Casdagli Basilica A
Price range: $19.62 through $353.16
Casdagli Basilica A — the full-bodied anchor of the Basilica line from Costa Rica. Rich, reverent earthiness, dark leather, and caramel-nougat complexity from Hendrik Kelner Jr.’s cathedral-themed series.
Volume Discounts
- Buy 2+ and save 5%
- Buy 3+ and save 10%
Premium cigars curated by Oxford Cigar Company. Ships from Orlando, FL.
If you purchase this product you will earn Casdagli Basilica A
Few cigars blend heritage, innovation, and boutique artistry as distinctly as the Casdagli Basilica A. Crafted at the Kelner Boutique Factory under Hendrik Kelner Jr.’s supervision, this cigar showcases the depth and vision that have made Casdagli a respected name in the luxury segment. Production is limited, utilizing rare, aged leaves sourced from the Kelner family plantation in the Dominican Republic and a mix of global tobaccos. Having reviewed Casdagli lines since their early days, I find the Basilica A consistently stands out for its detailed construction and evolving profile, embodying the brand’s commitment to refined craftsmanship.
- Kelner Boutique Factory origins highlight Casdagli’s dedication to quality and tradition
- Rare Dominican Cotuà wrapper for distinctive look and nuanced aroma
- 11-year-aged Bonao binder contributes smoothness and sophisticated layering
- Complex international filler blend from Pennsylvania, Peru, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
- Flared foot construction reveals the fillers before the wrapper joins
- Medium-full body with a dynamic flavor journey: vanilla, cream, chocolate, cedar, nuts, baking spice, citrus, earth
- Outstanding burn consistency, sturdy ash, and reliable draw cited by reviewers
Visually, the Basilica A presents a deep, cinnamon-brown wrapper, smooth and slightly oily, with minimal veins and a firm roll that signals quality construction. The foot’s distinctive flared, shaggy finish offers both visual appeal and a purposeful introduction to the filler blend. On close inspection, the wrapper yields notes of espresso bean, cedar, sweet hay, cocoa powder, vanilla, and earthy barnyard. The foot amplifies the aromatic intensity with hints of dried fruit, toasted bread, leather, and faint citrus peel.
Pre-light draw resistance falls just under medium, delivering clear flavors of cream, milk chocolate, walnut, and cedar, echoing the cold aromas. Lighting up, the first third opens with a creamy sweetness, led by vanilla, milk chocolate, and a touch of oat. Cedar, oak, and mixed nuts join in, followed by subtle baking spice and distant earth. The retrohale moves from light pepper to more defined spice and citrus, providing structure.
The middle third shifts gradually from sweet cream and chocolate to darker cocoa, age-worn cedar, and notes of espresso and oak. Nuts and baking spice remain, but with added depth. The retrohale intensifies, balancing black pepper, citrus zest, and a touch of vanilla. Construction holds firm, as the burn line remains straight and ash stacks clean.
Entering the final third, core flavors intensify. Earth and baking spice gain prominence, with cedar and oak framing the blend. Cream and cocoa continue in the background, rounding the profile. Strength builds to medium-full, while the body and flavor remain balanced. Total smoking time averages 1.5–2 hours. The cigar’s evolution and outstanding draw make it a reliable choice for those seeking boutique innovation and established tradition.
Casdagli Basilica A is box-worthy, particularly for smokers who value refined transitions and sophisticated presentations. It pairs well with the Oxford Cigar Company’s curated selection of rare brands, creating ideal opportunities for collectors and aficionados refining their palates.
| Cigar | Wrapper | Binder | Filler | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casdagli Basilica A | Dominican Cotuà | Dominican Bonao (11 years aged) | Dominican, Nicaragua, USA (Pennsylvania Broadleaf), Peru (Pelo de Oro) | Vanilla, cream, milk/dark chocolate, cocoa, cedar, nuts, spice, oak, citrus, earth, medium-full |
Summary
- Box Count: 20
- Region: Dominican Republic
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Binder: Dominican (Bonao, aged 11 years)
- Wrapper: Dominican CotuÃ
- Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, USA (Pennsylvania Broadleaf), Peru (Pelo de Oro)
What makes the Casdagli Basilica A unique?
Its blend of Cotuà wrapper, rare-aged binder, and worldwide fillers delivers layered complexity and memorable boutique character.
What flavors should I expect?
Expect an evolving profile of vanilla, milk and dark chocolate, cream, cedar, nuts, baking spice, citrus, and earth.
How is the construction?
Superb. Reviewers consistently highlight flawless burn, sturdy ash, and a spot-on draw throughout.
Is it suitable for beginners?
While medium-full in strength, its balance and sweet opening notes invite those discovering richer blends without overwhelming.
What is the foot style?
The flared shaggy foot lets initial filler flavors come forward before the wrapper joins, expanding complexity.
Is it box-worthy?
Yes. The blend’s consistency, presentation, and dynamic profile justify buying a full box for regular enjoyment.
Ideal smoking occasions?
The profile works for quiet evenings and special occasions, thanks to its richness and progression.
Best storage method?
Keep in a humidor at 65–70% humidity and 65–70°F to maintain peak freshness.
| Selection | Box – Basilica A 6 x 52, 5 Pack – Basilica A 6 x 52, Single – Basilica A 6 x 52 |
|---|
Share your thoughts!
Let us know what you think...
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Log in now
Justin White (verified owner) –
Casadagli continues to impress me. This cigar is very cedar forward, with ample sweetness and spice to balance things out. Killer size, killer blend, and killer construction. I don’t know what’s in the water over at Casadagli, but I hope they keep drinking it. Or watering the crops with it?
You know what I mean.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Lou Cross (verified owner) –
The Casdagli Basilica A is an extraordinary premium cigar that exudes luxury from start to finish. From the moment you hold it in your hand, you can sense the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. The beautiful, oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is flawlessly applied, enticing you with its rich, reddish-brown hue.
Upon lighting, the Basilica A reveals its true character. The initial draw delivers a burst of flavor that is both complex and refined. Notes of cedar, leather, and earth dance on the palate, creating a harmonious symphony of taste. The blend is perfectly balanced, allowing each flavor to shine without overpowering the others.
As the cigar progresses, the Basilica A continues to impress. The construction is flawless, providing an even burn and a sturdy ash that holds on impressively. The draw remains consistent, ensuring a smooth smoking experience from start to finish.
The aroma that emanates from this cigar is simply intoxicating. It fills the air with a sweet and woody fragrance that is sure to captivate those around you. The strength of the Basilica A is medium to full-bodied, providing a satisfying kick without overwhelming the senses.
In conclusion, the Casdagli Basilica A is a true masterpiece in the world of luxury cigars. Its impeccable construction, complex flavor profile, and elegant presentation make it a standout choice for any aficionado seeking a premium smoke. Indulge in this remarkable cigar, and you won’t be disappointed.
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Connor Meador (verified owner) –
Smoked my first one yesterday. Amazing smoke, perfect burn line all the way down. Really enjoyable cigar, Casdagli always does great. Nice medium+ body and great flavor
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Shawn Burridge (verified owner) –
For those seeking a luxurious, flavor-rich smoke, the Basilica A stands out as a masterfully blended, box-worthy smoke that balances sweetness, spice, and earth with elegance and consistency.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Ysofockup (verified owner) –
Another winner from Casdagli. Starts off with mixed nuts and cedar over a light base of pepper and spices with hints of yeast bread. Complex and well balanced. Oak becomes more noticeable as the smoke proceeds. Recommended.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
NshanM (verified owner) –
My favorite Casdagli!!
Very complex – creamy, nutty, spicy, sweet and a quite enjoyable stick!! I’ll be ordering more soon! Bursting with flavors left and right. Will be ordering more soon!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
usarmy15t86 (verified owner) –
I decided to pull out the Basilica A while doing some yard work today, and it did not disappoint! The construction was impeccable, as always with Casdagli. On the cold draw, there were really subtle sweet notes with a somewhat restricted draw.
On the light I was met with a bouquet of cedar, cream, and baking spices. The intensity of the flavors were very well balanced, none of them too strong while also rotating through playing a lead role in the experience.
This was a very delicious stick that you can comfortably enjoy any time of the day, even when you’re mowing the lawn!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Perfect smoke. Everything I’ve had from them has been lights out. This was more of the same. I get cedar, toasted nuts and hay. The flavors played off of each other so well. Construction was absolutely spot on. Draw was great and so was the burn. Can’t say enough good things about this brand. Every one I’ve had has been a winner. Keep em coming!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Sebastian Urena (verified owner) –
This cigar is amazing, is the fullest body cigar I’ve moke from the brand but it keeps all the balanced flavor profile you are used to from Casdagli. The wood and citrus notes here are amazing, and there is also a creamy, delicious leather flavor. The construction was flawless as usual and the shaggy foot is a nice touch to taste the filler of the cigars when litting.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
tomherbert12 (verified owner) –
I love the Basilica C so I decided to buy a few of these. There is an unsweetened cocoa note like the Basilica C, though it is less prominent in the A. The Basilica A has prominent notes of cedar and citrus that are not found in the C. There is a moderate amount of white pepper spiciness. It is very flavorful and quite good but I personally prefer the C, though both are superb cigars.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Eddy (verified owner) –
A quality smoke. Very cedar and spice forward. I didn’t really taste the sweetness that other reviewer mentioned. I’ve found a similarity with Casdagli’s offerings that are rolled at KBF, this dry raw tobacco taste. Very similar to a lot of Davidoff’s white band. The tail-end of the cigar I think is a bit of a gimmicky touch with the lack of wrapper leaves.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
mitchdlot (verified owner) –
Medium plus body, flawless burn and draw. Cedar, earth, pepper spice and maple like sweetness. This cigar is special. Masterful even. Truly a memorable experience.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Alexander S (verified owner) –
I smoke this cigar and was floored how good it was. I found out after-the-fact that it was rolled at the Kerner Boutique Factory in DR was not surprised. While it is a full strength it smokes like a medium with amazing flavor notes. It has a balanced sweetness while wonderful notes of chocolate, vanilla and oak. Definitely box worthy and a high recommended cigar in your rotation.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal