Nothing lasts forever in this world, and premium cigar blends are not immune to this impermanence. May it be due to supply chain issues, crop disease, drought, or lack of consumer interest, countless smokes have come and gone over the years, many of which are never to be seen again. 

So when Caldwell Cigar Co. contacted us a few weeks back, asking if we would like the last few boxes of The Last Tsar we jumped at the opportunity of procuring what will soon be an extinct smoke. Intended to pay homage to the final monarch of Russia, Nicholas II, this full-bodied, full-flavored cigar is a glorious blend constructed from some very mysterious, and unusual tobacco.

According to Caldwell, the specific strain of tobacco used for the wrapper is a hybrid form of Brazilian arapiraca leaf that has been grown down in Ecuador. For years, fans of Brazilian tobacco strains, and rich, soil-centric maduro cigars have raved about the earthy rainforest, creamy cocoa, creamy coffee, and citrus zest notes found within the blend. While this wrapper leaf may be used in another smoke from the boutique cigar brand, it is processed differently and aged for longer prior to cloaking the shoulders of The Last Tsar.

And while Caldwell has not disclosed the reasoning behind the blend's retirement, we get the feeling that it has to do with supply issues more than anything. It's a shame to see such a splendid smoke disappear, but we also count ourselves incredibly fortunate (and grateful) for being offered the last few boxes of this blend before it vanishes.