CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza

RoMa Craft Tobac

• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A.
• Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés)
• Binder: Brazil
• Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras & Nicaragua
• Length: 4 1/4 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 56
• Shape: Pressed
• MSRP: $12.50 (Bundle of 10, $125)
• Release Date: July 19, 2024
• Number of Cigars Released: 800 Bundles of 10 Cigars (8,000 Total Cigars)
• Original Score: 92

Inspiration for new cigars comes from many different places: holidays, historical events, and even classic fictional characters. For Roma Craft Tobac’s newest line, Skip Martin wanted to recognize the people who create the cigars of the company he co-founded with Michael Rosales.

The line is named Maestranza, which Francis Mallmann defined as “the people who are around you helping” during an early episode of the Chef’s Table television show. Maestranza debuted in July 2024 with a single petit gordo viola named CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza, which came packaged in paper bundles and a simple, if memorable, footband made up of red and yellow ribbons. However, the three follow-up vitolas that were released in October 2024 feature bands that list the initials of every employee of the company’s Nica Sueño factory in Nicaragua.

The Mexican San Andrés wrapper that covers the cigar is a lighter-colored version of the varietal that the company uses for its Neanderthal line. According to Martin, that color reminded him of “cigars I enjoyed in my youth before dark cigars were popularized that were generally referred to as Spanish Market Selection.”

Accolades poured in from the reviewers about a number of different aspects when smoking the cigar, specifically the excellent construction, the amazing balance, and the rich flavor profile. Multiple reviewers commented on the quick smoking time.

The CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza is one of three cigars from RoMa Craft Tobac to make the cut for this year’s Top 25 list, an impressive feat for any company that does not happen very often. Not only is it one of the best blends that the company has produced it is also a fitting tribute to the talent, effort and dedication of the people who made it. — Brooks Whittington.