Ohana Nui Aloha Review and Rating

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

 

Presentation: A nice firmly rolled toro size cigar with no soft spots. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is a smooth khaki brown color with some slight veins and some oils. Unfortunately, the cap cracked when I used a v cutter on it, and it had to be repaired with cigar glue and a small patch of another wrapper leaf. The band is a simple and aesthetically pleasing white and black lettering over an orange-red background. A tree with its roots is depicted in the center of the band – since Ohana is a Hawaiian themed cigar company, I am guessing this is a Lahaina Banyan Tree that is sacred in Hawai’i and other Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian cultures. This sample had about 5 weeks of rest un-cellophaned in 67% humidity.

 

Pre light bouquet of fresh baked bread and whiskey barrel.

 

First third begins with mild to medium bodied strength, distinct notes of espresso and rich earthy tobacco tones. The draw is perfect, and the burn line is even, unfortunately, the wrapper begins to crack with about an inch into the smoke – this could be due to the cigar being overpacked with filler leaves and the introduction of heat expanding the filler and cracking the wrapper. The draw and burn remain unaffected despite the cracked wrapper.

Second third adds creaminess to the espresso notes, making it taste closer to a rich creamy unsweetened café latte. The aroma of leather is dominant from the voluminous amounts of smoke this cigar produces. The draw remains perfect, and the burn line is dead even through the second third. Upon removal of the band, the wrapper begins to slightly unravel but without affecting the enjoyment of the Ohana Nui Aloha.

 

Last third flavor profiles remain consistent with the second third, while still creamy, the rich earthy Nicaraguan tobacco notes is more dominant. Strength is ratcheted up to medium plus. While the Ohana Nui Aloha is a creamy, earthy, and satisfying smoke, I could not discern any fruit notes described on the rare-cigars.com. Despite the construction issues with the cracked cap and wrapper, the Ohana Nui Aloha is an enjoyable 45-minute experience.

 

I paired the Ohana Nui Aloha with unsweetened black brewed coffee.

 

89 out of 100