Mission Zero
What do you get when you combine Plasencia production quality with 18-year-aged Nicaraguan long-fillers, an undisclosed wrapper that's undergone 5 years of aging, and a foot that has a patented "Cigar Lock" placed upon it? You've got the 1502 XO from Global Premium Cigars, and you more than likely have a reason to celebrate.
Although the Klaro Collection boasts its fair share of heavily aged tobacco blends, I cannot think of a single stick that contains this grade of vintage filler leaf. Outside of The Chisel by Flor Dominicana, I cannot recall a cigar that has a patent placed upon it either. Which, in this case, translates to a semi-closed foot that protects the open of the cigar, while providing an even burn as the smoker simultaneously samples the wrapper leaf firsthand.
A few other fun facts about the 1502 XO is that its binder is also Nicaraguan and aged for at least 18 years, and that one ligero leaf is used in the filler mixture, with the remainder being primarily viso instead of the typical, milder seco leaves. All of the blend's binder and filler tobaccos come from the top three growing regions in Nicaragua, including Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega. Additionally, GPC individually numbers each stick via a serial code on the band, which you do not see all that often on a cigar.
All rolled together, this leaves you with one hell of an intriguing top-dollar cigar, but at a price point that is competitive with something like a Padrón 1964. A blend that coincidentally also comes in pressed cigar format, and features serial numbers on its bands to prevent counterfeiting. But most of you are surely quite familiar with that smoke. Let's turn back toward this far less familiar cigar from GPC, and let's get to it, shall we?
Unlit Impressions
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- Wrapper
- Undisclosed
- Binder
- Undisclosed (Nicaragua)
- Filler
- Undisclosed (Nicaragua)
- Origin
- Nicaragua
Initial Smoke
Grilled meats over an open flame that have been dusted with Sri Lankan spices touch the palate first, as a concoction of oak and salt keep the whole barbecue party going. That base of sweetened black tea shows little sign of giving up either, with vintage wool sweaters, leather-bound books, and more Spanish cedar swirling around underneath. Smoke textures are already pushing past medium, and are oily to the touch, with a medium flow restriction from the tapered shoulder and head keeping the burn nice and cool.
1st Half
Chewy raw walnuts, roasted pecans, and sweeter roasted chestnuts turn a nutty first third into a sweet and salty mixture that is hard to contain. With the perfect dosage of clove and allspice on deck, this section of the stick stands as one of the best beginnings to a cigar money can buy, and retrohales only make it all the better. Oily and elegant on the palate, yet also a touch leathery and rugged-feeling in the hand at the same time, there's much to be admired as the smoke session officially gets underway.
Over time, these spice tastes, and the nutty creaminess that supersedes them, turns into this craft cola concoction int he second third, complete with that tease of bubbly fizz from the carbonation we all crave. This keeps the cigar from feeling too heavy, even though you know full-well that it is already rather full-bodied, and that the sweetness of the blend is growing syrupy. Tastefully done and devoid of any sharpness, bitterness, or overt spiciness, the blend slowly burns on, as I savor the aromatics pulled from the oily smoke filling the air.
2nd Half
Transitions slowly come to pass as the mixed tree nut notes from earlier gradually grow roasted, turning the cigar toward a darker, saltier, stronger set of tastes and scents. Still super oily in texture, the smoke takes on more soil and leather, while adding some controlled amounts of black licorice to each torpedo blast. Peppercorn notes, which were more of a retrohale tease in the first half, gradually gain strength, leaving you with an aftertaste that brings you back to those grilled umami notes from earlier. I find this discovery to be exceptionally tasty, and I like that it lingers for a lengthy period post exhale.
Oh, remember when I mentioned that there is a single ligero leaf added to the filler mixture that makes this blend? Well it may not be all that notable earlier on, but come the final third it really likes to make itself known, producing a taste that is sunny, heavily spiced, and a touch resinous. Combusting alongside all of that vintage viso filler leaf, the aromatics off the cigar take the stronger black tea tastes and turn them up in intensity, without going too bitter. Creamy milk coffee, stronger tree nut top notes, and the return of oak and cedar eventually form a triumphant finish to the final third, with the flavors and aromas of the cigar reaching all-star grade on virtually every level.
Parting Puffs
Spicy and herbal, but balanced by a syrupy sweetness, the very last section of the cigar brings back the leather in a big way, before focusing your attention almost entirely on black and exotic tea. The nub may get hot in the hand, but for those looking to venture further only glory awaits. Oily, heady, and still perfectly balanced, parting puffs are both a pleasure and a reminder that all good things must eventually come to an end.
Ash / Burn / Smoke / Draw
I have had mixed experiences with the burn quality of this blend. Some sticks combust cleanly and only require minor adjustments along the way, while my review stick encountered some larger combustion hiccups here and there. Either way, touches of the torch don't seem to faze flavor or smoke temps whatsoever, with draw quality being quite good from start to finish. The oiliness of the smoke is also a real standout with 1502 XO, for it not only adds body and magnitude to the whole smoking scenario, but it feels perfectly applied to the cigar blend itself.
Final Thoughts
Having this blend in our portfolio is both a joy and a privilege. While it may not be the most budget-minded blend in the Klaro Collection, the 1502 XO competes on a level with the greatest top-dollar cigars in the world. Fuente Opus X enthusiasts, Padron 1926 puffers, El Septimo smokers, and Plasencia Alma Fuerte Black fans will all surely appreciate this masterpiece for what it provides. Sure, there may be some burn issues here and there, but these same problems occur in even the world's most premium cigar blends, for they are all handmade products.
And while I cannot picture myself smoking a 1502 XO on a daily basis, for it is an incredibly complex, slow-burning cigar, I can see myself sparking one every other week or two after supper. This is one of those laid back, sit on the sofa with a pour of premium liquor sort of smokes. An A-grade vintage cigar with the body, strength, flavor, and aromatics to stand up to and complement even the most potent of adult beverages.
Finally, I must say that a little extra humidor conditioning really does do a lot for dialing down those spicier flavors. So sparking one up a few months down the line is only going to reward you with an even smoother session. Hell, after 18 years of aging, what's a few more months of humidor time, right?
Stogie Specs
| Cigar | Global Premium Cigars "1502 XO" |
| Wrapper | Undisclosed |
| Binder | Nicaragua |
| Filler | Nicaragua |
| Factory | Nicaragua |
| Size | 6½″ x 52 (Box-Pressed Torpedo) |
| Strength | Full |
| Pairing Drink | Hibiscus & Orange Iced Tea |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
- Wrapper
- Undisclosed
- Binder
- Undisclosed (Nicaragua)
- Filler
- Undisclosed (Nicaragua)
- Origin
- Nicaragua
The 1502 XO is a highly sought-after, limited-edition cigar from Global Premium Cigars (1502 brand), expertly handcrafted at Nicaragua’s renowned Plasencia factory.
The 1502 XO Torpedo shines as a medium-bodied, expertly crafted cigar that delivers a dynamic and evolving flavor journey—from spicy and fruity beginnings to smooth cedar, chocolate, and creamy finish—with a refined balance in strength and depth. The use of 18-year-aged tobaccos, meticulous construction by Plasencia, and the annual limited-run packaging (each cigar and box numbered) make this a collector’s favorite.
This cigar is perfect for smokers who appreciate expertly aged tobacco and a cigar that keeps rewarding throughout the experience.
