Southern Draw has been exploding on the cigar scene for a while now and has been releasing from very interesting cigar lines. One of their more popular blends in the Cedrus released initially in 2018 at IPCPR. The Cedrus pay homage to the Lebanese Cedar tree that has been used for a few millennia in woodworking in that area as well as heavily used in the cigar industry. Last year, it was released in a special torpedo size called the “Hogan”, but this year at ICPRP, Southern Draw, extended the line with 4 new sizes. You can see our full interview with Robert Holt here about all the new releases for 2019.
- Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra
- Binder: Nicaraguan Habano 2000
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Size: 6 x 52
- Vitola: Toro
- MSRP: $12.50
Pre-Light
The Southern Draw Cedrus toro is a very well rolled cigar. The wrapper is a silky smooth medium brown wrapper with a greenish-gray tint to it. The Cedrus features a nice box press with a well-applied cap. The band is predominately green with gold accents and ivory colored fonts which is striking. I cut the cap with my v-cut and tested the draw which is a little tight. I got notes of the leather, bread, and earthy notes on the cold draw.
First Half
The Southern Draw Cedrus is burning really well for a box pressed cigar. I’m getting notes of cedar, white pepper, cocoa, citrus, and minerals. I get more white pepper on the retrohale. The mineral notes are mostly in the background and linger the longest on the palate. The cigar is full bodied and full flavored with a long finish.
Last Half
Not much has changed with the Southern Draw Cedrus. I still get the same notes of cedar, white pepper, cocoa, citrus, and minerals. If anything, the minerals are a little stronger in the last half. It’s also a little sour on the last half that makes is slightly weird tasting with the mineral note. It’s still full bodied and full flavored with a long finish.
Conclusion
The Southern Draw Cedrus is an interesting take for a Sumatra wrapper cigar. The Nicaraguan tobacco gives it a lot of body with some spicy flavors that counters some of the minerality of the Sumatra wrapper. It’s definitely different than many of the Sumatra wrapper cigars on the market, so if you like Sumatra, give it a shot. I did find I prefer this cigar with a lower humidity than normal, around 65%. It seemed to smoke better for me. All and all, a nice Sumatra cigar worthy of trying out.
