Highclere Castle Victorian - By Foundation Cigars
- Jay Grubby
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
The Leaf
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: 5 1/2 x 46 (Corona)
Body: Medium
Strength: Medium
Purchased At: Provided to me for review by Creekside Cigar Co.
Personal Rating: 8.75 / 10 - A Tale Worthy Smoke!
If you like this, you might also like: E.P. Carrillo Pledge of Allegiance, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sin Compromiso Selección No. 5, HVC Cerro, Warped La Hacienda
What We Do Here
The beauty of cigars isn’t just in the smoke... it’s in the ritual, the memory, the lore. Each review starts with the basics: how it smokes, how it tastes, whether it’s worth lighting up again or buying a box. Then, for those chasing the full story, we peel back the layers, deeper notes, subtleties, and the craft behind the leaf. At the end, we leave you with a little folklore to match the mood. Because around here, the smoke always carries a story.
Casual Take
Smooth, rich, and well built from start to finish. Dark chocolate, white pepper, oak, and a gentle creaminess carry through the whole experience. The retrohale shines with spice and a touch of nutmeg. A solid burn, flawless construction, and enough complexity to keep you engaged without overwhelming.
Deep Burn
Pre-light: The wrapper greets you with the scent of milk chocolate covered raisins and barnyard hay. Firmly packed with a lightly oily sheen, it promises something well crafted before the flame even touches it.
First third: Dark chocolate; think 75% cocoa, sets the tone Joined by a sharp white pepper on the retrohale. There’s a savory, earthy depth, reminiscent of smoked meat. The smoke output is generous, with a creamy texture that softens the edges of the pepper. A pleasant oak finish lingers, while a distinct nutmeg note plays alongside the spice on the retro. Construction and burn are flawless.
Second third: The profile holds steady, with bitter dark chocolate and oaky dryness taking center stage. A subtle cherry note flitters in and out as well. White pepper moves forward in the mix, especially through the retrohale. That creamy mouthfeel remains, cushioning the spice and keeping things balanced.
Final third: The chocolate begins to fade, replaced by a mellowed pepper and lingering oak. The finish is long and smooth, bringing the cigar to a calm, refined close. Overall, this is a well executed medium bodied smoke that earns its 8.75 rating, A Tale Worthy Smoke.
The Heart of the Leaf
The Highclere Castle Victorian is a study in balance. Bold enough to be memorable, yet composed enough to be approachable. The interplay between chocolate, oak, and spice is seamless, with a creamy texture tying it all together. It’s a cigar that rewards patience, never rushing, always delivering consistent flavor. A fine choice when you want something rich, but not overpowering.
The Lore
In 19th-century England, cigars were more than indulgence, they were a symbol of refinement. At Highclere Castle itself, stories tell of long evenings in the library, where lords and guests lingered over spirits and hand rolled cigars brought from far flung corners of the Empire. The Victorian blend captures that atmosphere. The elegance of oak paneled rooms, the warmth of amber light, and the quiet satisfaction of a well earned smoke. Lighting this up is like stepping into that history, a moment where time slows, conversation deepens, and the air is heavy with both tobacco and tradition.
Thsi cigar was provided to me for review by Creekside Cigar Co.
