‘Straphanger,’ the first official release under the Archive Collection, utilized 1940s UK bus tickets for bands. First released was the mareva (5-1/8” x 42”) and then the Double-Decker (6” x 46). The mareva featured our first ever use of Haitian tobacco, an Olor in the filler. While tweaking the blend for the Double Decker, we discovered and used a Cubra grown in Zimbabwe, which was so tasty it spawned an Archive Collection release of its own, ‘Five-Twenty.’ – Principle Cigars
Bought from –
Industrial Cigars
Information:
Wrapper: Dominican Republic (Monte Plata)
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic & Zimbabwe
Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Julien Sued y Compania
Aging (if any): 3 years post release
Single (MSRP): $9
Box (MSRP): $45 (5pk)
Availability: Limited Release
Size:
6 x 46
Band/Packaging:
Band is a Ukrainian bus ticket, as Darren mentioned he ran out of UK bus tickets but found a stash of Ukrainian tickets, not so eye catching but a cool idea that goes well with Principle’s Archive Collection
Wrapper:
Brownie in color, oily, rustic, and veiny
Construction:
Well packed, great draw
THE REVIEW
Cold draw:
Wood, fruitiness, not a whole lot
First third:
Dough, leather, wheat grains, floral, fruit
Retro:
Fruit, leather, grainy
Second third:
Leather, grainy, baking slices, citrus, fruit, soda feeling, cocoa
Burn:
Excellent, no issues
Smoke:
Large clouds of thick white smoke
Final third:
Leather, grainy, cocoa, fruit
Retro:
Baking spices, leather, citrus
Duration:
1 hour 22 minutes
Conclusion:
Yet another Principle Cigars blend that really intrigued me. For starters, Darren always has some sort of cool, unique story or idea behind the naming of his blends. The Straphanger utilizing vintage bus tickets is fascinating in my opinion. Brings character, and history to the cigar and experience, even if these cigars have no relation to the UK or Ukraine. And shout out to Ukraine.. The birthplace of my lovely girlfriend. Слава Україні! Any way back to the review. Really enjoyed this cigar. First off, construction was superb. Great draw and even better burn line. Flavors consisted of dark notes – fruitiness, leather, cocoa, and was balanced out well with some baking spices, and citrusy floral notes. This was a very smooth cigar yet dark in flavor cigar that really had me wanting more, and while I wouldn’t say it was in my top favorites, it certainly is something I would grab many more of if the availability was there.
