The Herrera Esteli Inktome Edicion Limitada 2024 is exlusive to Maxamar Cigars and their on-line business, Small Batch Cigar.
Small Batch Cigar is taking their limited edition release game to the next level. We’ve reviewed limited edition releases from Foundation Cigars, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, SOMM and now Drew Estate. This is just the tip of the iceberg for the California based retailer.
Master Blender Willy Herrera, the artisan behind this cigar shares his enthusiasm for the new release, “Each Inktome cigar is a narrative, woven from the finest tobaccos and crafted into a masterpiece of flavor. This exclusive release for Maxamar and Small Batch Cigar is no exception. It’s not just a cigar; it’s an experience, a rare treasure that we are proud to offer to the discerning cigar smoker.”
Andrew Considine, Head Cigar Smoker at Small Batch Cigar, adds, “The Herrera Estelí Tienda Exclusiva Inktome is more than just a cigar—it’s a commitment to excellence. This exclusive partnership with Drew Estate allows us to provide our customers with a unique, memorable smoking journey that can’t be found anywhere else. We’re excited to bring something truly special to our community.”
We say….
Cigar Review: Herrera Esteli Inktome EL 2024
Size: 6 x 46 (Box Pressed Corona Gorda)
Wrapper: Dark Ecuador Habano
Binder: Honduras
Fillers: Nicaragua
Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua
Release Date: August 2024
Box Count: 10 Count Box
The Cigar: The Herrera Esteli Inktome features the red, white and gold Herrera Esteli Band, the Ecuador Habano wrapper is darker then normal, but I am not sure if is dark enough to warrant the “Dark Ecuador Habano” designation. There is a subtle reddish brown Colorado hue to it and a few veins that stand out. In the hand the cigar has no voids of tobacco and a well packed foot with a heavy weight for the size.
The Taste: The slightly sour and grassy cold draw has a familiarity that reminds me of the smell the woods and a morning that there is a high dew point. The foot of the Inktome has a subtle pepper that causes a delayed sneeze and some leather and more damp wood. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is an abundance of brown sugar.
Smoking the first third of the cigar I can’t help but think this could be Willy Herrera’s greatest creation. There are notes of brown sugar, chocolate and pepper. The pepper which lingers on the aroma creates a great contrast to the sweetness of brown sugar and chocolate. The retrohale has some subtle cream to it with the addition of some cedar.
Moving into the second third the notes of brown sugar begin to fade at the halfway point while chocolate and cedar becoming more dominant. As the second third comes to a close it becomes incredibly creamy with notes of vanilla creme and a touch of leather. The retrohale is woodsy with addition creme and a subtle pepper on the lingering finish.
The final third is an act of sadness as it slowly comes to a close. There is delicious notes of mocha, vanilla, leather and cedar. The notes of the cigar expertly intertwine creating a majestic flavor profile that is enhanced on the retrohale that sees the addition of more vanilla creme and some red pepper.
Conclusion: When we do our cigar of the year near the end of December we might need to change how we do things. We allow limited production to make the list, but not limited editions. This cigar makes me want to rethink that decision. In the end, I probably won’t change things but this cigar is in the discussion for the best cigar to be released in 2024.
This incredible cigar was balanced, rich and tasty until the last puff. It is one of the best Herrera Esteli cigars ever blended and should be a multiple box purchase.
Score: 96
Price: $13.00 (Small Batch Exclusive)
The Herrera Esteli Inktome is available from Small Batch Cigar and if you used the coupon code BARRELBURNER you can save 10%. You must be logged into SBC for the coupon code to work.
