SBC stands for Surrounded by Champions, a limited edition cigar first released by Powstanie in 2016. The SBC 22 which was released at the end of 2023 marks the fourth release in the series (SBC 16, SBC 18, and SBC 20). If the company follows suit at some point this year we should see SBC 24.
Like all other SBC cigars they come in one size a corona gorda measuring 5.5 x 46 in 20 count boxes.
Cigar Review: Powstanie SBC 22
Size: 5.5 x 46 (Corona Gorda)
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos NicaSueno S.A.
Release Date: December 2023
Production: Limited Edition (500 Boxes)
Box Size: 20 Cigars
The Cigar: Perhaps because they are made at NicaSueno the factory that produces RoMaCraft, I can’t help but think these remind me a lot of the Sabertooth. If there is one notable difference the barber pole seems to be wider but without one on hand I am just going by memory. The band featuring a purple on purple Powstanie logo has a neon green tag denoting SBC22. In the hand the cigar is firm to the touch with no voids of tobacco and an average weight to it. The wrappers have some subtle oils and some visible veins, none of which are concerning.
The Taste: The cold draw is reminiscent of cookie dough an there is a touch of prune sweetness present as well. The aroma from the foot mimics the cold draw though it isn’t as potent. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is a subtle amount of pepper to begin.
Moving into the first third there is a subtle apricot present along side some subtle earth and a sprinkling of pepper notes. While I wouldn’t describe the cigar a full in terms of flavor it is enjoyable. As the first third comes to a close a subtle citrus and coffee component begin to develop and smoke production begins to ramp up. The retrohale helps increase of of the citrus with a touch of floral.
The second half of the cigar sees the flavors intensify with notes of cocoa and raisin. Around the halfway point the cocoa is replaced by a well defined mocha over a canvas of earth. The raisin sweetness lingers on the finish where it is intensified by the retrohale that also sees pepper slowly increasing in vibrancy.
The final third sees a game of give and take between cocoa and mocha as the dominant flavor profile. There is still some raisin sweetness and for the first time some vanilla shows up from time to time. The cigar also has some added pepper on the finish of the cigar.
Conclusion: Kudos to Powstanie for actually using a horizontal band and having the text in the right direction. Despite having only 500 boxes release I was shocked to find these in stock when I purchased them for review 16 months after the release. This makes no sense to me because the Sabertooth from RoMaCraft sells out almost instantly and these are a solid alternative.While they are a bit pricey, purchasing some is a no brainer.
Score: 94
Price: $17.00 (before any local or state taxes)
You can find the Powstanie SBC22 at Small Batch Cigar and if you use the coupon code BARRELBURNER you can save 10% off your order.
