Cigar Review: K by Karen Robusto Maduro

Don Kiki Cigars introduced the K by Karen Berger at this year’s IPCPR. Don Kiki Cigars is the brainchild of Kiki Berger, who passed away two years ago. Karen is the widow of Kiki, and the introduction of the “K” is the latest in a line of fine cigars from the Berger family. Karen herself has stated that even though Kiki has passed, “his passion and love of the leaf lives on through me”. In fact, the letter K represents both their names, Kiki and Karen.

Read our expert’s review of the K by Karen Robusto Maduro to see if this is one you’d like to add to your cigar collection.

About the K by Karen Robusto Maduro

Owner: Karen Berger
Factory: Esteli Cigar Factory S.A.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Size: Robusto (5″ x 52)

Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop

The Beginning

I am greeted by vanilla, oak and coffee flavours. Feeling the draw hold back some of the flavours of the cigar, I begin to puff a bit more aggressively to pull out more flavour, and it works. More and more sweetness comes out of the cigar as it turns into a more earthy offering.

The Middle

The flavours are still very bold but a little different from the first third. There is still a fair amount of earthy joy. The core flavours of vanilla, oak and coffee are the dominant notes as they come back in full force.

The End

As the wonderful vanilla flavour dissipates, a deep charred wood flavour takes the front seat. Cigar strength increases to medium-full. A little bitter, but it doesn’t ruin the cigar.

Burn & Draw

The burn was nice and even, with a snug draw providing just the right amount of resistance. The ash was a darker shade of pale and firm.

Overall

A wonderful cigar. The end slipped a little and became a tad bitter, but the first and second third were ever so dreamy.

Ross Rating: 8/10

What alcoholic drink would I pair the K by Karen Robusto Maduro with?

The K by Karen Robusto Maduro would pair fantastically with Black Tears Cuban Spiced Rum.

A complex, bittersweet Cuban spiced rum, Black Tears offers notes of golden syrup, coffee, cocoa and a hint of peppery spice. In my opinion, it is the best spiced rum on the market and compliments a Maduro wrapper cigar well.

What soft drink would I pair the K by Karen Robusto Maduro with?

Cherry Coca Cola in the American 355ml can. The extra sweetness goes so well with a cigar.

Would I smoke the K by Karen Robusto Maduro again?

This is an enjoyable and interesting smoke. I’m looking forward to trying the entire range of K by Karen Berger as I was impressed by this blend.