262 Cigars was originally slated to be called “Revolution Cigars,” so it’s entirely appropriate that they produce a blend named for Paul Revere. On the other hand, it isn’t clear that the American revolution was the intended reference: evidently there were trademark issues with the original name, so the company was named 262 for the date that the Cuban embargo was imposed (2/62).
In any case, the revolution that has concerned cigar smokers more recently is the one to “keep the government out of our humidors,” to quote the 262 website. Bureaucrats and the FDA have taken the place of redcoats, and torch lighters are our lanterns.
The 262 Revere is a Nicaraguan puro with a wrapper from Jalapa, double binders from Esteli and Jalapa, and fillers from Jalapa, Esteli, and Condega. Did I mention… Jalapa? Selling me this cigar was not a challenge.
Four classic sizes are in production:
- Robusto – 5 x 50
- Corona – 5.5 x 44
- Lancero – 7 x 38
- Toro – 6 x 54 (Box Press)
Construction Notes
The wrapper on the 262 Revere Robusto is a smooth looking maduro with a semi-gloss and a few veins. The rounded head is topped with a functional single cap. Some of the robustos I’ve smoked have had some soft spots, but these have not affected the draw or the burn, which has been consistently good. I’m not sure who cares about, or even notices the odd soft spot in a cigar… if you see someone in the cigar shop palpating the cigars… I suggest a discreet exit and perhaps a word with the manager.
Overall construction: Very good.
Tasting Notes
The Revere Robusto opens with leather and spice in a moderate and balanced dosage. There are notes of bittersweet chocolate and cinnamon on the nose, and gradually a mild bite on the tongue develops. After an inch or so the leather deepens a little, edging into musky territory. The smoke texture is in the medium range, with a strength to match.
The spice comes and goes through the middle section of the cigar, and there is more cocoa on the nose. It does develop more of a bite toward the end of the cigar, but it never reaches full power. The complexity of the flavor muddles a bit toward the end when the pepper grinder takes over and the muskiness turns to earth and char.
Conclusion
The Revere is a Nicaraguan puro, and it has the pepper and tannins to prove it, but it has a muskiness that I often associate with Honduran cigars. The wrapper is very aromatic for such a dark leaf — the combination of cinnamon and leather and coffee is quite tasty. At times the pepper threatens to overcome this delicate combo, but it perseveres.
Perhaps the 262 Revere is best summed up this way: after I smoked one, I happened to find a box at a ridiculously low price online and snapped it up immediately. I haven’t been disappointed.
Final Score: 90
