The Ventura Cigar Archetype Series has, since the launch of Series A in 2016, told a tale as old as time. Each chapter in the series continues the archetypal hero story of going 'there and back again' and defeating the odds.
Archetype Crystals is a companion to this main series, and is one of three special edition handmade cigars launched at IPCPR 2018 as part of the Archetype Fantasy Mini-Series.
Other Archetype cigars in the mini-series include Archetype Curses and Archetype Cloaks and the trio were the first project completed under Ventura Cigar's then-new general manager Michael Giannini.
He said at the time: "Every person is on a hero's journey. Everyone has a tale to tell. With this mini-series, we invite you to savor the complexities of life. Sit, relax, enjoy, and share your story."
In this Archetype Crystals cigar review, we'll take a closer look at the construction, flavors and strength of this special edition handmade cigar, so you know what to expect when you try it yourself.
Our Archetype Crystals review
Ventura Cigar's own description of the Archetype Fantasy Crystals cigar calls it "complex and balanced" and adds: "This medium-bodied cigar sets the stage for our hero's battle alongside their trusted Sage. Toasty wooded flavors give way to hints of sweet fruit and dried cocoa."
We'll be going deeper in our Archetype Crystals cigar review to break down that flavor profile into thirds - not forgetting the cold draw - and give our final verdict on the journey that this premium handmade cigar takes you on, in its own right.
It's worth noting that there is only one vitola of Archetype Crystals cigar available, which is the 5" x 50 Robusto, so there's no doubt that your Crystals cigar will be the same vitola as our reviewers describe here.
What is the construction like?
Ventura Archetype Crystals is a handmade cigar from the Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A. factory. Each Archetype Crystals Robusto is masterfully rolled with a Nicaraguan Habano filler and binder, and a sun-grown Habano wrapper with a closed foot and pigtail cap.
The cap features the Archetype Cigars 'Labyrinth' band with the Archetype Crystals name printed beneath it, while the rest of the stick is enclosed in an illustrated sleeve which makes a box of 20 Archetype Crystals a joy even just to look at.
Expert craftsmanship means the construction delivers a premium smoking experience too, with an even burn throughout and a smooth draw. Something to savor for Ventura Archetype cigar aficionados.
What I got from the cold draw
As you remove the illustrated sleeve and band, take a moment to enjoy the cold draw of Archetype Crystals. You should be able to spot barnyard scents with the richness of fresh hay, combined with sweetness that gives the overall aroma a pleasing profile and whets the appetite ready for the main journey of actually smoking the stick.
Flavors I experienced from the Archetype Crystals
The 5" x 50 Robusto is the only Archetype Crystals vitola available, so what can you expect from each third once it's lit?
First third
Archetype Crystals opens up with gentle baking spices and peppery notes. This is a medium strength cigar and that means plenty of subtlety across a pleasant flavor profile. The retrohales enhance this experience with hints of cedar wood, and there's a taste of cocoa early on that fades toward the end of the first third.
Second third
Subtlety stays in control throughout the second third and there's little change in terms of the actual flavors: woody, creamy, baking spices. Again it's an enjoyable experience, especially if you prefer a cigar that lets you sit back and relax, instead of demanding your attention from the first draw to the last.
Final third
The strength profile rises again in the final third, with the help of some toasted, charred woody notes that are new to this journey. But there's no explosion of unexpected flavors. Instead, the consistent profile rounds out the experience without any shocks to the system.
What was the strength like?
Overall, the strength profile of this cigar is medium, perhaps even a little lower. That's not to say the flavors aren't there to be found, and if you prefer your cigars to be quite subtle, you're likely to love the spiced sweetness of a Ventura Archetype Crystals cigar.
Closing thoughts
We'll end this Archetype Crystals cigar review by saying that the medium strength is no reason not to enjoy smoking a masterfully handmade cigar with a balanced and subtle flavor profile throughout. Well worth picking up a box of 20, as the art on the box, band and sleeve will look fantastic even before you get around to lighting one up.
If you're interested in the Archetype brand, check out our introductory guide to Archetype cigars.