The Mason Dixon Project: Northern Edition LE 2014

Shortly after last year’s 2014 IPCPR trade show, Crowned Heads began debuting a series of regional cigar releases; some tailored towards individual states, while others were released to larger regions of the US – this series is known as The Mason Dixon Project. Like many of their recent releases, Mason Dixon is well-branded and limited in production (1,250 boxes). The Mason Dixon Project arrives in boxes of 20, and while the cigars are only distributed in their respective regions, many retailers have made trades and are now carrying both cigars.

This review will be focused on the Northern Edition cigar – for a full comparison, see our review of The Mason Dixon Project: Southern Edition LE 2014.

Mason Dixon North Breakdown

The North is not as smooth and flawless as the South, the cap was a bit sloppier and there are some prominent veins, but it is still a good looking stick. I like the simplicity of the band, it conveys the branding well; working seamlessly with both cigars and allowing each version to be easily identifiable. The cigar smells of coffee and cocoa with some leather undertones, a really complex aroma.

My first impression is of rich, heavy flavors that would go well with an imperial stout. I personally wouldn’t smoke this too early in the day because it is a beast in the first third! North is pumping out some dark, rich, malty smoke and I also taste some dark chocolate. There are slight black pepper notes and, I might be coming out of left field here, but a juicy plum flavor. The ash is almost milk white, compared agaisnt the South’s darker, charred ash; and it is holding quite well, a testament to the brand and the consistency of both cigars

As North progresses, there is no dynamic flavor changes. It has smoothed out significantly, however, and the unsweetened chocolate flavor is still present, along with some nice, roasted coffee. The burn is absolutely perfect and the draw is killer too! North ends somewhat as it began, with a bit more strength. However, it is a different kind of strength, more black and red pepper and less of the cocoa. It is still smooth and the billowing smoke is nothing but bliss.

Would I smoke this cigar again?

Yes, it was a really solid cigar. Although I’d probably limit this one to a 5-pack purchase.

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