Small Batch Broadleaf Review
Powstanie Cigars comes to us from brothers Mike and Greg Szczepankewicz, two gentlemen that most will recognize from Cigar Hustler. The name itself refers to a Polish movement in World War II and translates into uprising. The Broadleaf version was the second release by Powstanie and was coined Greg’s blend.
Wrapper: Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli Ligero)
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50)
Factory: Nica Sueno
Production: Regular
Purchase Link: Powstanie Cigars
POWSTANIE BROADLEAF REVIEW FROM WISCONSIN
Summary: Sometimes a hand-made product has issues. This was the case for the cigar I smoked. It had a very tight draw that wasn't fixed by cutting deeper or massaging the cigar. It was there to stay, and it had a big impact on the experience - the draw and burn just weren't right at all. Please make sure to read the other guys' reviews to give this cigar a fair shake. This sample alone can't give the full impression.
While the construction wasn't right on this sample, the flavors that shone through were delicious. I got pepper, spice, caramel, salt, popcorn - those 3 combined nicely to have a sort of caramel popcorn note - earth, coffee, bread, butterscotch, and honey. The finish alternated between coffee and nuttiness.
I was occasionally blasted with flavor greatness through the construction woes. Usually when I run into construction issues, the flavors are much worse. So I have high hopes for this cigar.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you're into caramel popcorn, have I got a cigar for you.
Pairing Suggestion: Coffee
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: If the other guys had construction issues too, single. If they didn't, but got similar flavors, five-pack.
POWSTANIE BROADLEAF REVIEW FROM CALIFORNIA
Summary: Fig Newton on the cold draw. Definitely a chewy smoke (reminds me of a Milky Way). Roasted nuts. Burn is ok. Almost went out on me an inch down but I puffed like Thomas the Tank Engine and revived it.
Almost at the halfway point and I’m picking up some coffee. So far this is an everyday smoke for me. Good but nothing wedding-night-post-consummation-celebration worthy.
Finishing up and not much has changed except the addition of some bitter tobacco (though not enough to make me chuck it). Ending with coffee, nuts, and some earth.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this you probably like cleaning your eyeglasses.
Pairing Suggestion: Pair with a stout.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single. It just wasn’t complex enough to warrant a fiver for me.
POWSTANIE BROADLEAF REVIEW FROM OREGON
Summary: This cigar is just dark and rich looking with a seriously toothy wrapper. It’s firmly packed and gives me cocoa and some molasses scents from the wrapper. The cold draw is perfection in the resistance field. The wrapper is leaving an interesting smoky campfire flavor in my mouth. Charred cedar, floral notes, black pepper spice and natural tobacco combine for a complex start. Nearing the end of the first third, this cigar is heavy, full bodied and packs a punch. The retrohale is full of black, strong coffee, red pepper spice, and bitter cocoa. The profile is developing a grilled meat flavor as well. Again, heavy and spicy. Worcestershire sauce...that kind of spicy. In the background I’m also detecting some sourdough bread and the natural tobacco notes are picking up as well. The burn is decent and I have only forced the ash off twice as it proves to remain really solid. The profile is remaining steady right to the end, offering little to no transition but still enjoyable.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this cigar, you like your cigars to mean business from start to finish!
Pairing Suggestion: I’d pair this with anything bold; very strong coffee, a gnarly bourbon stout or a spicy bourbon. It has the flavor and body to stand up to anything.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: I’d buy a fiver here. Maybe go big after you decide if you want a box full of roundhouse kicks.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
