short Salomone
For its first three years in business, the Crux Cigars lineup was missing a fairly large component, specifically a blend incorporating a Connecticut wrapper. That changed with the Epicure, a milder blend that was originally scheduled to debut in 2016, but would not actually debut until May 2017.
After fans got an early look at the Epicure blend with the release of a 5 3/8 x 46 corona gorda vitola that was included in a sampler exclusively sold at ZT Cigars’ Smoklahoma 2017 event in May, the line was officially launched with three additional sizes in November of that same year. More than a year later, Crux announced it would be adding a fifth vitola in the line, specifically a 6 x 54 Short Salomone that shipped to retailers in April 2019.
Connecticut-wrapped blends can be difficult to get right, but the Epicure Short Salomone nails a sweet and creamy profile with flavors that include lemongrass and peanuts on the palate along with some nice white pepper and vanilla beans on the retrohale. However, a great profile is not the only thing it has going for it, as the blend also feature a somewhat surprising amount of both body and strength as well as excellent overall construction, leading to a release that is enjoyable enough to break into the 10th spot on this year's list. — Brooks Whittington.
