Fiat Lux Cigar Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Café con leche
- Rolling Consistency: Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Barnyard, Cocoa, Clay
The presentation of the Fiat Lux cigar is easily one of the most elegant and understated I’ve come across from a cigar maker. Its warm white and natural wood box echoes the iconic designs of Mid-Century Modern legends Ray and Charles Eames, a delightful touch for design aficionados. The font of the Fiat Lux logo also caught my eye, with its Miami Art Deco styling giving it a chic, retro vibe.
The cigar itself mirrors the box’s aesthetic, sporting a copper-colored footband as a stylish extra. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper is a visual treat – smoothly finished, lacking any prominent sheen or veins.
There’s one peccadillo I’ve noticed with this line, and it’s the names of their vitolas, like “Intuition,” “Genius,” and “Acumen.” Luciano might be courting the business-minded, TED talk-watching crowd, and these might be meant to spark ideas during brainstorming sessions.
I have to admit, that’s not really my scene. My cigar moments are more about unwinding and shutting off the brain, far from boardrooms and brainstorming. However, I won’t let that stop me from enjoying this Fiat Lux.
Luciano Cigars Fiat Lux Review
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Almost Perfect
- Aromas: Earth, Cinnamon, Cookie Dough
Before lighting up the Fiat Lux, the cigar’s body offers a blend of intriguing aromas – there’s the rustic scent of barnyard mixed with the richness of cocoa and a hint of earthy clay.
I opted for a Xicar guillotine for the cut, finding the dry draw near perfect, though just a tad on the loose side. This initial draw revealed a delightful mix of earthy tones, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and an unexpected but pleasant sweetness reminiscent of cookie dough.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Earth, Leather, Mineral
Upon lighting the Fiat Lux, it immediately reveals a symphony of flavors.
Earthy tones blend seamlessly with hints of leather and a subtle mineral quality. The retrohale adds a twist with a slight white pepper note, enhancing the overall complexity.
This earthiness is something I often link with Sumatra wrappers, and it’s beautifully executed here. What’s truly impressive about this cigar, especially considering its Nicaraguan origins, is its mildness. It’s so delicately balanced that I could easily mistake it for a Dominican cigar if I wasn’t aware of its true heritage.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Tarragon, Clove, Allspice
As the Fiat Lux progresses into its second third, there’s a noticeable shift in its flavor profile. The earthen and mineral notes largely recede, giving way to a warmer, spicier essence. Hints of tarragon, clove, and allspice, emerge, with pronounced notes of brown rice on the retrohale.
The ash of the Fiat Lux is another aspect worth mentioning – it’s striking, bone-white, and remarkably solid. I usually don’t manage to maintain a long ash stack on my cigars, but with the Fiat Lux, I impressively kept the ash intact up to the halfway mark before it inevitably fell and adorned my pants.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Dutch Cocoa, Cinnamon, Mineral
In the last stretch of the Fiat Lux, a note of dark Dutch-process cocoa comes to the forefront. Accompanying this are secondary notes of cinnamon and a resurgence of that familiar mineral quality.
This time, the minerality reminds me of the crispness of ocean air, adding a refreshing twist to the profile. On the final retrohale, there’s a surprising hint of macadamia nuts – a note that makes me wonder if I’m subconsciously missing Hawai’i?
Overall Burn & Experience
- Ash Backbone: Solid
- Burn Angle: Slightly Wavy
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal
- Final Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
In my experience, The Fiat Lux leans more towards the lighter, simpler side of the cigar spectrum. It maintains a consistent flavor profile without significant development from light-up to burnout.
Across the three Fiat Lux cigars I’ve smoked before this review, I noticed a slight waviness in the burn line, but nothing too concerning. Considering I usually smoke in my garage, where wind isn’t a factor, this seems inherent to the cigar itself.
Overall, Luciano’s Fiat Lux in the Intuitions vitola provided a pleasant smoking experience, though they did tend to finish quicker than some other cigars.
Pairing Recommendations With A Fiat Lux Cigar
Throughout my experience with the Fiat Lux, the persistent earthen mineral notes suggest it would be a perfect match with a dish like mushroom risotto. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms would resonate beautifully with the cigar’s profile. I can also see this cigar pairing well with hearty meat dishes, such as a juicy steak or a well-prepared dry-aged hamburger. For a dessert pairing, an Espresso Affogato, with its contrasting creaminess and robust espresso, would be a delightful complement to the cigar’s warming spice notes.
As for drinks, the Fiat Lux brings to mind the qualities of an aperitif, much like Campari. The herbal notes in Campari would likely enhance the mineral aspects of the cigar. Earl Grey tea, with its tannic edge, could be another excellent choice, harmonizing with the cigar’s earthy tones. For those who prefer something sweeter, Disaronno’s warm, spicy profile would be a lovely match.
Given its mild strength, the Fiat Lux seems ideal for a post-lunch treat. Its elegant presentation, from the box to the band, also makes it a great cigar to share with colleagues after a lunch meeting – though those aren’t really my scene.
Closing Thoughts
Luciano’s Fiat Lux blend strikes a wonderful balance of smoothness and mildness, all wrapped up in absolutely gorgeous packaging. Even with the occasional wavy burn line, the craftsmanship is evident, showcasing the quality of its make.
Priced at around $210 for a box or roughly $10 per stick, it represents fair value, earning a solid B on our value-for-money scale. Although the flavor profile doesn’t align perfectly with my personal preference, it’s undeniably an excellent smoke. Its elegance and quality make it an ideal choice for a thoughtful gift.