Recluse Draconian Sidewinder by Iconic Leaf Cigar Company

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro
Binder: MBC (Proprietary)
Filler: Dominican, Piloto Cubano, Brazilian Hybrid, Iconic Leaf Ligero
Sidewinder #1: 5 x 57
Price: $8.50 – $9.00

We recently assessed the Recluse Draconian Sidewinder #1 on Cigar Coop. We also featured Scott Weeks and J.R. Dominguez from Iconic Leaf Cigars on Episode 65 where they discussed this cigar. We provided the following background on this cigar:

Prior to the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show, Iconic Leaf Cigar Company announced their cigar line of cigars, the Recluse Draconian line. While there was an early release to select retailers, three vitolas called “Sidewinders” were kept under lock and key until the trade show actually opened. The concept behind the Sidewinders combines the best of a rounded cigar and a box-press cigar. Iconic Leaf has referred to this as a “side press” cigar. It is rounded on the top and bottom, but box-pressed along the sides. It also has a tapered tip at by the cap.

One interesting by-product of the architecture of the Sidewinder is that the cigar does not require a cutter to remove the cap. The side press design allows for the cap to be removed by squeezing the sides. The technique worked like a charm.

Iconic Leaf Recluse Draconian Sidewinder Cap

I’ve had the opportunity to smoke a pre-release parejo as well as the traditional box-press, but the Sidewinder shape just seems to work magic with this blend. I picked up notes of coffee, chocolate, baker’s spice, cinnamon, and cream. The creamy undertone of this cigar really takes this cigar to the next level. The notes are medium-bodied to start and progress to medium to full-bodied in the second half. The strength level starts out medium and moves to medium to full in the second half. Outstanding burn and draw – both low maintenance.

This vitola was my favorite – and its a box worthy one.