size: 6×50 toro bp
THE GET: I received this cigar in a care package from Gary Griffith of Emilio Cigars and House of Emilio. Gary has been very kind to me and my short conversations with Nate McIntyre of HOE and interactions with Fred Rewey of Nomad Cigar Co. over the years have been very pleasant and friendly. Nomad was a great addition to the House of Emilio and I was extremely happy to see this cigar arrive a few months ago.
THE PACKAGING: This cigar comes in boxes of 21, stacked in a 7×3 format, that are black and also have the Nomad Cigar Co. logo on the to–front and center. To distinguish this particular series in the line, the boxes have the S-307 
in a yellow print and font that reminds of something you would see on an ammunition box. The logo is something I am not huge fan of still; from my review of the Nomad Classic line: “The band on the Nomad cigars is more of a modern look as opposed to a classic cigar band. To me, it has an MMA vibe with the sharp razor edges and wings from behind. I do not know the history or meaning of this logo and I mean no disrespect in not being a fan of the look. It is more of a situation of preferring the classic look.” One thing Fred Rewey does that is uncommon, if not the sole exception, is put his twitter handle on his cigar bands. By doing this he opens himself up to his customers; by replying on social media and interacting with his customers he honors that obligation and delivers a buying experience that is unlike many around.
THE CIGAR: The S-307 comes in a nice, tight, box-press that rivals any edge I have seen; the Santos de Miami from Jameson Cigars is a sharper rectangle but this one from Nomad hold its own. What I am saying is that it is by no means a soft edge that you may see on other box-pressed cigars. I am not a huge fan of this shape but when I see a quality cigar donning the four flat sides, I get intrigued. This addition to the Nomad line is their first full-production Nicaraguan cigar using Nicaraguan filler tobacco that is cloaked by an Ecuadorian Habano binder and is finished in an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper; the S-307 is made in the AJ Fernandez Tobacalera factory. The Sumatra wrapper is dark brown in color and soft and flat in texture; filled with veins, this cigar is virtually seamless. There are no natural oils present. The initial aroma out of the cellophane is a strong chocolate and it is light in the hand. The S-307 also comes in a 5×50 robusto, a 6.5×52 torpedo, a 6×58 toro grande, and a 5.5×46 corona. I have no idea where the name S-307 came from or what it stands for; maybe the name of the prototype….
THE SMOKE: The pre-light draw is open and chocolate is once again the dominant flavor; this lasts only until I toast the foot and light it fully and a strong leather appears. After around an inch and as I go to take my picture, the first dirty gray ash falls. The leather is accompanied by the chocolate which has gained a sweet taste in the first half. The strength of this cigar has picked up a ton and I am surprised a bit by how strong this has become; not over-powering but is looming all over this cigar. This is unlike the classic line from Nomad which had very little strength to it; my review of that cigar can be found here. The smoke output is fairly heavy but I am experiencing something with the smoke I have never had before; in my mouth it is very light and dry–not improperly humidified dry, though–it is just light and dry and a fluffy white. Hard to explain because, like I said, I have never had this before. As I make notes of this phenomenon, a floral aroma and flavor added itself to this mix of tastes and it had become quite complex. The S-307 also burned very cool, not nearly the temperature I am used to and it required re-lighting twice, This is partly because of the Germany v. Algeria World Cup match I was watching and taking some of my concentration away. The burn, however, was spot-on and the construction was perfect, not surprisingly as the other cigars I have had from the Nomad line were also absolute in their construction. The cigar ended with a smoke time of two hours and a blast of power full of the many flavor notes previously stated.
THE SKINNY: At around $8, this is a must buy. The nicotine levels and strength of this may make a novice weary but if you like cigars full of flavors and can handle a punch, this is for you. Currently there are no retailers in Oregon that I know of, so I will need to make a stop at one of my many friendly retailers in my neighbor to the north; wouldn’t be the first time as Seattle tends to have more boutique options than my home state. Enough of my problems, I 100% recommend this cigar and a box would not be regretful. My next S-307 purchase will be the corona if I can find it. Click the hot links to find his website, his twitter, and his facebook page.
