Intemperance BA XXI War

20. Intemperance BA XXI War

RoMa Craft Tobac

  • Country of Origin: Nicaragua
  • Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos NicaSueño S.A.
  • Wrapper: Brazil (Arapiraca)
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Nicaragua & Undisclosed
  • Length: 4 1/2 Inches
  • Ring Gauge: 60
  • Vitola: Short Gordo
  • MSRP: $8.33 (Sampler of 12, $100)
  • Release Date: May 29, 2021
  • Number of Cigars Released: Undisclosed
  • Original Score: 91

War and Peace. And Husband?

No, it’s not some weird version of Tolstoy; rather, those were the names given to three 4 1/2 x 60 Intemperance vitolas that were released in the El Catador de los Petite Gordos sampler from RoMa Craft Tobac. This was the sixth El Catador sampler—there’s a seventh due out in 2022—and it’s one of the more unique concepts as far as cigar samplers go. Nearly every year, RoMa Craft Tobac picks a specific vitola and makes its various blend all in that specific size. Normally, that means a mixture of cigars the company is already making as well as some new versions of existing lines.

In the case of the Petite Gordos, there were two existing cigars—the pair of Mandibles—and four new cigars for 2021:

Since it was introduced, the Intemperance BA XXI has been a favorite RoMa Craft blend—if not the favorite—amongst the halfwheel staff. While I’ve come to enjoy the CroMagnon in nearly all of its forms, it’s probably too strong for many smokers. That’s where the Brazilian-wrapped Intemperance comes into play: delivering full flavor, a medium-full body and excellent construction, all at prices that are about as competitive as any cigar company today.

As someone that’s enjoyed the BA XXI blend in its various forms over the last decade, I don’t think it’s the best representation of the blend. Not because it’s bad or off, but because it doesn’t taste quite like the other vitolas in the line. For whatever reason, the sweetness is dialed back, which seems like the rest of the blend’s flavors get to shine even more, and shine they do. For those that missed out on the samplers last year, RoMa Craft Tobac will ship 250 boxes of the Intemperance BA XXI War —as well as the other three new for 2021 vitolas mentioned above—this March. — Charlie Minato.

Navigate The Top 25