The Crux Epicure Connecticut Robusto is built on a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, rolled at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Esteli. It was the brand's first Connecticut-shade blend, shown at the 2016 IPCPR show and launched nationally in late 2017. In a 5 x 50 Robusto it stays mild to medium, but there is far more nuance here than the wrapper color suggests.
Sweet cream and sweetened condensed milk lead, backed by cedar and a bread-like, salted cracker note. Creme brulee and honey nut sweetness build in the middle alongside butter, toffee, and caramel hazelnut. Sharp white pepper and baker's spice with nutmeg keep the sweetness in check, and a citrusy lemon cake note closes on a dry cedar finish.
Cigar Coop scored the Robusto a 94, and it earns that as a morning cigar or an all-day option. Pair it with coffee at breakfast or an easy afternoon beer. If you want a Connecticut with genuine layers rather than a flat, mild smoke, this is the one to keep in the humidor.
