Robusto, 5" x 50 ring gauge / approx. $10
I was a little surprised to look back and notice that neither me nor Keith had done a review of the Casa Miranda. I have had a couple and remember being less-than-bowled-over by them and the price is just a little high, so I guess that combination is what led to a lack of anything being written. My area rep for Miami Cigar gave me this one at a recent event and I decided it might be time to give it a second try...maybe this cigar has improved with a little rest. I was not ready to commit to a full review of it, though, so I decided to take it out on a weekend morning with some coffee and see what I thought of it in this shorter format. The Casa Miranda "Chapter One" is composed of Nicaraguan filler and binder with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and it is made in Miami (which certainly lends a little bit to the price).
I took a good sniff on the wrapper and really liked the grassy and earthy aroma I got from it...the smell of burning leaves and sticks was provided by my neighbor across the street, a nice addition to the morning, actually. I got rich earth and cocoa on the foot. The cold draw had a light cedar not as well as a bit of earth...it's a flavor I can remember from some other cigar, but I can't remember which. Lighting up I got a rush of pepper spice on the tongue and nose, along with some wood and mild sweetness.
I sipped on the coffee, I sipped on the cigar...it was all nice. I liked the Casa Miranda, but I still had a hard time seeing the experience as a $10 one. Maybe it's just me--I know there are some big fans of this cigar out there--but I like the Special Selection more and it is less expensive. A few months really hasn't changed my opinion on this one...guess I'll wait and see what I feel about "Chapter Two" in this story. Thanks again to Matt for giving me the chance to try this one out again.
David,
ReplyDeleteas always thanks for your review and your honest opinion. Good or Bad we always appreciate your candor and the time you take to write about our product.
The price point of the Casa Miranda has a lot to do with where the cigar is made. In this case everything about the cigar is Miami made, with the exception of the band (that is done in Orlando).
The added cost of having the cigar rolled in Calle Ocho at the famed El Titan de Bronze adds to the price due to the wages. The box being made in Miami is more costly as well. The cigar was also blended when Willy Hernandez was still a part of El Titan de Bronze.
We wanted to make a cigar that was Miami made, and the price reflects on that.