The Grasshopper by Foundation Cigars is a Small Batch Exclusive. Originally an event only cigar, this now exclusive release is limited to 480 boxes.
According to Small Batch Cigars, Nick Melillo, owner of Foundation Cigar Company chose the name Grasshopper because of the origin of the word used to describe cigars. Cigarra translates to Grasshopper, and this name became the root word for cigars as grasshopper fields, called cigarrals began growing tobacco.
The cigars come packaged in 13 count boxes with 6 San Andres wrappers, 6 Candela wrappers and 1 Barber Pole of the two wrappers.
Cigar Review: Foundation Cigar Company Grasshopper
Size: 5.25 x 52 (Box Pressed Torpedo)
Wrapper: Candela
Binder: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
Fillers: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Esteli)
Factory: Unknown
Release Date: February 24, 2024
Box Count: 13
The Cigar: I came across a Candela version of the cigar and I am impressed with how green it is. I feel lately when a company releases a Candela the wrapper isn’t as vibrant as it should be. Sporting a few noticeable but thin veins the Grasshopper sports a brown, gold and green bad that has a classic feel to it. On the side of the cigar there is some bruising from where the cigar was pressed in the mold and this box pressed torpedo does have a small void of tobacco just above the band.
The Taste: As expected the cigar has a earthy component that is grassy and floral, giving it that quintessential candela taste profile even before it is it lit. The foot of the cigar has an abundance of cedar shavings and a touch of mocha. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is a hint of chocolate shavings.
Smoking into the first third of there are notes of cream, cocoa and a subtle earth. As the first third comes to a close there is a subtle floral component that reminds you it’s a candela but it doesn’t overpower in the slightest. The retrohale has a nice amount of spice to it that creates the perfect contrast.
Moving into the second third the cigar has notes of vanilla creme, nuts and a subtle earthiness. Around the halfway point a subtle caramel and walnuts begin to develop with a hint of floral on the finish. The retrohale has a lingering pepper on the finish while the front side has a quick hit of sourdough bread.
Moving into the final third the vegetal component Candela is known for appears in a very minimalistic way on the frontside, and slightly more on the finish. The cigar is still creamy with nuts and a subtle earthiness along with cedar shavings. The finish sees a touch of leather and is slightly floral while the retrohale serves up black peppercorns.
Conclusion: If you asked me to name the three best candela cigars in my smoking history (started in 1998) they would be La Flor Dominicana Double Claro 1st run circa 2012, Illusione HL Candela 1st run circa 2011. Those two in my opinion were phenomenal in their first run releases. The 3rd would be the ongoing RoMa Craft Fomorian. The Foundation Grasshopper Candela belongs in that conversation.
The problem with Candela wrappers is the cigar can be extremely vegetal in nature. The cigars that I named all have one thing in common, if you smoked them blindfolded you might have a hard time identifying them as being green. Kermit the Frog said it best, “It ain’t easy being green.” but if they were all like this they would definitely have an easier going.
Score: 93
Price: $16.25 each (Before any local or state taxes)
Site sponsor Small Batch Cigar has the The Grasshopper box in stock and while I haven’t had the San Andres version or the barber pole I would suggest buying a box just because of how good the Candela is. Use coupon code BARRELBURNER to save 10% bringing the down to $175.50
