The moment I first clasped eyes on the vibrant, Día de los Muertos-inspired branding that sets Rojas Cigars apart from everyone else, I knew that I was in for a treat. 

Adding further appeal to my attraction was the actual name of the cigar itself. I mean, it's kind of hard to walk past a stogie called "Street Tacos Barbacoa" and not think to yourself, "I wonder if it actually tastes like barbacoa?"

And so I set some time aside the other night to smoke and review this Ecuadorian Sumatra-wrapped cigar. Not knowing that it was about to completely rock my world... and make me want to eat some savory street tacos. 

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Unlit Impressions 

There truly is no mistaking a Rojas cigar for a competitor's product. That banding and branding just pops. Gold, orange, and black cartoon-like, even the two-tone lettering on the band is just as fun as it is informative. 

Its shiny, and surprisingly smooth Sumatran cigar wrapper makes an equally impressive statement, with a partially closed foot finishing things off. The construction feels flawless as well, from cleanly affixed cap to tightly bunched filler. 

All forms of earthy, spiced tea and licorice aromas are on board too, giving this stick the power to make you drool even before lighting the damn thing up. 

Initial Smoke

Strength quickly gives way to a medium-strength spiced smoke after the first five minutes. Body-wise, it's a slightly salty, chewy sort of smoke that coats the mouth, and there are some doughy, buttered bread flavors at first.

1st Half

These tastes soon transform into a salted potato chip taste. As the blend burns, you get some mixed black and white pepper heat on the back of the throat, but nothing too intense. This is offset by some secondary notes of umami meatiness.

The emergence of the flavor (and aroma) of sandalwood and spiced exotic teas tell you that the cigar flavor profile is about to shift into Sumatran territory. This is a bit of a late start for something that seems so Sumatran from an unlit angle.

2nd Half 

As those recognizable spiced Sumatran tobacco tastes evolve, so too does the quality of the smoke itself. Columns of the stuff plume outward, leaving behind a long finish that is a sweet and salty winning combo. 

This eventually transforms into a parmesan popcorn flavor, which is a bit reminiscent of the potato chip taste in the first third, but far more umami oriented. There's also a subtle, sweet aftertaste that is earthy in taste and richer in texture than before.

Parting Puffs 

Parting puffs are packed with more meaty goodness and a grab for fuller strength. But the blend holds back a bit, and instead, you are given some final Sumatran spice notes, a bit of leather, and a long, dark finish that is layered within the folds of all that chewy smoke.

Ash / Burn / Smoke / Draw 

Rojas is known for its affinity for rolling smaller ring gauge cigars. But that doesn't mean that they are quick smokes. The Barbacoa version of "Street Tacos" burned slow and cool for almost two hours. Which is impressive considering its slight size.

Smoke, draw, burn, ash... these all scored high points for this vitola and the Rojas brand. Just a solid performer on every level.

Final Thoughts 

May you be a Sumatran cigar wrapper fan like myself, or just a fan of medium cigars with superior construction, flavor, and unique branding, this savory stick is for you.

Although the blend could have benefitted from more Sumatran flavors and aromas earlier on, that was my only major qualm with the Barbacoa version of "Street Tacos." But there was so much more to like within this cigar-smoking experience, that I almost forgot my wanting in the first third of the barrel.

So if you'll excuse me. I've got to go snag some cervezas, lather up a few elotes, and prepare for my next cigar from Rojas. Oh, look. That's where I left that bowl of sliced limes...

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