Update to the Conde of Kings Cigars

Kings Cigars began in 2010 but appears to have released their first cigars to much success at the 2013 IPCPR. In the summer of 2014 I reviewed their Conde 5 X 52 robusto and rated it an overall 4.0 out of 5. In 2015 Kings Cigars indicated to me that they adjusted the blend of the Conde and provided me with another sample robusto. According to my Wikipedia translator, Conde is the title of Earl or Count.

The re-blended Conde continues with the same San Andres maduro wrapper and the binder is now undisclosed instead of the previous Habano Criollo. Conversely, the filler is now identified as aged Esteli Seco and Jalapa Viso instead of being proprietary and undisclosed.

The updated Conde was firm and has the same dark San Andres wrapper that reliably delivers sweetness throughout the smoke. The draw and ash were as good as before, as was the creamy smoke and even burn. The cocoa/coffee was exactly the same as the prior blend but the flavor profile now included molasses in addition to the original spice and pepper.

The Conde is a fairly mild bodied cigar, lasted 1 hour and with a price of $5.4 to $6 represents a very good value. I raise the Conde rating to 4.5 out of 5.