If you've never tried an Esteban Carreras cigar, or you're a fan of the brand from past experience, Esteban Carreras Unforgiven should be high on your to-do list either way. 

Its rum-aged production process adds distinctive liquor flavors that complement the natural tobacco tastes of the Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. Intriguing and enjoyable, it's no wonder that Unforgiven scores so highly in Esteban Carreras cigar reviews.

A little about the Esteban Carreras brand

Esteban Carreras Cigars is one of the newer names in the industry, producing Nicaraguan boutique cigars that have quickly become favorites with long-time cigar smokers. 

It's worth knowing that unlike a lot of artisan cigar studios, 'Esteban Carreras' is not the name of the master tobacconist behind their blends - the company is actually named after the Cuban freedom fighter from the early Castro days.

What is the Esteban Carreras Unforgiven cigar?

Unforgiven is the first barrel-aged Esteban Carreras cigar, and uses a two-stage aging process. First, the tobacco used in its filler is aged for two years in 18-year-old rum barrels. 

Once this stage is complete, the boutique cigars are rolled and then put back into the barrels to mature, for an even fuller flavor with hints of alcohol and rum spices.

How is this cigar constructed?

Construction is careful and of expert quality, as you'd expect from a premium boutique cigar. Esteban Carreras cigars are primarily Nicaraguan, and that's the case with the filler and binder of Unforgiven, wrapped in an Ecuador Sumatran outer layer. Expect an even burn with a straight path throughout, thanks to the solid tobacco from start to finish in every stick.

What is the cold draw like?

The initial cold draw after cutting the cap offers some traditional tastes including coffee and cocoa, earth and peppery top notes. But look closely and you might be surprised to detect some less common sweetness including a few fruity flavors such as cherry or apple - it all depends on your nose.

What flavors will I experience?

Those fruity flavors become better defined once the stick is lit, and develop into a sweet citrus taste that lasts throughout this boutique cigar. It's energizing and original, and all part of Unforgiven's unusual but rich flavor profile.

First third

Start the draw and you won't have to look far to find the woody flavor of the rum barrels, which give Unforgiven a vintage characteristic right the way through. There's a background of cocoa and chocolate, with a rich, creamy texture, but at the forefront of the first third is the sweet, tangy citrus that helps this cigar to really stand out.

Second third

The sweet citrus stays in the foreground but is well rounded, not harsh, and the absence of bitterness could have you thinking more of crisp apples than lemons. There's a sparkle of pepper at the top of the flavor profile and down at the bottom, there's a backdrop of baking spices, wood and earth.

Final third

On the home straight now and Unforgiven has plenty still to offer. The rum barrels return, perfectly matching the cocoa flavors and the spices, and while the overall flavor profile is not the strongest, it's one of the richest, leaving a satisfying lingering taste in the mouth and a delicious dryness on the palate. 

Focusing on the cigar strength

The strength profile on this one is medium-full with medium body, but don't be fooled if you like your cigars full of flavor, as Unforgiven has so much to offer in that department. 

It's one of the richest cigars we've found, packed with traditional coffee, cocoa and wood, spices and pepper, plus the sweetness and smoke from the rum barrel aging process - it really is one to experience for yourself. 

Wrapping up the Unforgiven

Rich and unique, we absolutely love Esteban Carreras Unforgiven, and the range of sizes (from 4.75 x 46 Boolits up to the fat 6 x 70 'Wrecking Ball') means you have plenty of choice and control over how long and intense of a smoking experience you get. 

Just don't be surprised if after trying your first Esteban Carreras Unforgiven Boolit, you find yourself adding a larger size to your cart next time you're buying cigars online.

For more great smokes like this one, check our guide to 'Five boutique cigars you may have overlooked' and get those artisan sticks in your humidor before they sell out!