Jordan at The Wharf just gave me what I consider my Birthday present from the store.  A fistful of new samples.  The one I selected first is a pre-release from the IPCPR this year.  The Foundry W. Orange.  Named for the town in New Jersey where Thomas Edison worked, the W. Orange is part of the War of Currents - The Laboratories line that Foundry cigars is adding to the brand.  They have a small batch series based on various inventions coming soon as well.  The core line contains a nifty metal gear to go along with the steampunk theme.  These new Lab-based ones will ship with a metal ring shaped like a fuse.  Should be loads of fun.

Now, if you have read my review of the Foundry Talbot, you will notice the thing exploded on me.  That is not to say that the smoke itself wasn't enjoyable - what there was of it.  That being said, I am actually excited to try this new cigar.  So how is it?  Let's see....

Construction: The Orange is covered in a wrapper somewhere in the colorado claro color range.  It's very rustic and veiny in appearance.  Also note a mild oily sheen.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: Out of the cellophane, I get hints of leather, hay, and mild tobacco.  The draw is perfect as well.  A cold drag gives me a mild tobacco flavor.

Light and Burn: Lighting the Orange is very simple - no issues.  The burn is a bit wonky at the start.  I fought the burn line until the middle of the cigar where it started to behave itself.

Tasting: Starting off, the W. Orange gives off a nice medium spice.  The first third hits with orange peel, leather, light roast coffee, and some floral notes.  Just like the Talbot, it's a very unique blend that is highly enjoyable.  The finish is a bit dry yet still quite smooth and tasty.

The second third increases the citrus flavor quite a bit.  The overall tone and balance of the blend is very well done - sitting right in the middle of the medium body category.  The smoke from the W. Orange is crisp and aromatic.

The final third shows more coffee and leather with less citrus.  The body is still medium as well.  Here is the kicker....no wrapper explosion, perfect burn.  It's easily a cigar I could smoke any time of the day.

Value: At around $8, the W. Orange is a comfortably priced cigar.  Well worth the coin.

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this smoke.  It performed very well and offered a new fresh taste that appealed to me.  I could smoke these all the time and be a happy camper.  It's not the most complex cigar but it is a very well balanced and unique smoke.  After trying this new blend, I find I am excited to try the small batch line too.  I mean, how cool will it be to smoke a cigar paying homage to Nikola Tesla's death ray or Thomas Edison's electric chair?  Anyway, this new W. Orange is terrific and is highly recommended!

Wrapper: Unknown/undisclosed
Binder: Unknown/undisclosed
Filler: Unknown/undisclosed

Strength: Medium

Size: 5.5 x 50

The W. Orange is a nice looking cigar

Groovy pre-release band that still captures the feel of the marketing of the product.  Cool.

The wonky burn at the start.  It evened out eventually....