In our latest cigar review, we've rummaged around L'Atelier (French for 'workshop') to smoke a small ring gauge cigar with a big body and even bigger flavors. One of four pint-sized sticks released by L'Atelier Cigars in 2014, the Surrogates Cracker Crumbs is a 4.5 x 35 cigarillo.
It has the same blend as its larger cousin (the Animal Cracker), sporting a rustic, dark chocolate Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler.
Brand Overview
With Pete Johnson of Tatuaje fame at the helm, it's no surprise to see L'Atelier Cigars rolling out top-shelf cigars worthy of a place in any aficionado's humidor. Alongside his brother, K.C. Johnson, and a couple of close cigar-smoking friends, they debuted L'Atalier at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show.
A decade from their unveiling, they boast a portfolio of fine smokes, many of which flaunt unique and delicious profiles, thanks largely to a rare wrapper leaf dubbed 'Sancti Spiritus'.
All cigars in the Surrogates brand are manufactured at the famous My Father Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua. The first glimpse of my stogie leaves me feeling underwhelmed, with the overly simplistic band on the Cracker Crumbs not scrubbing up to the rest of the Surrogates profile.
Thankfully, I make no bones about the superb exterior packaging. Its pink elephant skeleton stands out among the colorless herd, perhaps a subtle prompt that we must do more to protect these endangered species.
Cigar specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Sizes Available: Surrogate by L'Atelier Cracker Crumbs (4.35 x 35)
Cold draw
Well-packed and firm to the press, the oily leaf is toothy and scattered with medium veins. It’s worth mentioning the Surrogates Cracker Crumb comes pre-cut, making it perfect for life on the road when your palate is quenching a quick and easy short smoke.
Sweeping aromas of rich cedar and leather bounce from the foot, and the dry draw is also positioned on the sweeter side of the spectrum, with honey graham cracker the overriding note.
First Third
For a cigar on the smaller side, the Cracker Crumb packed a punch from the off with a mix of black and red pepper tingling my tongue. The finish had a different spice dimension, with hot and fruity cayenne pepper coming forward. Each draw left a buttery taste on my lips, with the light gray ash holding nearly an inch before gently being patted off.
The spiciness stayed consistent until the end of the third as the air filled with copious amounts of silky, blue smoke, although some maple wood sweetness and leather did materialize.
Second Third
The flavor profile became rich and creamy in the middle third. The leather that entered the end of the first third was joined by oak and bready flavors.
Every so often, a tangy element came through with bbq sauce and charred wood. However, what impressed me most was the amount of intensity the Surrogates Cracker Crumb brought to the table. There was enough strength to appease the most ardent of cigar connoisseurs.
An element of white pepper remained on the finish as I smoked the stick down into the grand finale.
Final Third
The cigar did canoe at the beginning of the last third, but it corrected itself, so I didn’t have to touch it up. Overall, I had a good, even burn throughout, which is just what the doctor ordered.
Grass, black pepper, black tea, and hay were prominent flavors as I edged closer to the nub, with the creaminess dialing back slightly. There was still an alluring sweet-spice component, with a hint of white pepper on the nose, backed up by some toffee-like brown sugar.
Conclusion
For a tiny package that will give you around 30-45 minutes of smoking time, the Surrogates by L’Atelier Cracker Crumbs manages to produce an incredibly delicious and, at times, complex smoking journey. Easy to smoke with no cutting required — what’s not to love?
Convenient when you don’t have time for a more extensive smoke, match with dark beer or bourbon for a satisfying palate-pleasing experience. Bargain flavorful short smokes don’t come much better — head to cigars.com today, where you can pick up ten packs of 5 for $175.25.
