Article: Obsidian Cigar
Obsidian Cigar
Cigar Review — Whiskey Gambler
Obsidian
Brazilian Habano Ligero · Dominican Handmade · Full Body
WG Cigar Review ♠| Origin Dominican Republic | Wrapper Brazilian Habano Ligero | Binder Criollo '98 | Strength Full Body | Price ~$3–$6 |
The Setup
You judge a cigar by its cover — and the Obsidian doesn't disappoint on first impression. That near-black, oily Brazilian Habano Ligero wrapper is something else. Dark, toothy, veined like a topographic map, and dripping with oils. It looks like it means business before you even strike a match. Packed in jet black Spanish cedar boxes, this stick carries serious shelf presence. For what it costs, nothing else touches it.
This is a Dominican handmade from the same house that built Pinar del Rio — Cuban-seed long fillers from Nicaragua and the DR, held together by a Criollo '98 binder known for cream and soft spice. The architecture is sound. The blend is dark and meaty. And the price? Almost embarrassingly fair. I've paid four times this for cigars that didn't come close.
On the cold draw — sweet cedar. Classic. The cap is clean, the cut is smooth, and the moment it lights, you know you're in for a ride. Dense, billowing smoke from the jump. This cigar does not ease you in.
Tasting Notes
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First Third
Leather and roasted nuts hit right out of the gate — thick and chewy. Black pepper builds on the retrohale. 10 minutes in and the smoke gets rich and earthy, almost meaty. Burn runs slightly wavy but draws effortlessly. The ash is a firm mid-gray. This third sets the tone: powerful, unapologetic, and complex from the start. |
Second Third
This is where the Obsidian shows its depth. Rich espresso and dark earth move to the front. A savoriness emerges — not quite sweet, not quite savory, somewhere in between, like the finish of a good steak. Red pepper joins the party mid-way. Smoke output is heavy. The flavors aren't just stacking — they're evolving. Complexity is real here. |
Final Third
Red pepper and espresso return strong. A wave of toasted nuttiness comes back from the first third, and the experience closes with earthiness and a long, lingering finish. Slight woody undertone near the nub. It gets a touch warm — this is full-strength — but never harsh. Smoked it to the absolute nub. No regrets. |
WG Scorecard
| Draw | ★★★★★ | Effortless pull, excellent construction throughout |
| Construction | ★★★★★ | Rock solid — burn can run slightly wavy but self-corrects |
| Flavor | ★★★★★ | Espresso, leather, pepper, earth, cream — a full ride |
| Complexity | ★★★★★ | Evolves well third to third — transitions are genuine |
| Value | ★★★★★ | At this price, it's not even close — punches way above weight |
"Dark, meaty, and dangerously underpriced."
The Verdict
The Obsidian is what every value cigar wishes it could be. The wrapper alone stops conversations — people ask about it before you finish the first third. Bold, full-bodied, and packed with real flavor: espresso, leather, pepper, cream, and earth cycling through in a way that never gets boring. For collectors who want power without pretense and connoisseurs who refuse to overpay for the same experience — this is your play. It pairs beautifully with a high-rye bourbon or a peated Scotch. Stock your humidor with a box. You'll smoke through it faster than you think.
Affiliate Partner — Cigars International
Ready to Add the Obsidian to Your Rotation?
Cigars International carries the full Obsidian lineup — multiple vitolas, box quantities, and some of the best pricing you'll find anywhere. If this review moved the needle, don't sleep on it. Stock your humidor right.
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