Our latest review sees our trail through the great outdoors with this 2019 offering from the creative talents of Honduras’s Oscar Valladares. Cigars have been a loving companion in many extra-curricular activities for seasoned smokers, with links to billiards, fast cars, and of course alcohol.
But what about the hunters among us that shoot to thrill by spending endless hours in vast woodlands? Designed to be the perfect cohort on your next hunt, Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. decided to introduce the Wild Hunter cigar to help fill the void. A gamely stick to accompany that surge of adrenalin you experience during those close encounters or when you’re on the cusp of pulling the trigger.
The jury is still out on whether the scent of cigar smoke will affect your chances of a kill. On the other hand, we can certainly unmask whether the Wild Hunter is a successful shot (and smoke), or does it end up missing the target completely?
Cigar Specs
- Country of Origin: Honduras
- Strength: Medium
- Wrapper: Honduras (Copan)
- Binder: Honduras
- Filler: Honduras
- Smoke Time: 145 minutes
- Sizes Available:
- Toro Maduro (6 x 52)
- Toro (6 x 52)
What is the construction like?
Available in both natural and Maduro wrappers, the Wild Hunters holds back no bullets when it comes to unveiling its hunting concept. It comes packaged in 20-count boxes which are splashed with vibrant images of the wilderness to give it the look of a camouflaged ammo box.
The primary band also takes inspiration from mother nature with a similar camouflage pattern that saps the trees and branches with shades of green, brown, and black.
There’s a proud burst of orange in the motif that displays the ‘Wild Hunter’ name, akin to a predator that has caught its prey. The company’s logo is positioned in yellow just below for further vibrancy.
To distinguish between the two blends, an additional footer band has been added to the natural version.
The wrapper on this heavily marbled stogie derives from the Copan region of Honduras and is a rustic faded brown color. It is coarse in texture with noticeable veins, while the binder and filler come from Valladares’s own farm in Honduras to give you the authentic flavors of his homeland.
What I thought about the cold draw
The wrapper gave off notes of leather and white pepper. However, just like the appearance of the cigar, the flavors tried to stay concealed when I drew in some cold puffs.
There was a faint sweetness that tasted like melted ice cream, but my mind was now firmly set on lighting my Honduran Puro to find out if it showcased those trademark earth and mineral notes that I gravitate towards.
Flavors enjoyed from the Wild Hunter
The Wild Hunter is no gimmick cigar as it gave a reliable and consistent smoke from start to finish, as well as proving to be an honest representation of Honduran tobacco. It’s earthy and beefy in character, with the main attractions being rich leather notes, woody cedar, and spice.
The dark Oscuro blend also brings an added sweetness to the table, namely the juicy pulp of black cherry and a sensual cocoa aroma.
First third
My face (and cigar) are glowing from the off as those classic powerful flavors kick in right away. As would be expected from a Honduran Puro, it delivers liberal medium-full bodied notes of earth, oak, and a little pepper spice which brings added depth and complexity.
On the retrohale, there’s a sweet nuttiness, while the cigar had been solid in terms of burn, draw and smoke production.
Second third
At the halfway stage, there is a fabulous palette of woody elements that are prominent in this competitive pastime. Cedar is the most conspicuous, while some char has touched the oak. As the third comes to a close, there’s a creamy moss taste that truly sends my call to the wild.
Dry earth defines the post draw, as the stick continues to respect its roots in Honduran terroir.
Final third
My stogie was now well and truly in the firing line as I moved into the last third. Again, I returned to the forest by absorbing some dry wood notes, but it was the surprise of dark chocolate, maple, and pepper spice that took this smoke to the next level. A slight earthy sweetness rested on the back of this decadent flavor map.
How strong is the cigar?
I would classify the Wild Hunter as being medium to medium-full in strength, body, and flavors. The strength evidently bumped up in the final third, which left a lingering flavor on the tongue.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to flaunting a genuine Honduran Profile through and through, nobody does it quite like Oscar Valladares. If you’re on the hunt for an example of the fine tobacco that is grown in the “banana republic”, I would certainly recommend giving the Wild Hunter a shot. Pair with an old Cuban cocktail for maximum enjoyment.