Apostate Cigars keeps proving they are not just another name sitting on the shelf. Their blends come with a story, the branding is different, and the cigars have enough personality to make you stop and pay attention. The Sword of Laban is Apostate No. 5 in their lineup, a 7.25 x 47 Churchill made at Tabacalera Palma in the Dominican Republic under Jochy Blanco’s supervision. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, Mexican San Andrés binder, and Dominican filler.
Right away, this cigar has that classic long Churchill feel. It is not something you rush. This is one you settle in with, pour a drink, and let it open up. Apostate describes it as the “softer side of Corojo,” and that is a good way to look at it. It has flavor, but it does not come out swinging just to prove a point. It is more controlled, more refined, and built for someone who likes to sit with a cigar and pick up the little changes as it burns.
The Review :
On the first light, I get a nice mix of wood, and what I believe to be cashews, or unsalted nuts. The Corojo gives it some character, but it is not overly sharp or harsh. As it gets going, the cigar starts to smooth out and brings in notes of chocolate, spice, nuts, and some sweetness I could not figure out.
The middle of the cigar is where The Sword of Laban really starts to show what it is about. The spice backs down a little, the smoke gets smoother, and that nutty sweetness starts to come forward. There is still enough earth and cedar to keep it grounded, but the profile stays balanced. This cigars is a slow-building cigar that rewards you for paying attention.
Construction-wise, this Churchill cigar delivers what you want. A cigar like this must burn properly, or it becomes a hassle. The draw was comfortable, the smoke output was consistent, and the burn was flawless. Considering its size, you get a longer smoking session, so I’d categorize this as a cigar for when you have the time to savor it.
Personally, I think a darker coffee or a good bourbon would fit right into the Barrel Burners lane with this one.
Final Impressions:
Overall, I did really enjoy The Sword of Laban it is a smooth, flavorful, medium-style smoke with depth to keep it interesting from start to finish. This cigar is not about overpowering you or being the loudest in the humidor. It’s a well-crafted, story-driven cigar with a clean flavor profile and a pleasant progression.
Barrel Burners verdict: The Sword of Laban is a cigar worth making time for. This cigar is a Churhill and deserves you attention and time. Light it when you can slow down, sip something good, and let the cigar do its thing. This one has enough flavor for experienced smokers, but it is balanced enough that it will not scare off someone looking to explore Apostate for the first time.
Jason Antee – Founder
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