The Somm cigar brand from owner, and trained wine sommelier, Vlada Stojanov debuted at the TPE 2023 trade show. The BDX line was the first to be introduced with its name referencing the Bordeaux region of France. While that initial release was limited to a 5×50 robusto only, a new size was later released in February 2024. Stojanov had this to say in a press release:
“The Corona Gorda is one of my favorite sizes, and I am extremely happy with how the blend is showcased in this format. I originally made these for myself as a birthday present last year, and after a few people tried them and fell in love with the profile, I decided to release an extremely limited production run this year.”
I love premium cigars and I love red wine. So when I strolled in to my local cigar shop recently, Smokers Abbey Austin, and mentioned that I was interested in trying something from Somm, my highly-knowledgeable tobacconist Ian confidently handed me the BDX corona gorda. The last cigar Ian handed me turned out to be an amazing smoke so the bar had certainly been set high… let’s do this!
THE CIGAR – BDX by SOMM CIGARS
Size: 5 5/8 x 46 (corona gorda)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Nicaraguan (Jalapa viso)
Filler: Honduran Broadleaf, Mexican San Andrés, Nicaraguan (Jalapa viso)
Price: $12.99 (you can purchase the Somm BDX from Smokers Abbey Austin HERE)
There’s not much in the way of prelight aromas other than a very slight herbal/mint essence that’s found when sniffing the foot of the BDX directly. The wrapper leaf is dry, completely void of any surface oils, and there are no soft spots detected. In fact, this is one of the firmer cigars I’ve pulled from the humidor in recent memory.
After a quick punch, the cold draw reveals some muted green tea and a touch of must. Upon ignition, a soft, damn near gentle white pepper presents itself immediately through the nose and after a few puffs it is joined by a graphite note. The draw is bringing in equal parts mild oak and faint leather. The draw is a little tight, so I cut the cap and that seems to help matters for now.
Okay, I spoke way too soon, as this cigar is way too tight. I’m having to puff far more frequently than I would prefer to in order to keep the BDX burning. Which is a shame because the overall profile being presented is far from unpleasant. The retrohale’s mild spice and graphite have been joined by a soft vanilla note that’s reminds me of the vanilla pudding Snack Packs I watched other kids eat in teh cafeteria as I sat hungry with my untradable box of raisins. The draw’s profile remains steady with approachable leather and oak flavors.
I strategically stab the head of the cigar four times with my nub tool in another effort to increase airflow. My gut is telling me that the BDX in my hand has the potential to be an interesting cigar but I shouldn’t have to work this hard goddamnit.
The BDX did produce a truly beautiful, stack-o-dimes ash that finally dropped right around the fifty yard line (just as I was about to photograph it of course). Once the ash drops, I’m forced to conduct my first relight after clipping a little more off the cap. I’ve been looking forward to trying this cigar for quite a while so I’m hitting this sucker with every tool in the box.
This additional clip seems to have actually got us somewhere as smoke is flowing a little easier now, finally. And now that I can smoke the BDX as I normally would, here in the final third, the retrohale’s combination of primarily soft pepper and vanilla is shining through loud and clear (and better than ever). The draw’s faint oak and leather notes remain consistent. I don’t pair cigars with beverages while reviewing but I can’t help but wonder if a giant glass of Cabernet would go well with the BDX… if nothing else it may help me relax and be less irritated with all the maintenance this cigar has required. The BDX finishes strong, with all the flavors working in harmony together resulting in a pleasant final act.
THE NUB
FINAL TNCC SCORE = 79
I’m not going to write off Somm due to one tight cigar. It’s a handmade product and things happen, as cigar smokers we all know this. But seeing as how this appears to be the least expensive BDX offering in their portfolio, the odds of me paying more money to give this line a second chance is unlikely. Sure, I’d like to go another round with the Somm BDX but there are so many other options on the shelf begging for a first chance… I’ll be keeping my eyes out for a sale or possibly a discounted Somm sampler and maybe I’ll get lucky. I think in today’s age of increasing cigar prices, one of the major downsides is that these higher prices prevent a smoker like me from giving too many second chances. And with a young brand just starting out, that one-and-potentially-done situation a consumer faces doesn’t do the company any favors in growing their consumer base. But what the hell do I know?
* Total Smoking Duration: 60 minutes
** Total Time It Took Me To Go Pour A Giant Glass Of Red Wine Upon Completion Of This Review: 4 minutes
