Back in March of 2024, the Miami-based El Titán de Bronze cigar factory announced that it had updated its previously-limited Redemption line of cigars and this new iteration would be a regular production release distributed nationally by General Cigar Company. Nobody was more thrilled about this collaboration between small factory and big cigar company than El Titan de Bronze’s owner Sandy Cobas:
“This is the right time, with the right people, and I feel so confident in them. After so many years, so much hard work with my family, this is the first time we will be able to get the amazing work of our artisans to people all over the country. It started with the Cohiba project, and now, to be going to the show with General Cigar, sitting at a table with the big players where I always wanted to be, I’m so excited. This turned out so well, and I’m thrilled that more people will get to experience a new Redemption and the work of El Titán de Bronze.”
When General Cigar submitted some samples of the Redemption line for us to review last year, I let the cigars rest a few weeks before lighting one up. While that smoking experience wasn’t bad, I did find the cigar fairly boring so dedicating hours to writing a review of it wasn’t on the top of my to-do list. Skip ahead to last night when I stumbled across the now fully-rested Redemption in my humidor and decided, on a whim, to give it another shot. It was a different story this time around for sure. So here’s to hoping a similar story to last night’s is told below…
THE CIGAR – REDEMPTION by EL TITÁN DE BRONZE
Size: 5 5/8 x 46 (corona)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian habano
Binder: Nicaraguan (Estelí)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa & Estelí)
Price: $15.99
Upon sliding the Redemption corona from its cellophane sleeve, there’s a rich sweetness detected off the wrapper and sniffing the foot of the cigar directly reveals even more of that raisin-like sweetness. Sweet raisins! The cinnamon brown cigar seems to be rolled well with no noticeable soft spots or lumps but
…it’s, honestly, really hard to hard examine this cigar accurately as 75% of the Redemption is covered by the primary and secondary bands. It should be noted that the band’s designs are impressive, classy even.
After a quick punch to the cap, the cold draw features some tea leaves and a faint mint sensation. Upon torching the foot, a medium-strength pepper spice presents itself through the nose backed by cedar. The draw is producing copious clouds of smoke as it brings in flavors of cedar and very mild milk chocolate. The burn line is starting off slightly wavy but it’s nowhere near the point of being concerned about it, and the draw’s airflow is perfect.
After smoking the Redemption for less than 10 minutes, it’s already time to remove the bottom band. Unfortunately, when I gently peel off the secondary band it takes a tiny chunk of wrapper leaf with it and, in doing so, the wrapper begins to unravel…
The good news is that this situation did not occur with the two other samples smoked. And the better news is that, so far, the loose leaf doesn’t appear to be affecting the Redemption’s smokability. The retrohale’s combination of medium pepper, cedar, and mineral has now been joined by a buttercream icing note via the draw that’s highly enjoyable (imagine that). Flavorwise, all the elements are working very well together despite the construction challenges.
As we slowly approach the fifty yard line, I’m tempted to attempt a relight to help get things back on track but I decide to be patient and see if the Redemption will self-correct once the loose wrapper leaf burns off. The cigar’s profile continues to impress. Whereas the retro was the highlight in the first half, the draw’s current medley of smooth cedar and buttercream icing is beginning to steal the spotlight. Wait a minute… what’s happening here… oh shit, Redemption you’ve just gone
Yes, folks, the Redemption has now suddenly and completely redeemed itself! How’s that for irony? Or is that kismet? Either way, my gut told me that my patience with this cigar would be rewarded and that outcome has, thankfully, come to fruition. Really good cigars seem to be able to find a way to eventually find their way.
In the final third, the Redemption presents its very best self in every way. Warm cedar, buttercream icing, crisp spice, and classic Nica mineral… yum. This smooth flavor profile is exactly what I experienced with the Redemption last night and I’m happy that this smoking experience is proving that ’twas no fluke. From a pairing standpoint, I’d highly recommend a hot latte or, if you’re boozing, I’d roll with your favorite sipping bourbon.
THE NUB
FINAL TNCC SCORE = 91
At its core, the Redemption corona is a complex, flavorful cigar that should appeal to both rookies and veteran smokers alike. And, after reading this review, I think you’ll agree that’s hard to ignore both the cigar’s name and the apt theme of redemption. I was rooting for this cigar to fix what was wrong, with minimal human assistance, and it absolutely did. So believe in your cigars because they sure as hell believe in you! Or something like that.
* Total Smoking Duration = 71 minutes
