Better known as El Artista, this Dominican cigar maker has a history of more than 60 years. Founded in 1956 by Ramón Rodríguez in Tamboril, Dominican Republic, the brand initially focused on producing cigars for other manufacturers but later expanded to create its own lines. They offer Buffalo TEN, Exactus, Pulita, Rico Habano and Artista lines, which we had the opportunity to try.
At first glance, the cigar is a classic robusto size and fits comfortably in the hand. The Sumatra wrapper gives the cigar a light, even golden brown color, with a slight silky sheen. The wrapper is smooth to the touch, with minimal veins and no visible defects, which indicates a carefully selected tobacco. The cigar is well filled but not hard to the touch, i.e. it has the ideal amount of elasticity when squeezed lightly.
Artista Harvest robusto
When drawn cold, sweet notes of caramel and very mild spices are noticeable. There is also a very discreet smell of hay, which further enriches the experience and gives depth to the cigar.
Artista Harvest robusto
Upon first lighting, Artista Harvest delivers exactly what we could smell before lighting: a sweet and tasty smoke with a mild to medium intensity. The first smokes are pleasant with the same dose of creamy texture that literally envelops your palate. The initial flavors that dominate are notes of cedar and nuts that add a very interesting combination in the first third.
Artista Harvest robusto
As the first third progresses, the cigar begins to reveal more complexity. There is a slight sweetness, reminiscent of honey or caramel, that mixes with the initial nutty and creamy notes, creating flavors that are rich and satisfying. The cedar flavor becomes more pronounced as the cigar burns, providing a nice contrast to the creamy tones and adding depth to the overall profile. The smoke is thick and abundant, as we mentioned before, but smooth, allowing the flavors to linger pleasantly on the palate.
Although the cigar burns slowly (which allows for longer enjoyment), it heats up quickly. We tried to have even breaks during the entire smoking, but in certain parts we felt the heat from heating. Also, the burning was uneven and wavy at certain moments, which required re-ignition. It should be noted that we used matches for lighting, which can create uneven burning, which justifies the wavy edge.
The ash holds firmly and the first fall is after approx. 15 min. The pull remains smooth, without resistance.
Artista Harvest robusto
As the cigar moves into the second third, the flavors begin to deepen. The creamy and sweet flavors that dominated the first third still play a central role, but are now accompanied by more pronounced nutty notes. This nuttiness adds a savory character to the smoke, enhancing the overall flavor profile and balancing the sweetness.
In addition to the enhanced nutty notes, the subtle spice starts to re-emerge, especially on the retrohale. The pepper is subtle, never overpowering but adds enough spicy flavor to keep the palate interested. The spice pairs nicely with the subtle sweetness. This sweetness, combined with the spice and nutty flavors, creates a balanced and layered profile that is extremely satisfying.
The cedar notes that were present in the first third also pick up a bit in the second third, adding that signature woody tone to the smoke. This cedar flavor acts as a sort of bridge between the creamy and spicy notes, tying the different elements of the flavor profile together. The smoke remains smooth and the cigar remains within the low-mid body range.
Artista Harvest robusto
As Artista enters its final third, the flavors continue to evolve, bringing the smoking experience to a satisfying climax. The creamy note that was constant throughout the cigar is still present, but now accompanied by a richer character. The nuttiness, which has been a key player since the first third, becomes even more pronounced with almond and walnut notes coming to the fore.
The sweetness that was so prominent in the first and second thirds recedes in the last third, allowing the cedar and earthier notes to take center stage. This change in flavor profile gives the cigar a fuller character as it approaches the finish. The cedar flavor, which was present throughout the smoke, is now deeper and more pronounced adding a woody, almost smoky tone. This, combined with the earth tones from before, gives the cigar a satisfying climax that makes the last third a fitting finish.
Artista Harvest robusto
Ultimately, Artista Harvest lives up to expectations. It offers a rounded and delicious smoking experience that develops and deepens with each third, making it a cigar that is enjoyable. Although in certain parts the cigar heats up faster, and uneven burning is created, due to lighting with a yellow flame, such "side effects" can occur. The draw is very easy, and the taste of sweetness is felt throughout the cigar, making this experience even more enjoyable. Rating 8 out of 10.
Cover: Sumatra
Binding: Habano Seco
Filling: Dominican Republic
Vitola: Robusto (5 x 54)
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