Battleground – 150: A Winner

Cigars come in all sizes and shapes.  And, after a while you’ll think that you’ve seen them all.  You haven’t.  There is always something else to come down the pike.  So, I wasn’t surprised when I heard about a cigar line that is named after and about the civil war.  I just thought it would be one more gimmicky undistinguished cigar.  I was wrong.  The folks at Battleground cigar, civil war buffs from Connecticut, where they actually know about tobacco, have made a very distinguished cigar.  This year they have made a vintage cigar to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war.  It comes in either a Connecticut broadleaf or maduro wrapper.

The cigar I smoked was named for General Wm. Tecumseh Sherman.  William Tecumseh Sherman was born in Lancaster, Ohio on February 8, 1820. He died rather unexpectedly on February 14, 1891. He was an destinguished American soldier, businessman, educator and author. He served as a General in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–65), for which he received recognition for his outstanding command of military strategy as well as criticism for the harshness of the “scorched earth” policies that he implemented in conducting total war against the Confederate States.

When I first inspected the cigar, I noticed the two bands.  And after removing them a very nice light brown cigar.  It had a clean wrapper and a nice firm feel.  I clipped the cigar and lit it without problem.

This stick is well rolled.  It has a firm feel and draws easily giving plenty of light smoke.  It burned evenly and held a crisp edge.  The ash, a nice almost white gray, tried to stay  long but fell after about an inch or so.  The cigar burned cool for the entire smoke.

The flavor was mild and one note.  There were notes of cream and coffee throughout.  At no time did the cigar present any spice or even a hint of zip.  If you like an early morning, or dare I say a’ middle of the night I can’t sleep’ smoke, this would be it.  After 40 minutes the cigar was done leaving no harsh aftertaste.  I was expecting a rough cigar and got something that I enjoyed.

At around $5.50 this is a reasonably priced cigar.  If you are looking for something quick and mild this is the ticket.