The CRAFT Maquette Foreign & Domestic marks the fifth release of the RoMa Craft Tobac’s Maquette Series.
This version feeds of Sumatra seed of undisclosed growing origin. The 4 x 46 box-pressed petite corona is limited to 500 bundles of 10.
As far as the name goes, Foreign & Domestic refers to the business model of RoMa Craft Tobac as well as the oath taken by the military support to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Cigar Review: CRAFT Foreign & Domestic
Size: 4x 46 (Petit Corona)
Wrapper: Sumata Seed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos NicaSueno S.A.
Release Date: April 2024
Production: Limited Edition (500 Bundles)
Bundle Size: 10 Cigars
The Cigar: The 4 x 46 petit corona feels small then its size due to it being box pressed. The Sumata seed wrapper that adorns the cigar has a significant vein structure that detracts from the beauty of the cigar. Looking at the cigar sit about my keyboard I can’t help but realize how much it reminds me of a baby ruth candy bar. The cigar has a light blue ribbon on the foot and no cigar band. In the hand is well packed with a slight sponginess at the foot and an average weight for its size.
The Taste: The cold draw of the CRAFT Maquette Foreign & Domestic is your classic Sumatra profile that is floral & soapy. The aroma from the foot & wrapper is similar but far more muted. Once the cigar toasted and lit there is a subtle floral nice as well as some subtle pepper.
Smoking into the first half of the cigar the floral begins to fade as notes of chocolate being to emerge. About an inch into the cigar a well defined unbuttered popcorn begins to emerge that quickly becomes the dominant flavor profile. There is a touch of a soapy aftertaste which I always get from a Sumatra wrapper. As the first half begins to close the chocolate note begins to become dominant taking on a mocha feel to it. As far as the retrohale I make a conscious decision not to retrohale Sumatra wrapper since I don’t find it enjoyable.
The second third begins with intense mocha notes but as the cigar progress to where a traditional band with be the cigar become sour, soapy and floral all the infamous traits of a Sumatra wrapper. I know many people love the bitterness that Sumatra provides and I try to keep an open mind when it comes to the wrapper but I admit I am struggling to finish this. Just as some people have a sensitivity to certain spices in cooking, I have it to the seed known as Sumatra.
Conclusion: While there are parts of the first half that are really enjoyable the cigar turns into a Sumatra heavy experience just after the halfway point. I would assume those who really like Sumatra with salivate over the CRAFT Foreign & Domestic. Those who tolerate or flat out loathe the wrapper will most likely feel as I do about this cigar. It’s sour, floral and has a very long drying finish that I found difficult to finish. Herein lies the conundrum for me as a reviewer. If you love Sumatra feel free to add 5-7pts to the cigar.
Price: $10.00 (Before local or state taxes)
Score: 84
