Cigar Extra: Iconic Leaf Recluse Kanu #1

Kanú #1, 6" x 54 ring gauge / Price unknown
Iconic Leaf is certainly determined to reach out to "new media" to try to promote their Recluse line of cigars. I've liked the previous sticks they sent, so I have to be honest: I'm happy to oblige! To refresh: these have a Brazilian wrapper and Cameroon binder, all laid over Dominican filler leaves. The first time they showed up at my house, they were unbanded sticks along with some pictures; then a later mailing had the actually banded cigars...they looked great! Most recently they sent me a couple of their new shape they invented "Kanú #1" (there are also #2 and #3 Kanú, in different sizes). What is a Kanú? Something you float down the river in, I'm guessing! Actually, they are using this designation for a Box Pressed Perfecto that really is unlike anything I've ever seen on the shelves at any cigar store. To be honest, though, I say less "canoe" in shape and more "kayak"...which I suppose is a type of canoe.

The Recluse Kanu had a tight pigtail on the end you are supposed to clip and a nicely oily wrapper leaf that smelled of earth and chocolate, with just a touch of leather, too. Clipping off the pigtail gave me an excellent draw that had flavor notes of musty forest and just a bit of sweetness. The small tip of the Kanú #1 lit easily and the cigar produced an ample amount of smoke from practically the first puff. Right off the bat the flavors of rich, aged tobacco, earth and cedar jumped out, along with a sweet finish and a nice, pepper retrohale.

I paired this Recluse with some Bulleit Bourbon, a variety of whiskey that has a little less corn sweetness and vanilla. It uses malted barley and rye for the balance of the mash bill and ends up with a slightly spicy, slightly smokey flavor. It proved to be a good match with this cigar. And the cigar did perform well in and of itself. Both samples of this shape that I smoked were excellent in construction and in flavor. I did not see any information on price for these, but assuming the price is not too much more than the regular vitolas, you should definitely give these a try if you can find them.