The "Das Privada" is the kind of cigar that doesn't mess around. Wrapped in a dark, oily Mexican San Andrés leaf, it’s got this gritty, no-nonsense feel that you don’t find in cigars trying too hard to be fancy. You light it up and get hit with flavors that take you straight to a tough backroad in Berlin—earth, pepper, a bit of leather, and then this unexpected dark chocolate note that pulls you back in for more. It’s not trying to be smooth or polished—it’s got an edge. There’s a smoky, almost barbecue-like vibe that kicks in, with a sweetness lurking underneath, like molasses that’s been left on the fire a little too long. As you keep going, it opens up into coffee, dried fruit, and maybe even a hint of spice—like the good kind of spice you get from street food, not the stuff from some tourist trap. Pair it with a strong drink, sit back, and just let it take you for a ride. No pretension, no bullshit—just a solid cigar for people who appreciate real flavor.

  The Golden Wraith is crafted with a meticulously aged South American Habano wrapper, reflecting AJ Fernandez's mastery of tobacco. While keeping true to its roots, the cigar’s flavor profile has deepened with age, showcasing the benefit of time and patience. The new visible change is its updated packaging, signifying this momentous launch. The 2024 Release has only 256 packs of 5, with no band added to ensure no damage is done to such an aged wrapper leaf. There is a sticker and info card inside each pack for collectors. As with the original, the appearance of the Golden Wraith exudes luxury—its Habano wrapper shines with a rich, oily texture. The precision of the roll, and the entire construction speak to the AJ Fernandez factory's renowned attention to quality. On the foot, you’ll immediately notice the aroma of aged leather, earth, and a sweetness reminiscent of roasted nuts and cedar. From the first draw, the Golden Wraith delivers an immense cloud of smoke, and you're greeted with flavors of bold cedar and black pepper, underscored by roasted nuts. As it opens up, subtle leather notes and a creamy texture emerge, adding depth to the experience. Despite the peppery kick, there’s a balancing sweetness that brings complexity and satisfaction. As you move into the second third, the cigar’s aged profile truly begins to show. While cedar remains the core flavor, molasses and a light floral sweetness subtly peek through, adding new layers. The pepper calms down, allowing for a smooth, creamy draw that showcases the 8-year aging process beautifully. In the final third, the pepper has nearly vanished, giving way to a velvety smooth creaminess accented by hints of oak and roasted nuts. Even as the cigar comes to a close, it remains cool and balanced, offering a satisfying and consistent experience that embodies the mastery of AJ Fernandez and the power of age.  

Cigar Reviewed: Desind Caribe Toro Country of Origin: Undisclosed Factory: Undisclosed Wrapper: Undisclosed Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Undisclosed Length: 6 Inches Ring Gauge: 52 Vitola: Toro Est. Price: $22 (Box of 10, $220) Release Date: September 2024 Number of Cigars Released: Regular Production The Desind Caribe Toro is a landmark cigar as it marks the first release to bear the last name of Brian Desind, founder of Privada Cigar Club and Tobacco Business Magazine's Tobacco Man of the Year. The cigar presents itself with a luxurious and mysterious air, wrapped in a sleek dark leaf, signaling richness and complexity while keeping the details of its blend undisclosed. A simple yet elegant band displays the Desind name in bold gold lettering, encapsulating the exclusivity that comes with a cigar tied to such a prestigious name.