The world of small batch and boutique cigars is ever evolving. Ezra Zion is taking it to the next level. They are producing some of the most unique blends and flavor profiles in the game. While there are many cigars to review form their company, today we will focus on just one. Root Beer Float 2020 was very interesting from the day it released. Below you will find the review of an amazing boutique cigar.
STATS:
Brand: Ezra Zion
Line: Root Beer Float 2020
Profile: Medium
Wrapper: 9-year aged Corojo 99
Length: 6.5 inches
Vitola: Belisco
Gauge: 54
Country: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Binder: Undisclosed
Tobacco Age: 8 - 10 years
Pricing: (Pack of 5) - $69.95
(per stick) - $13.99
First Impression:
As soon as I stumbled across Ezra Zion cigars I was intrigued. Small batched, with typical production of somewhere between 300 and 500 cigars per release, these sticks are usually sold out within hours of being released. If you are lucky enough as I am to follow a good boutique focused cigar shop on social media, you may gain a lucky second chance at acquiring one or even several of the limited quantity they may have gotten their hands on. With names like Sugar Cookie or Red Velvet Cake, these sticks sound like they will be too good of a treat to pass up. When I discovered Root Beer Float 2020, I knew I just had to try it. Root Beer Float is a well-constructed cigar with a band that reminds me of a retro root beer/burger stand once visited as a child.
Pre-Smoke Ritual:
Cut was made with a Xikar Xi3 cutter. The cold draw of this cigar revealed notes of vanilla, leather, and coffee with a mild hint of licorice in the background. A nice even toast and it was ready to be lit.
Lighting, Draw, and Burn:
Following the toast lighting the cigar was a breeze. The draw was just right, not too tight, not too loose allowing for an easy mouth full of creamy smoke. The burn was even to about halfway. While the burn did become slightly uneven at this point no touch ups were necessary.
Flavor:
The first third of this cigar brings forth the same flavors experienced in the cold draw but intensified. Creaminess with notes of vanilla, leather, and coffee were forward with a hint of pepper noted in the background. At halfway notes of pepper become more noticeable along with flavors of coffee and almond becoming stronger. As I approached the final third, subtle hints of licorice make their presence known with the retrohale. Pepper seemed to fade away leaving foremost flavors of almond, leather, and some notes of oak.
My Preference:
This cigar did not spend long in my humidor. I let it rest for three days and then just had to try it. My cut was made with a Xikar Xi3 cutter. Lighting was done with a Palio single flame butane lighter.
Final Thoughts:
Overall this was a very pleasant smoke. With a production of only 495 cigars, I’m glad I was able to get my hands on two packs of these before they were sold out. I do wish I tried this cigar with a cup of coffee or even a glass of root beer as I think the flavor profiles of both the cigar and the beverage would compliment each other making both even more delicious. After getting my hands on these cigars it’s no wonder they sell out so quickly. If you have the opportunity to get your hands on a single, 5 pack, or more I would highly recommend you do so. You will not be disappointed.