Post Embargo Blend Code B15 Robusto

In 2015, Alec Bradley released The Post Embargo cigar, symbolizing the evolving relationship between the United States and Cuba. Alan Rubin (Alec Bradley founder) envisioned this cigar as a celebration of cigarmaking nations worldwide, highlighting the diversity beyond the traditional “Cuban vs non-Cuban” tropes. The now-discontinued Post Embargo cigar was crafted in Honduras, featuring a Honduran wrapper, a double binder from Honduras and Nicaragua, and a filler recipe to match.

In early 2023, Alec Bradley was acquired by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), casting some uncertainty over the brand’s future direction. Nevertheless, STG and the newly integrated Alec Bradley team were eager to revive the Post Embargo, not merely as a rebrand but as an entirely new celebratory line.

“New world cigars are where it’s at, and this brand celebrates how we and other new world brands have taken our rightful place on the global stage.” —Brand Ambassador Bradley Rubin

The latest addition to the collection, dubbed Post Embargo Blend Code B15, boasts a Honduran wrapper from the Trojes region and a dual binder featuring Corojo leaves from Jamastran and Criollo from Trojes. Its filler blends tobaccos from Jalapa, Nicaragua and Jamastran and Trojes, Honduras. With this novel blend, the cigar introduces a fresh appearance, adorned with bands that embrace a Modernist art style and palette. Ultimately, Blend Code B15 seems to suggest something along the lines of “this is not your father’s Post Embargo.”

Post Embargo Blend Code B15 Robusto Breakdown

Appearance

The first feature that captures attention with Blend Code B15 is the unique colors and design of the bands. The main band boasts a 1950s comic book aesthetic in terms of font and color. It prominently displays the original design of the Post Embargo cigar label, with the flags of the US and Cuba reimagined in a modern art style. At the top of the band sits the Alec Bradley seal. “POST EMBARGO” is featured in red letters at the bottom of the band, with “BLEND CODE B15” appearing on the lowest part. The second, larger band adopts a classic comic book appearance, combining navy and red. “POST EMBARGO” is presented in large print, running down the length of the cigar. “POST” appears in red against a navy background, while “EMBARGO” is in navy on a red background.

Blend Code B15 is distinguished by a pigtail cap and a dark leather-colored wrapper. The wrapper’s smooth appearance is notable, with few veins or seams visible. The red, navy, and off-white colors contrast sharply with the dark leather hue of the wrapper, making them particularly striking. The box features a wood grain finish adorned with the “AB” seal and a navy/red strip across it. “POST EMBARGO” and “BLEND CODE B15” are displayed on the box, which is also decorated with some red splatter spots.

Smoking Experience

Experiencing the aroma of Blend Code B15 reveals a note of cedar at the cap. However, moving to the foot of the cigar, floral and raisin scents can be found. With a straight cut to remove the pigtail cap, the cold draw presents notes of stewed fruit. After properly toasting the cigar, the flavors are surprisingly mild, contrary to what its appearance might suggest. Faint hints of wet mildew and fresh wheat notes are available, though they are quite muted. The retrohale offers a pleasant floral note without any spice.

The smoke output is characterized by very light white smoke, alongside a solid construction that lends a quality feel to the smoking experience. It burns very slowly, maintaining a cool temperature. The burn line is slightly wavy, producing a dark gray ash that holds for about one centimeter at a time. The draw is slightly loose but does not adversely affect the burn rate or temperature.

The middle and final parts of the cigar maintain similar flavor notes to the beginning, offering little change. Wheat notes persist, accompanied by some musk or wet mildew flavors. Towards the end, occasional bursts of stewed fruit are a delightful surprise. The retrohale continues to offer floral notes, but now with the addition of light black pepper, adding a slight kick to the smoking experience, which carries into the robusto’s close.

Would I Smoke This Cigar Again?

The Post Embargo Blend Code B15, from its appearance, suggests a stronger, more robust version of the original. I recall the original Post Embargo as being a very mild, subtly salty smoke. However, the imposing look of Blend Code B15 did not translate into the stronger, amped-up flavors one might expect to differentiate it as “not your father’s Post Embargo.” Ultimately, it delivered a medium smoking experience with muted flavors. The floral retrohale was quite pleasant, and the addition of black pepper added enjoyment. Yet the palate was largely bland, characterized by wheat and musk notes. I would recommend trying this for comparison, especially if you’ve experienced the original Post Embargo. Opting for a five-pack is advisable.

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