Smoke Inn Blog
The Room 101 brand, under the guidance of its creative force, Matt Booth, has been known for its unique and often avant-garde approach to both cigar blending and marketing. Among their releases, the Johnny Tobacconaut captures this ethos particularly well.
Room101 Johnny Tobacconaut Background:
Concept and Branding: The Johnny Tobacconaut is a product of Matt Booth’s imagination. The name and theme of the cigar are quirky and space-oriented, with promotional materials referencing a journey to “the farthest reaches of the tobacco universe.” The band and box artwork feature an astronaut, emphasizing the space-travel theme.
Blend Composition: The blend specifics for the Johnny Tobacconaut are intriguing because it boasts a perfect blend. This masterpiece is designed to give smokers a taste of the region’s diverse tobacco offerings.
Vitolas: The cigar was initially released in several unique sizes, or vitolas. Each size aims to provide a slightly different experience due to the ratios of the binder, filler, and wrapper tobaccos. These varying sizes also continued with the space theme, bearing names that resonate with the astronaut motif.
Release and Availability: This particular cigar was a limited release. Due to its limited nature, it became a sought-after product for collectors and aficionados. Over the years, limited edition cigars like the Johnny Tobacconaut often become more challenging to find, increasing their appeal to serious cigar enthusiasts.
Reception: While any cigar’s reception is subjective and varies among smokers, the Johnny Tobacconaut generally garnered positive reviews. Many appreciated its unique flavor profile and the distinctiveness of the Nicaraguan tobaccos. Additionally, the cigar’s unique branding and story were points of discussion in the cigar community.
Brand Legacy: Room101, as a brand, has always carved out a space for itself in the cigar industry due to its unique branding, edgy designs, and often unconventional approach to cigar-making. The Johnny Tobacconaut is just one example of their innovation and commitment to producing memorable cigars.
Room101 Johnny Tobacconaut Review:
Presentation and Construction:
Upon first glance, the Johnny Tobacconaut presents itself as a unique product, fitting the quirky and distinctive style of Room 101. The band is fun, with a spaceman motif that promises an out-of-this-world experience. The Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut cigar showcases a flawless construction that speaks to the skill of the master blenders behind its creation. The wrapper, a rich Ecuadorian Habano, is visually appealing with minimal veins and an even texture, hinting at the quality of the tobacco leaves used. The seamless application of the wrapper is indicative of the craftsmanship involved, contributing to a visually satisfying aesthetic. The cigar feels well-balanced and consistent to the touch, a testament to the attention given to its construction. The cap is expertly applied, ensuring a clean cut and a smooth draw. The Johnny Tobacconaut’s overall appearance and construction set a promising foundation for what lies ahead.
Pre-light Aroma:
A cold draw and sniff offer hints of earth, a bit of cocoa, some dried fruits, and a touch of barnyard. It’s intriguing and makes you curious about the flavor profile it promises once lit.
First Third:
Upon lighting, the Tobacconaut starts off with a creamy note. There’s a mild sweetness that might remind you of dried fruits, perhaps fig or raisin, combined with a bit of nuttiness. The smoke output is satisfactory and the draw, near-perfect. A subtle spice kicks in, but it doesn’t overpower the initial creamy sweetness. The flavor journey of the Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut cigar is a harmonious interplay of complexity and balance. The initial draw welcomes the smoker with a burst of pepper and spice, invigorating the palate. As the first third progresses, these intense notes gradually mellow, revealing undertones of leather, cocoa, and a subtle earthiness. The transition from the initial burst to the more nuanced flavors showcases the cigar’s development and depth.
Second Third:
Transitioning to the second third, the earthiness becomes more pronounced, melding beautifully with the initial sweetness. Some have detected a flavor reminiscent of coffee or cocoa, while the creaminess subsides a little. The burn line remains relatively even, with no touch-ups required. In the second third, the flavor profile evolves further, introducing hints of toasted nuts and coffee. The interplay of these flavors creates a delightful contrast, keeping the palate engaged.
Final Third:
In the home stretch, the cigar builds in strength. There’s a resurgence of that spice encountered in the beginning, maybe a peppery kick. Some woodsy notes, like oak or cedar, play in the background. The finish is long, leaving a lingering taste of the blend’s complexities on the palate. The final third brings the journey to a satisfying conclusion, as the earlier flavors meld into a crescendo of creamy sweetness, leaving a lasting impression that lingers after each puff.
Strength and Body:
The Johnny Tobacconaut ranges from medium to full in terms of both strength and body. This makes it more suitable for seasoned smokers, although adventurous beginners might appreciate its unique profile.
Burn and Draw:
The burn is consistent, with a beautiful white ash forming as the cigar progresses. The draw remains unproblematic throughout the smoke.
Conclusion:
The Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut cigar offers a multi-faceted smoking experience that appeals to both seasoned aficionados and those exploring the world of cigars. The construction, burn, and draw are consistently impressive throughout the smoking session, underlining the meticulous attention paid to quality control.
The complexity of the flavor profile, with its dynamic shifts and seamless transitions, ensures that the smoker remains captivated from the first light to the final draw. This cigar embodies a harmonious balance between intensity and refinement, making it suitable for various occasions and personal preferences.
The Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut is a distinctive offering, from its fun presentation to its complex blend. It’s a journey of flavors that, much like its namesake, promises a trip to the unknown. While it might not be everyone’s daily smoke, it’s a worthy adventure for those looking for something different.
Remember, the best way to judge a cigar is by personal experience. Tastes in cigars are subjective, and what might be a flavor-packed journey for one person might be lackluster for another. Happy smoking!
“Savor the moment, Mute life and Embrace the richness of the smoke.” ~ Sarge 08/14/2023
