For the fourth time since 2014, Cigar Dojo and Espinosa Premium Cigars have collaborated a custom-tailored smoking experience. The cigar at hand is known as ‘Psychedelic Turtle,’ showcasing a unique smoking experience that is as colorful in flavor as it is in appearance.
Psychedelic Turtle came about through the blending talents of Espinosa’s Director of Operations, Héctor J. Alfonso Sr. Through multiple samplings and fine-tuning, the Cigar Dojo staff helped to select the final blend that would best meet the ideal profile for the Cigar Dojo community and other die-hard enthusiasts across the country. The cigars were designed by Cigar Dojo, with packaging and visionary inspiration spearheaded by Espinosa’s Vice President, Erik Espinosa Jr. In addition, the two companies have partnered with retailer JR Cigar, releasing all 400 bundles of 10 cigars through JR’s online store (as well as a select number being sold at the retailer’s 2019 Smokin’ In The Carolinas cigar festival).
PSYCHEDELIC TURTLE PACKAGING VARIATIONS:
- CERISE | CELESTE | VIOLET | CHARTREUSE | AZURE | AMBER
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The project began with the end goal of achieving a flavor-forward experience and a unique profile that could stand apart from former Cigar Dojo collaborations. This resulted in the use of an atypical Brazliian Ballaño wrapper, which has been paired with a Habano binder and fillers from Nicaragua’s northern growing regions of Jalapa and Condega. The cigars were then rolled in a short/stout Robusto Grande format and given a soft box press; this pays tribute to the cigar’s namesake, while simultaneously providing a cooler draw and reducing the feel of the 56 ring gauge to something more along the lines of a 53 to 54.
Psychedelic Turtle is medium-bodied throughout, though the body and strength may creep into medium-plus territory in the second half. The cigar begins with sharp spices through the nostrils, backed by a savory umami sensation across the palate and a lingering sweetness on the finish. Highlights include notes of red pepper, tangy Sumatra-roast coffee, roasted nuts, and floral/juicy sweetness in the cigar’s later portions. Among the most rewarding aspects of Psychedelic Turtle is the cigar’s relentless nature, never letting go of the full, un-harsh nuances up through the very last puff.
Psychedelic Turtle Breakdown
- Wrapper: Brazliian Ballaño
- Binder: Habano
- Filler: Nicaragua (Condega | Jalapa)
- Factory: La Zona (Nicaragua)
- Production: Limited Edition (4,000 cigars)
- Vitola: 5″ x 56 (Robusto Grande)
- Price: $9.00 (MSRP)
- Flavor: Full
- Strength: Medium
- Body: Medium
- Red pepper
- Umami
- Corn chips
- Toasted nuts
- Tangy coffee
- Nutmeg
- Juicy/floral
- Smoke Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Pairing Recommendation: Old Cuban cocktail | Pour-over coffee (medium roast) | Topo Chico mineral water | Tropical fruit oolong tea | Whiskey sour
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