Dana Point Cigar & Wine in Southern California was the unexpected location where this review began. Venturing into this shop, owned by Sean Cunningham of Esteban Carreras Cigars, revealed a treasure trove for cigar aficionados. While on a quest in Newport Beach, the detour down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Dana Point was a must, despite the notorious PCH traffic. Dana Point Cigar & Wine is a destination in itself, boasting an unparalleled selection of Esteban Carreras cigars and standing as a TAA shop with a diverse range of premium brands. It was here that the Chupa Cabra Hellcat was discovered.
The Chupa Cabra Hellcat represents a fresh extension to the esteemed Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra line. This blend features Nicaraguan fillers and binder, enveloped by a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Intriguingly, this wrapper is rumored to be the same as that used by a prominent Nicaraguan manufacturer for one of their celebrated maduro lines. The “Chupa Cabra” moniker is said to originate from a boat name that caught Cunningham’s eye. As for “Hellcat,” one might speculate if it’s a nod to a high-performance passion project. Regardless of the name’s origin, the branding clearly distinguishes “Chupa Cabra” as two words and “Hellcat” as a single sub-brand. Having sampled this cigar on a couple of occasions prior, anticipation was high for a focused review.
Chupa Cabra Hellcat Cigar Cap
Prelight Impressions
The Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat presents an elevated aesthetic compared to the standard Chupa Cabra offerings. It retains the familiar main and secondary bands of the Habano and Maduro versions but introduces a “Hellcat” foot band and an elaborate vellum extension connecting the secondary band to the foot. While this extensive banding might seem like it conceals a significant portion of the cigar, it undeniably contributes to a sophisticated presentation. Given the substantial banding, a clean foot might have been a preferable choice over the closed foot.
Upon removing the unified secondary band, vellum, and foot band, a smooth, milk chocolate-hued San Andres wrapper is revealed. Its texture is somewhat papery, with visible yet barely perceptible veins. A deep pre-light aroma from the wrapper unveils notes of earth and cocoa powder, while the foot adds cedar to this aromatic profile.
The pigtail cap suggests the possibility of a pre-light draw without cutting, a practice some cigar enthusiasts favor. However, a clean cut with an Xikar Xi cutter provided an excellent cold draw. Pre-light flavors were a nuanced blend of chocolate and dried berries, underpinned by earth and cedar.
Chupa Cabra Hellcat Cigar Foot
Flavor Journey
Igniting the Chupa Cabra Hellcat initiates a bold flavor profile, immediately presenting notes of leather and dark roast coffee at the forefront, closely followed by a subtly bitter earthiness. The finish introduces nuances of semi-sweet chocolate, dark fruit, and a touch of red pepper. A retrohale amplifies the complexity, revealing medium-roast coffee, roasted nuts, tea, and a more pronounced pepper spice. As the first third progresses, the flavor profile harmonizes into a consistent core of coffee, earth, and baker’s cocoa.
The second third marks a slight intensification of sweetness, yet the earthy foundation remains central. Espresso bean notes persist prominently, while pepper spice recedes noticeably as this segment unfolds.
The final third of the Chupa Cabra Hellcat shifts towards a greater emphasis on earth and cocoa powder, accompanied by enduring espresso bean notes and a subtle hint of tea. Pepper, once a distinct element, becomes a faint memory, allowing the deeper, richer flavors to dominate.
Chupa Cabra Hellcat San Andres Wrapper
Construction and Value
The Chupa Cabra Hellcat exhibits exemplary construction. It offered a flawless draw, produced a firm ash, and maintained a burn line that only required minimal corrections.
Consistent with Esteban Carreras’ reputation for delivering value, the Hellcat is priced reasonably, especially considering the smoking experience it provides. This cigar represents a strong value proposition for enthusiasts seeking quality without exorbitant cost.
Final Thoughts
The Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat delivers a satisfying smoking experience, positioning itself as a good, albeit not quite exceptional, cigar. While it presents a commendable complexity initially, this nuanced character diminishes somewhat in the latter two thirds, becoming more linear in its final act. Nonetheless, its overall quality and attractive price point make the Hellcat a cigar well worth exploring.
By-The-Numbers Breakdown
- Prelight: 2/2
- Construction: 2/2
- Flavor: 3.5/5
- Value: 1/1
- Total: 8.5/10
