Last Of My Kind: Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Chestnut
- Rolling Consistency: Mostly Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Leather, Barnyard, Earth
The “Last of My Kind” cigar boasts a very handsome, clean chestnut-colored wrapper that has a pleasing toothiness and perfect firmness when pressed.
The wrapper is slightly oily, and from the body and foot, aromas of leather, barnyard, and earth appear… maybe I’m smelling the steer on the band.
Review Of The Last Of My Kind Cigar
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Milk Chocolate, Brown Sugar, Earth
Using my trusty guillotine cutter to slice the cap, I’m immediately greeted by a bouquet of sweet aromas that contrast intriguingly with the more robust scents noted on the wrapper.
The dry draw is pleasantly rich, delivering a delightful combination of milk chocolate, brown sugar, and earthy notes. This blend of aromas sets a promising stage for the smoking experience, and the draw is comfortably ideal, neither too tight nor too loose, ensuring a smooth start to the session.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes:Coffee, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper
Upon light up, the Last of My Kind presents flavor notes of freshly ground coffee, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
The retrohale reminds me of cardamom pods, like in a warm cup of Chai.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Black Tea, Raisin, Vanilla
As the “Last of My Kind” progresses into the second third, the intensity shifts slightly from a firm medium to a milder strength. Yet, it continues to deliver a full-flavored experience.
Notes of black tea now dominate the palate, providing a robust base enhanced by the sweetness of raisins and the delicate undertone of vanilla bean pods.
The retrohale maintains a classic Nicaraguan characteristic with a sharp black pepper note, adding a spicy contrast to the smoother flavors on the front of the palate.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Almonds, Bitter Chocolate, Vanilla
As the “Last of My Kind” nears its conclusion, the flavors deepen and enrich, reaching a delightful crescendo.
Almonds emerge as a prominent note, paired beautifully with the richness of bitter chocolate, and a hint of creamy butter lingers subtly in the background, reminiscent of a well-deserved dessert.
Moreover, the retrohale is full of leather, and overall, I’d confidently say that this final third has been the highlight of the blend.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
Overall Experience
The “Last of My Kind” from CigarPage not only impresses with its flavor but also stands out as one of the most beautifully branded cigars in their lineup.
The band is meticulously designed with gold accents framing the edges and a standout gold belt buckle sigil where the band meets. The backdrop isn’t just black but a detailed dark prairie scene, and the steer’s depiction is enhanced with long horns extending above the band and a subtly embossed texture on its fur, adding a tactile dimension to the visual elegance… Bravo!
The box perfectly complements the cigar’s aesthetic, presented in a chestnut-colored wood that matches the wrapper’s hue. Additionally, it’s adorned with a tastefully etched logo on the top, exuding class and attention to detail.
In terms of construction, the “Last of My Kind” is flawless. Every sample I reviewed offered a perfect draw, consistently firm ash that clung well, and no burn issues whatsoever. This level of craftsmanship ensured a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience from start to finish.
Pairing Recommendations For Last Of My Kind Cigar
CigarPage boldly states “This is the cigar equivalent of a 48oz Porterhouse steak” and I have to agree.
Imagine bringing a box of these to a Brazilian churrascaria; not only would they pair splendidly with various cuts of steak, but they’d also look incredibly fitting amidst the feast.
However, for a more casual pairing, I’d opt for a classic American meal of a burger, fries, and a glass of sweet iced tea, Texas style, which complements the sweet tea notes in the cigar.
If you lean towards dessert, an espresso affogato would wonderfully match the final third of the cigar, enhancing the blend’s deeper, dessert-like flavors. For those who prefer a drink pairing, this cigar is a perfect match for a rich whiskey, especially a syrupy bourbon.
Lacking bourbon, I paired mine with a snifter of Martell Blue Swift Cognac, which is aged in bourbon casks. The cognac’s dried fruit flavors beautifully highlight the raisin and vanilla notes in the cigar, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and aromas.
Closing Thoughts
Hats off to CigarPage and Raymond Pages for crafting this impressive offering.
The “Last of My Kind” exudes a premium experience that belies its price; at just over a hundred dollars for a box of twenty, it offers the quality of a steak at the price of a burger. Truly, this cigar provides exceptional value without any gimmicks—no bull.