Stallone Azabache Maduro Box Pressed

You know when you have a favorite cigar, you’ve smoked it many times, and then your eye is caught by all the new shiny things, so you end up smoking different blends? Later, you find your way back to that favorite and rediscover how much you enjoy that cigar. Well, that happened to me recently with Stallone Azabache Maduro, especially in the box pressed toro size. The Stallone Cigars core line is made up of a fantastic, diverse spread of cigars called the Cowboy series. Within this six-cigar lineup is the Nicaraguan Maduro, a puro that sports a dark, oily wrapper. I suppose the easiest way to pick this cigar out from the others is the color of the foot band. Each stick is encased in cedar, and at the bottom, a swatch of ribbon. The Stallone Azabache Maduro is saddled with a black foot band.

Tony Barrios, Blender and Owner of Stallone Cigars uses superb primings of tobacco that are well-translated in his cigars. It’s one of those brands that smoke way above their price point. The Azabache Maduro is wrapped in a beautiful Habano 2000 Maduro wrapper, over a Nicaraguan Binder and Filler. According to Tony, he says, “Every Horse and Cigar, has its own unique personality and character. The name of each cigar can be identified by the color of the cigar’s wrapper, resembling the color of the horse in Spanish. The Azabache flavor has some black pepper, coffee bean, sweetness, dark cocoa, and toast.”

Tony is on the money with the spice, dark Chocolate, and coffee. The first time I lit this cigar, I thought Coffee was the biggest note that stood out. It also offers a well-balanced strength that is satisfying but not overpowering. There is definitely some earth and leather in there as well. I suggest a pairing of rum, maybe Plantation or El Dorado 15, if you want more sweetness added. It might work with a light-spice rye or a cup of sweetened coffee too. The construction is always on point, and this is one of those cigars I say is box worthy. Do yourself a favor and light up a Stallone Azabache Maduro, you won’t be disappointed.