Casdagli Club Mareva Spalato 2

Casdagli Club Mareva Spalato 2

The transformation from limited edition to regular production marks a pivotal moment in the Club Mareva story. When the original Spalato sold through its 10,000-cigar allocation, Marko Bilić and Jeremy Casdagli faced a decision: recreate the exact blend or evolve it. Their choice to experiment solely with wrapper selection while maintaining the core blend showcases masterful restraint. Having sampled both versions at Club Mareva’s UNESCO-protected location within Split’s 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace, the Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper creates an entirely different experience, transforming dark chocolate intensity into creamy milk chocolate elegance while preserving the pyramid format’s structural excellence.

• Classic 6″ x 49 pyramid format tapers elegantly from 50-ring foot to pointed cap
• Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper transforms profile from original’s dark to milk chocolate character
• Dominican binder from Kelner reserves maintains structural integrity through tapering shape
• Dominican and Nicaraguan filler blend remains unchanged from acclaimed limited edition
• Medium to medium-full body delivers milk chocolate, vanilla, cedar, oak, tea, raisins, and baking spice
• Box design replicates famous black marble from Brac Island used in Diocletian’s Palace
• Box count of 15 cigars with 69% RH Boveda humidification included

The engineering precision required for this pyramid showcases the Kelner factory’s expertise with challenging formats. The gradual taper from 50-ring foot to pointed cap creates varying burn temperatures and smoke concentration throughout the experience. The Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, displaying a milk chocolate coloration with pronounced oil content, stretches smoothly over the pyramid’s changing circumference without stress marks. This wrapper selection fundamentally alters the cigar’s character from the original Dominican Cotui version, proving how crucial wrapper influence becomes in pyramid formats where the wrapper-to-filler ratio constantly shifts.

The unchanged filler and binder combination tells a story of successful formula preservation. Dominican tobaccos from multiple Cibao Valley regions provide sweetness and balance, while Nicaraguan components add controlled spice and body. The decision to maintain this core blend while experimenting only with wrapper demonstrates confidence in the original selection made by Marko Bilić during his 2017 factory visit. The Dominican binder, sourced from Kelner’s premium reserves, ensures consistent combustion through the challenging pyramid construction while contributing subtle cream notes that bridge wrapper and filler flavors.

Smoking dynamics evolve distinctively through the tapering format. Initial draws at the wider foot deliver immediate milk chocolate and vanilla from the Corojo wrapper, quickly joined by cedar and subtle baking spice. As the ring gauge narrows, flavors concentrate and intensify, with tea and raisin notes emerging prominently in the second third. Multiple reviewers note the dessert-like quality, with creamy textures and sweet undertones persisting throughout. Construction generally excels, with the pyramid shape burning evenly despite its complexity. The retrohale presents white pepper and toasted almonds without harshness, adding dimension while maintaining approachability. The final third sees oak becoming more prominent as sweetness gradually fades, though the milk chocolate character remains detectable to the finish.

Summary

• Box Count: 15
• Region: Dominican Republic
• Strength: Medium to Medium-Full
• Binder: Dominican
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo
• Filler: Dominican, Nicaragua

How does the Spalato 2 differ from the original limited edition?

The primary difference lies in wrapper selection. While maintaining the identical Dominican and Nicaraguan filler blend plus Dominican binder, the switch from Dominican Cotui to Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper transforms dark chocolate notes into milk chocolate characteristics. This single change creates a creamier, more approachable profile while preserving the structural excellence and complexity of the original pyramid format.

What significance does the Spalato name carry?

Spalato references Split’s historical names through different empires. The Romans called it “Spalatum,” while the Venetians renamed it “Spalato.” The cigar celebrates both the city’s layered history and its modern role as home to the Cigar Smoking World Championship. The box design, replicating black marble from Brac Island used in Diocletian’s 305 AD palace, physically connects the cigar to Split’s Roman heritage.

Why choose pyramid format for this blend?

Marko Bilić specifically requested the pyramid shape to honor Roman heritage, as Egyptian pyramids held significant symbolic importance in Roman culture. The format also creates dynamic smoking experiences through varying ring gauges, allowing different tobacco components to express themselves as burn temperatures and smoke concentration change throughout the session.

What makes this wrapper transformation successful?

The Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper complements rather than competes with the established filler blend. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture enhance the Dominican tobacco’s inherent characteristics while tempering the Nicaraguan spice. The milk chocolate notes create accessibility for newer smokers while maintaining enough complexity to engage experienced palates, broadening the cigar’s appeal beyond the original’s audience.

How does the tapering affect flavor delivery?

The pyramid’s gradual taper from 50-ring foot to pointed cap naturally concentrates flavors as you progress. Initial sections deliver broader, more diffused flavors with emphasis on chocolate and vanilla. As the gauge narrows, spice and wood notes intensify while sweetness becomes more focused. This creates three distinct flavor phases despite consistent tobacco throughout.

What flavor notes dominate each third?

The first third opens with prominent milk chocolate, vanilla, and cedar with subtle cream undertones. The second third develops tea and raisin characteristics alongside baking spices, with coffee emerging through retrohale. The final third transitions to oak dominance with persistent milk chocolate in the background, while pepper increases moderately without overwhelming the dessert-like sweetness.

Is this suitable for newer cigar smokers?

The Spalato 2’s medium to medium-full body and creamy milk chocolate profile make it more approachable than many premium pyramids. The dessert-like sweetness and smooth texture appeal to developing palates, while the evolving complexity through the tapering format provides educational value about how construction affects flavor. Multiple reviewers describe it as an ideal introduction to pyramid vitolas.

How does the annual production limit affect availability?

Limited to 10,000 cigars annually, the Spalato 2 maintains exclusivity despite regular production status. This controlled release ensures quality standards while creating steady availability through Casdagli’s global distribution network. The production cap prevents market saturation while allowing the Kelner factory to maintain the precise construction standards this complex format demands.