If you found the luxe world and aristocratic convention of period drama “Downton Abbey” utterly captivating, you might see it as your noble duty to check out the Foundation Highclere Castle Victorian.
A little background on Foundation Highclere cigars
Inspired by the stately home that serves as the grand setting in Julian Fellowes’s award-winning series, this hearty smoke has been blended as a tribute to the most popular cigar styles of the Victorian era (a time when cigars were first imported from Cuba into England).
We first pressed our lips around a Highclere back in the summer of 2017 when the original Highclere Castle cigar was introduced. Spawned from a collaboration between George Herbert — the 8th Earl of Carnarvon and owner of the famed estate; and Foundation Cigar Company’s Nicholas Melillo, the entire range has been designed with Herbert’s ancestral bloodline in mind.
A chapter in history where the best cigars were enjoyed at home by leading statesmen and lit up many evenings alongside delectable food and fine wine.
But does this elegant stick prove itself as a cigar fit for its inspirational surroundings and opulent history? See how it matched up in our Highclere Castle Victorian cigar review below.
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Smoke Time: 95-110 minutes
- Sizes Available:
- Churchill (7 x 48)
- Toro (6 x 52)
- Corona (5.5 x 46)
- Robusto (5 x 50)
- Petit Corona (5 x 42)
How is the cigar constructed?
The blend aims to hark the smoker back to the most popular cigar styles of the Victorian age. A high-priming Habano Ecuador wrapper covers a Brazilian Mata Fina binder and a potent, medium to a full-bodied medley of meticulously aged Nicaraguan fillers.
Available in five different sizes, Highclere Victorian cigars are beautifully presented in 20-count dress boxes that aim to capture a glow of old-world splendor through a crowning red and gold lid that depicts the castle in all its glory.
Outside the box, the appearance of the cigar doesn’t quite match the expectation levels that stem from the distinctive exterior.
The oily Maduro wrapper is a reddish-brown color (like faded autumn) with a handful of visible veins. However, the wrapper seams were well-concealed, and the overall surface of the cigar was silver-tongued to give it the bulk of its texture.
From a branding perspective, it differs very little from the Highclere from four years ago. Only this time, red and gold have replaced the white and gold combination used previously.
The lower part of the octagonal field on the gold trim denotes the text “Victorian” in cursive black font. Even though I gauge a greater sense of majesty, I would argue that the band isn’t as easy to read as its predecessor.
A mix of earthy and cedary aromas can be detected from the wrapper, while a quick whiff of the woody foot also sent some delicate stone fruit sweetness through my nose.
What I made of the cold draw
The pre-light draw was a touch on the firm side, mainly because the head of the cigar felt so solidly packed. It displayed notes of hay and musty cedar that denotes perfect aging, as well as singing notes of leather and sprinkling a dash of black pepper on my palate.
What I thought to the cigar’s flavors
After lighting the Victorian, I was greeted with tremendous notes of leather, cinnamon, nougat, and chocolate. There was a real creamy sweetness on the retrohale throughout, alongside some welcome nutty notes.
The smoke doesn’t allow you to ease in gently. It started out with a peppery, punchy blast of flavor, accompanied by supporting spice that tingled and persisted at the back of the throat without ever becoming irritating.
Sweeter notes such as cocoa and caramel began to materialize the longer I burned away at my stick. The natural tobacco sweetness also contributed decisively to the Victorian’s flavor profile.
First third
Two words — red pepper. There’s even an additional layer in the retrohale. While there’s plenty of pepper to be found in the first few smokes of the Victorian, my palate adjusted to the surprising pungency while other subtleties began to take effect.
After an inch of burn, dark wood and earth were working in sync. Plum notes with a nuance of licorice also appeared near the end of the first third.
Second third
As I rolled into the second third, impressive plumes of smoke were still swirling from my stogie. The sweetness was definitely beginning to chisel its way into the profile, both in flavor and aroma. Namely chocolate and cocoa notes, with plenty of cinnamon spice on the finish.
A little red pepper and charred wood remained present to keep the cigar’s vitality, but what stood out to me was an unorthodox minty element that ingeniously added a sprightly, fresh coolness.
Final third
There’s no let-up in the final third as the Victorian continued to smolder assertively. It’s at this stage where the sweet and savory notes hit their most pleasurable balance.
A strong resurgence of cinnamon accents, along with hints of caramel, seasoned meat, black pepper, and cedar brought forth a wonderful flavor silhouette.
Depending on your palate, you may encounter moments where this combination doesn’t quite add up, but when it came to my personal taste, I enjoyed every puff.
As my Victorian experience came to a close, I reflected gleefully on the great draw, fantastic smoke production, and very even burn line.
How strong is the Highclere Castle Victorian?
The strength of the Victorian coasted around the medium mark for much of my smoke. It was only in the final third that its strength bumped up to medium-full. Even though the flavors may not be viewed as quintessentially British, neither the body nor strength of the cigar overshadowed one another.
In conclusion
If you enjoyed the mellow nature of Connecticut, but are seeking a little more body or just a different experience, then upgrade your Highclere Castle cigar to a premium, hand-rolled Victorian.
This darker, stronger sequel to the original is suitable for everyday enjoyment, but also worthy of saving for a special occasion or simply when spending precious time with good friends.
