Xhxahi Bobi Halloween LCA 2021

What is known about this cigar? At OGT, this isn’t the first time it has reared its ‘Halloween’ face before. This cigar, now over a year of age, the Xhxahi Bobi Halloween, has returned, or should I say, resurfaced. Bob de Goede, or “Xhxahi Bobi” crafted this cigar for the LCA release of October last year. It gained a fair amount of buzz and seemed to move quickly. If you smoke this cigar, perhaps you will understand why. But, once again, not much information is out there about this cigar, and perhaps about Xhxahi himself.

Who is he? Bob de Goede gets his nickname, ‘Xhaxhi’ from Albania. The word means “uncle,” which de Goede was given after working at a mine in the country. At his start, he crafted cigar boxes for other countries, which lead him to make them for himself, and in turn, his own cigars. He and Hendrik Kelner Jr. developed a relationship and made cigars from the Dominican Republic. His brand is distributed by Casdagli and Lampert here in the US. His cigars carry the distinct flavor signature that one expects in the Bobi line. Leaning heavily on the flavor aspect instead of strength, his cigars can be enjoyed by virtually everyone, new or veteran to cigar smoking.

As for the Xhxahi Bobi Halloween, it was made special for the LCA last year and has been resting quietly for a year now. This is a full-flavored, medium to full body, medium-strength Dominican cigar. Its high marks are its silky smoke, flavor notes, and on-point construction. This sports a dark, smooth Mexican San Andres wrapper and underneath an interesting Broadleaf from Pennsylvania. The fillers are a mix of Nicaraguan and Dominican. The flavors boast a Mexican hot chocolate sweetness, cedar, hints of pumpkin spice, and zero pepper. In a way, it’s a perfect, easy-going fall cigar. And if you have the opportunity to light it up, I suggest pairing it with a sweeter coffee or chi tea.