Caldwell Eastern Standard Dos Firmas cigars combine the expertise of cigar master Robert Caldwell and master blender William Ventura, owner of the Dominican Republic cigar factory where many of the Caldwell Cigar Company's most popular lines are produced.
In this Caldwell cigars review, we'll take a look at the history of this hugely popular producer, some of the biggest hits from the long line-up of great Caldwell cigars, and the features that make Eastern Standard Dos Firmas an excellent addition to the family.
Background on Caldwell Cigars
Robert Caldwell is a self-made cigar master from Miami. Taking inspiration from lines including La Gloria Cubana, in the 1990s he worked around the clock to break into the industry.
A joint venture with Christian Eiroa, Wynwood Cigars, ended amicably, freeing Caldwell to pursue his first solo project: the Caldwell Cigar Company. Success didn't take long, and some of the earliest Caldwell cigars remain staples of the company's output.
Limited edition Caldwell cigars have become highly anticipated, with fans of the brand waiting for each year's new releases. For some, the challenge is to try as many different Caldwell cigars as possible, which is why we're putting together a range of Caldwell cigar reviews in the coming years.
What are the brand's most famous cigars?
Caldwell Cigar Company has plenty of incredible creations to choose from. Here's our pick of three of the best.
The King is Dead by Robert Caldwell
This medium-strength maduro blend is among the best on the market. The dark, savory vintage Dominican Negrito wrapper on The King is Dead perfectly matches the 100% Dominican tobaccos and Corojo binder to pack a punch of dark coffee, chocolate and molasses.
Caldwell The T.
Caldwell The T. Sun Grown cigars are the brainchild of cigar masters AJ Fernandez, Matt Booth and Robert Caldwell, and proof that three heads are better than one. Constructed with Nicaraguan tobaccos, binder and wrapper, The T. explodes with earthy, oaky, leathery flavors.
Caldwell Long Live the King by AJ Fernandez
Long Live the King by Robert Caldwell is a firm favorite Caldwell cigar. If you've tried and loved the master's blend, don't miss Caldwell Long Live the King by AJ Fernandez, a limited edition collaboration between Caldwell and Fernandez with only 250 boxes produced of each size - a real privilege for those who get to experience these premium Nicaraguan puros.
What is the Caldwell Eastern Standard Dos Firmas?
Dos Firmas is also known as the Caldwell Signature - and the name means Two Signatures in Spanish - but it owes its origins to master blender William Ventura, who reputedly developed the blend two decades ago.
In 2016, Caldwell Cigar Company brought the blend to market as the Caldwell Eastern Standard Dos Firmas, but the exact ingredients inside the Connecticut Shade wrapper remain a mystery.
How is this cigar constructed?
Eastern Standard Dos Firmas is expertly rolled in a classic Connecticut Shade wrapper with the familiar Eastern Standard band. For this creation, the band is printed in brown on buff, bearing the signatures of both Robert Caldwell and William Ventura.
Take care of the papery wrapper and you'll be rewarded with an even burn line right the way through. Ash is not too firm, but holds together well, without becoming loose or flaky.
The cold draw experience
Don't forget to check the cold draw experience on this Caldwell cigar. After clipping, you should get the sweetness of molasses, combined with wet woodland hints.
What flavors will I come across?
First third
Dos Firmas starts soft, yielding small volumes of smoke when first lit. But the experience builds, with cedar flavors that develop from modest to medium as the earthiness of the cigar's central body starts to show through.
Second third
The middle third is where the pepper notes show themselves. You're into the heart of the Dos Firmas now, with dark cocoa and sweet cream topped off by cedar and spices.
Final third
A final third of fading creaminess and lingering pepper brings this mellow to medium smoke to a close. Smooth and subtle throughout, it's an experience for any true Caldwell connoisseur.
Looking into the strength
Dos Firmas is a mellow, light to medium blend with a little more body than strength. Low levels of smoke leave you to enjoy the delicately balanced flavors of cedar, spices, pepper and cream, which grow gradually to a crescendo in the final third. Subtle and stunning.
Closing thoughts
Twenty years in the making and five years on from its mass-market launch, the Caldwell Signature deserves its place in the Caldwell cigars line-up. Delicate but enjoyable, it's no wonder Caldwell and Ventura were both happy to put their names on the band, giving Dos Firmas the two signatures for which it's named.
If you'd like to enjoy some more Caldwell Cigars reviews, grab us on the socials and recommend some of your favorite Caldwell cigars to see what we think!