• Flavours: Spice, wood, maple, earth 
• Smoke time: About 35 minutes
• Length: 10 cm / 4 inch
• Width: 1.6 cm wide / 42 ring gauge
• Nicotine: Mid-Full
• Body: Mid

The Caldwell King is Dead Manzanita may be small, but it’s big on flavour, delivering a lovely slow burn that lasts much longer than you’d expect from a cigar of its size. It’s perfect for a quick casual smoke.

The first half kicks off with a light peppery spice that doesn’t linger too long, gradually mellowing into a deep, upper-medium strength flavour. Flavour-wise, it’s got a lot going on: loads of woody notes, almost like chewing on a piece of oak, and a touch of earthy richness not in a dirt way but more like if a forest was delicious.

By the final third, this little guy ramps up, with all those earthy, oaky flavours intensifying. The pepper might have faded, but there’s still a subtle tingling sensation left behind on the tongue, lets you still know it’s hanging on, adding a bit of flair to the finish.

Whether you’re out walking the dog or chilling at the pub, the Manzanita fits right in with its refined side, medium smoke production and satisfying flavour profile.

 Cigar Aficionado named it Cigar of the Week with a score of 91/100.