Gold Strike by Royal Gold Cigars

Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra
Binder: Besuki (East Java, Indonesia)
Filler: Nicaraguan
Toro: 6 1/4 x 50
SRP: $25.45 for bundle of 15, $6.75 per pouch of 4

This cigar was recently reviewed on Cigar Coop. Gold Strike is the first release by Royal Gold Cigars. Royal Gold marks Swisher International’s return to the premium hand-made cigar business. While they do plan on launching three premium lines, the Gold Strike is a mixed filler Cuban sandwich.

This cigar has a very unorthodox blend – it is a combination of Indonesian and Nicaraguan tobaccos. I didn’t expect much from the blend. The first half really surprised me with notes of coffee, chicory, earth, and pepper. The second half saw the pepper spice increase and some mineral notes surface. The flavors kind of fell apart in the last third as the cigar closed out on the harsh side. The flavors are medium-bodied and the strength is on the mild to medium side. The cigar held a firm ash.

For the price point, this cigar still kept me interested for 2/3 of the smoke. I’d recommend trying one.