Leccia Tobacco Luchador El Hombre (Robusto)

29 May 2014 • Posted by Jack • Leccia Tobacco • 3158 views

Before we start, I will make a promise. I will limit my wrestling jargon to this intro. This month saw the newest release from Sam Leccia dropping in off the top rope and putting cigar enthusiasts into a figure four leg lock. Like a heart punch from Big John Stud, the hype mounted and folks were waiting anxiously. I was among them too. So, with as much fanfare as the entrances on Smack Down, the Luchador is here so let's get smoking right now....

Construction: A heavy San Andres wrapper with a few veins and lots of oils covers this baby. The head is finished in a flag-tip. Overall a nice rustic and attractive presentation. The band is a winner too. Sam told me that he did the design himself as well. And if you look at the forehead of the mask emblem you will see four lightning bolts. If you know Sam at all, he was a radioman in the Navy....and those four lightning bolts are the emblem worn by radiomen everywhere. Just a groovy tid-bit of info to add some interest. Anyway, on we go....

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: A touch of leather and a lot of earth hit the nose out of the cellophane. The foot gives up a sweet tobacco aroma as well. Honestly, the aromas are nice and rich but seeing as I have smoked a few of these already, I can tell you that the flavors are way richer than the aroma would lead you to believe.

Light and Burn: I have had almost no burn issues with any of the Luchadores I have smoked. Couple of minor touch ups and only one wrapper issue on a nub because I yanked the band off too early....all around a solid performer.

Tasting: Starting off with the Luchador there are some nice spicy notes with a huge earthy sweetness. Some coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, and some cedar balance together perfectly. It is, as I stated earlier, very rich. There is a syrupy quality to the marrying of flavors here. Because it hits so many areas of the palate at once, I am going to lean the start towards the medium-full level of things. Make sure you have some food in your belly when you smoke this one. The core of the Luchador is very earthy and several puffs actually give me a topsoil flavor that is actually fantastic. Midway through the first third things get creamy smooth. Sam really has done a terrific job with this cigar. Some leather and mild hints of toffee transition into the second third.

The middle continues the earthy core with black coffee, bittersweet, and very mild black pepper. That Ometepe sweetness is easily discernible...a flavor I have really learned to like in some of the cigars I have tried this year. A lot of the same flavors from the first third make reappearances here in different quantities and balances. Strength has increased a tad too full as well. The ligero really starts to drop in too. Notes of espresso, cocoa, and vanilla send me into the final third.

Here we are in the final third and things continue to be rich and delicious. Creamy smooth. Earthy and sweet. Touches of roasted nuts and cedar balance well in the mix too. All in all a terrific cigar from beginning to end. As I get towards the nub, I get a touch of citrus. Exceptional to the end.

Value: At $10 plus some change, the Luchador is not cheap but no overly pricey. Folks can easily add them to their rotation without it hurting too much. Honestly, and I don't say this often, the Luchador is worth a box purchase.

Final Thoughts: This cigar received a lot of hype from folks online and in person. Is it worth it? Totally...without question. I have a very short list of cigars fighting for the top spot and so far the Luchador, Epicurean Gonzo Santeria, and Tatuaje JV13 are making the choice a hard one. I can't wait to see what Sam has up his sleeve next go-around. If it is anything like what we have seen so far, it is sure to be terrific. Very highly recommended.

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Pennsylvania ligero, Honduran ligero, Nicaraguan, Ometepe

Strength: Full

Size: 5 x 54