This review marks the first time that I have ever assessed a cigar from Hiram & Solomon for an assignment. In fact, I've only smoked a handful of their cigars over the years, and we've only just recently started stocking a select few blends from them.
But with the need for a Cigar of the Month (COTM) shakedown on the schedule, and an intriguing list of tobacco strain on the build sheet, I hunkered down with the Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect for a little bit of one-on-one time.
It's a blend with a potent corojo wrapper hailing from Nicaragua, an equally robust, yet undisclosed Nicaraguan binder, and a filler bill that includes two kinds of ligero from Nicaragua, as well as a pinch of tobacco from Paraguay. Those of you who have been following my on-screen and written charades surely know that this kind of stogie cocktail is right up my alley, and it all starts with that oily red leaf wrapper...
Unlit Impressions
Auburn red in color, and oilier than any other corojo I've smoked all year, the outside of this smoke is fantastic in almost every way. Alright, so there were some discolored chlorophyll blemishes here and there on my review stick, but beyond that, both smokes were A-grade all the way when it came to unlit appeal. All the way up until I gave them a sniff, and everything went a bit wonky on me.
Fermented in a funky sense of the word, scents of overly ripe dark fruit and berries, and a meaty, umami-like secondary scent that went well beyond leather left my mind in a tizzy. The foot smelled even stronger, too, with a musty, dusty top note quickly shifting to one of balsa wood, dried bubblegum, brown sugar, and that familiar funk from heavy tobacco fermentation.
Unlit cap cut, and cold pulls provided more of that overly ripe dark fruit flavor, as well as an odd woodiness that was more than just a bit of balsa and a smidgen of cedar. Meanwhile, coarse cracked pepper and a beef jerky taste sat in the back, with a light coating of barbecue sauce sitting on top.
Banding-wise, this blend takes the same label design as the other cigars from the boutique brand and gives it a medium cobalt blue touch, with the name of the blend stamped underneath. Nothing out of the ordinary, but an instantly recognizable branding methodology nonetheless.
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Initial Smoke
Once lit, this meaty corojo immediately releases a rich, smoky, burnt wood taste. This charred tannin taste is cushioned by some hearty leather hide, salt and cinnamon, sun-grown corojo spiciness, and a fermented earthen funkiness.
1st Half
By the time the first third settles in, the wood-like boldness of the blend turns toward a floral bouquet for balance. This turns the toasted woodiness into something tropical and somewhat exotic tasting, which I presume can be attributed to that tobacco strain from Paraguay within the filler mix. Meanwhile, retrohales are smooth and meaty, with the savory note being backed by the scent of tarragon and dried jerky.
Outside of that mustiness that was found in prelight assessments, not much in the way of a sizable transition can be found in the start of the second third. Instead, the mixture of umami meatiness and that assemblage of charred oak and tropical tree trunks grows, and the meaty, peppercorn-studded retrohale gradually increases in strength. All together, this makes for a medium, barely medium-full cigar composition.
2nd Half
Growing fuller in body, this hearty corojo throws another log on the fire, and the aromatic entry of tea and the tannins they embody bloom. As the taste of smoked jerky grows in strength, the smoke becomes sweeter, and a rich, roasted macadamia note turns the already impressive cigar flavor profile into an even more rewarding taste and aroma. Textbook corojo citrus and peppery tingles take the tongue down an even more enjoyable side quest, as the strength of the cigar builds to medium-full.
Parting Puffs
Settling into a classic corojo mode, the last section of the cigar is unexpectedly light and tangy. A clean, somewhat dry last section that stays true to the tropical toasted wood notes that have been the heart of this blend since the moment it was removed from its cellophane.
Ash / Burn / Smoke / Draw
Both cigars burned were admirably good when it came to their burn, as well as flow and smoke creation. That said, I noticed that this blend does tend to burn a bit quickly and is therefore susceptible to overheating if puffed in earnest. I also found that the ash that builds is quick to drop, but very white, and hides a perfectly shaped cone.
Final Thoughts
Despite being a bit similar in composition for much of its burn time, the Grand Architect makes for a fantastic, stronger, meatier, somewhat unconventional corojo smoke. It's definitely a hearty mouthful, and thanks to its umami moments and distinct wood touches, I can see barbecue enthusiasts appreciating it more than anyone.
I also enjoyed how the more delicate moments in the cigar stood out enough to not only be noted, but savored. Oftentimes, this made the depth of the cigar flavor profile feel quite elaborate, and the retrohale even more mesmerizing. It may not be the ideal corojo for everyone out there, and likely won't be a top pick for most people on the hunt for an EDC smoke, but that isn't this blend's purpose in life.
Instead, save this one for a bit of time spent around the campfire with a snifter of the good stuff. That, or for when that smoker is in full swing, and you've got a couple hours to kill and are craving a medium-full blend with a boat-load of character.
Flavor, Aroma & Transitions
Depth & Complexity
Construction, Burn & Physical Appeal
Backstory & Branding
Overall Balance & Repeatability
Stogie Specs
|
Cigar |
Hiram & Solomon "Grand Architect" |
|
Wrapper |
Corojo (Nicaragua) |
|
Binder |
Nicaragua |
|
Filler |
Ligero (Estelí & Jalapa Nicaragua) & Paraguay |
|
Factory |
Nicaragua |
|
Size |
5″ x 52 (Robusto) |
|
Strength |
Medium-Full |
|
Pairing Drink |
Honey Ginger & Lemon Bourbon Highball |
|
Rating |
4.5/5 |