The Kristoff Tres Compadres is a tribute cigar to three friends. Kristoff owner Glen Case memorializes his friends who passed away. Rolando Villamil, the factory manager at the Charles Fairmorn factory where Kristoff produces its cigars, and Chuck Finch, Case’s best friend since high school. Add Glen Case to the mix and you got Tres Compadres.
Made at the Tabacalera von Eicken S.R.L. in the Dominican Republic these Nicaragua Puros feature the companies new packaging but more on that later…
Cigar Review: Kristoff Tres Compadres
Size: 5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua (Condega)
Filler: Nicaragua (Condega, Esteli, Jalapa)
Debut: October 2023
Box Count: 20
The Cigar: You can’t smoke the box, but the old packaging for Kristoff which features wood boxes and dark branding for the most part was also packaged in loose tobacco. The new packaging for the new releases such as Tres Compadres is bright and stands out on the shelf and brings new attention to the lines. The blue and gold band has three “coins” which showcase the three initials for whom the cigar is named. The dark wrapper isn’t disclosed but it has a few veins and not a lot of oils.
The Taste: The cold draw is earthy with barnyard component of wood and hay with subtle sour component while the aroma off the foot has has a hint of graham crackers and warm cocoa.
The first third is smooth and creamy with notes of damp cedar, earth and a touch of cocoa that intensifies as we approach the second third. The retrohale has some nuttiness along side some slightly burnt toast with a moderate finish.
As we smoke the second third the cocoa notes become the focal point until we pass the halfway point when cedar takes over along with some damp earth. The retrohale has a subtle amount of pepper with nuttiness and a touch of espresso.
The last third continues to provide a smooth and mellow profile with subtle notes of cedar, earth, espresso and a touch of cocoa that lingers on the moderate finish.
Conclusion: It’s hard to sum up the Kristoff Tres Compadres. It’s mild for a Nicaragua Puro and it comes off as more Dominican. With that said it is an enjoyable cigar albeit it with an identity issue. The flavors are toned down and none stand out too much, but its a relaxing cigar much like a comfort meal over a Michelin style dining experience.
Score: 91
Price: $9.50 (before local or state taxes)
