Robert Caldwell has emerged as one of the vital modern players in the 'Boutique Cigars' category.
It's a category everyone understands, but it is hard to put it into words; basically, it's a smallish brand, usually headed by a lone ranger kind of cigarmaker with a license to experiment, push the boundaries - and have fun while making great cigars.
This fits Caldwell perfectly. A formidable presence, the former basketball player is a skyscraper of a man, laid back in the extreme, and he most definitely thinks outside the box. That's why his cigars appeal to the contrarian cigar smokers among us.
Want to dip a toe in the waters of the Caldwell empire? Allow us to be your guide to the most popular of the brand, according to our customers...
1. Caldwell Long Live The King Lock Stock Belicoso
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Belicoso
Size: 5 x 52
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder/Filler: Proprietary / Proprietary
Wrapper Type: Corojo
Fat and full bodied, the Caldwell Belicoso will wake you up with a start.
An aged Corojo wrapper blended with a smörgåsbord of tobaccos from around the world, this cigar is made with Caldwell's long-term cigarmaking accomplices, the Ventura brothers of the Dominican Republic.
This cigar was crafted for those who love a full-bodied experience and is arguably the fullest bodied cigar offered by Caldwell.
2. Caldwell Blind Man's Bluff Habano Toro
Country of Origin: Honduras
Shape: Toro
Size: 6 x 52
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder/Filler: Honduras / Dominican Republic, Honduras
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Habano
Who doesn't love a tasty Toro?
Add in a veritable collection of leaves, such as an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Criollo binder, San Vicente fillers from the Dominican Republic, Criollo ligero, and a blast of power from a ligero Caldwell himself calls Generoso Ligero Sol hailing from Honduras, and you begin to have an idea of the palette from which he is painting.
The flavor offers a satisfying medium to full-bodied smoke with notes of caramel, light pepper, and earthy undertones.
3. Caldwell Long Live The Queen Queen's Court
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 52
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder/Filler: Sumatra / Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Cameroon
Cameroon wrapper is one of the things that quickens the pulse of most cigar makers.
It is almost universally appreciated, with a pleasing taste and texture, and adds the 'cherry on the top' of a multitude of cigar blends.
Long Live The Queen is no exception, with trademark sweetness vying with spice in a medium to full blend of great complexity, featuring an Indonesian-grown Sumatra binder and both Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers.
4. Caldwell The King Is Dead The Last Payday Torpedo
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Torpedo
Size: 6 x 52
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Maduro
Binder/Filler: Proprietary / Proprietary
Wrapper Type: Negrito
With a dangerously oily looking wrapper of what Caldwell calls Negrito leaf, The Last Payday Torpedo utilizes a host of 'secret' proprietary tobaccos which combine into an astonishing, show-stopping cigar experience.
On the palate, you get a delicious whirlwind of cream, citrus fruit, cocoa, spice and sweetness.
This cigar has everything you want—rich complexity and bold flavor. The kind of smoke that makes you pause and savor every moment.
5. Caldwell The King Is Dead Premier
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 1/2 x 50
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Maduro
Binder/Filler: Proprietary / Proprietary
Wrapper Type: Negrito
As above, this time in the ubiquitous Robusto size. This stick is so fantastic and popular that we included another size.
Pull up a chair, pour up some whiskey, and sequester yourself away for an hour or so to give yourself a window into Robert Caldwell's remarkable world.
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About the Author:
The Atlantic Cigar Staff is a team of seasoned cigar aficionados with over 25 years of experience. As part of the Atlantic Cigar family for decades, our experts know cigars inside out. We share our passion for premium, handmade cigars with enthusiasts worldwide. Our friendly and knowledgeable team guides both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers to the perfect smoke. We're always eager to share our love of cigars with you.