Casdagli Traditional Line Super Belicoso

Casdagli Traditional Line Super Belicoso

The reintroduction of the Super Belicoso marks a significant moment in Jeremy Casdagli’s cigar evolution. Having worked with Carlos Valdez Mosquera in Cuba during the 1990s on the original bespoke vitolas, Jeremy brought this distinctive large ring torpedo format back to life through his partnership with Hendrik Kelner Jr. at the Kelner Boutique Factory. The Super Belicoso exemplifies how modern preferences for wider gauges can harmonize with traditional Cuban-inspired blending philosophies, creating something that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

• Substantial 5 3/4″ x 60 torpedo format delivers extended smoking sessions of 75-90 minutes
• Four-country filler blend features aged USA Pennsylvanian Broadleaf, Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos
• Kelner Family Reserve binder provides structural integrity for the large ring gauge construction
• Dominican Cotui wrapper grown on Kelner plantation contributes distinctive sweetness and honey notes
• Medium-full bodied profile showcases dark chocolate, pepper, earth, cocoa, and cedar characteristics
• Closed foot design concentrates initial flavor delivery before wrapper influence emerges
• Box count of 20 cigars with 69% RH Boveda humidification included for optimal preservation

The engineering challenges of creating a 60-ring gauge torpedo require exceptional skill, particularly in maintaining consistent burn performance through the tapered head. Having discussed this vitola with Hendrik Kelner Jr. during a factory visit, the precision required to properly bunch the filler becomes apparent when you consider the varying circumference from foot to cap. The milk chocolate-brown Cotui wrapper displays remarkable elasticity, stretching smoothly over the pronounced shoulder without visible stress marks or veining. This wrapper selection from Monika Kelner’s exclusive plots brings not just visual appeal but contributes the signature sweetness that defines the Traditional Line.

The tobacco selection mirrors the complexity found throughout the Casdagli portfolio while adapting to the large format’s requirements. The aged Pennsylvanian Broadleaf provides essential structure and richness that prevents the blend from becoming diluted in the substantial ring gauge. Dominican tobaccos offer balance and refinement, Nicaraguan leaf introduces controlled spice progression, while Peruvian tobacco adds unique aromatic qualities that emerge particularly well through retrohale. The Kelner Family Reserve binder, a closely guarded component, ensures combustion consistency despite the significant tobacco volume.

Smoking dynamics evolve distinctively through the experience. The closed foot concentrates the initial filler flavors, delivering immediate notes of earth, cocoa, and subtle pepper before the wrapper’s influence introduces honey sweetness and cream. The large ring gauge produces voluminous smoke with creamy texture, while the torpedo shape naturally concentrates flavors as you progress toward the tapered head. Construction quality proves exceptional, with the burn line remaining remarkably even for such a substantial format. Draw resistance stays optimal throughout, though the generous tobacco volume requires patient, measured draws to avoid overheating.

Summary

• Box Count: 20
• Region: Dominican Republic
• Strength: Medium-Full
• Binder: Dominican (Kelner Family Reserve)
• Wrapper: Dominican Cotui
• Filler: Dominican, Nicaragua, USA (Pennsylvanian Broadleaf), Peru

Why did Casdagli reintroduce this large ring gauge format?

The Super Belicoso responds to modern preferences for wider ring gauges while honoring Jeremy Casdagli’s original Cuban bespoke vitolas from his work with Carlos Valdez Mosquera in the 1990s. The 60-ring gauge format allows for greater tobacco complexity and extended smoking sessions that contemporary aficionados appreciate, while maintaining the traditional torpedo shape that concentrates flavors progressively.

How does the closed foot affect the smoking experience?

The closed foot design allows smokers to experience the pure filler blend before the wrapper’s sweetness emerges. This creates a graduated flavor introduction, starting with concentrated notes of earth, cocoa, and pepper from the four-country filler blend, then evolving as the burn reaches the wrapped portion where honey and cream characteristics from the Cotui wrapper join the profile.

What makes the Kelner Family Reserve binder special?

The Kelner Family Reserve binder represents proprietary tobacco grown exclusively for the Kelner family’s premium productions. This carefully aged Dominican leaf provides exceptional combustion properties essential for maintaining even burn in large ring gauge formats, while contributing subtle sweetness and ensuring structural integrity throughout the extended smoking session.

How does the torpedo shape impact flavor delivery?

The tapered torpedo design naturally concentrates smoke and flavors as you progress toward the narrower head, intensifying the taste experience in the final third. This shape also affects burn temperature and smoke velocity, allowing different tobacco components to express themselves more prominently at various points throughout the cigar.

What distinguishes the Peruvian tobacco in this blend?

Peruvian tobacco adds unique aromatic qualities rarely found in Caribbean or Central American leaves. In the Super Belicoso, it contributes subtle floral and spice notes that emerge particularly well through retrohale, adding complexity to the dominant chocolate and cedar characteristics while complementing the sweetness from the Dominican components.

How long should I expect this cigar to smoke?

The Super Belicoso typically provides 75 to 90 minutes of smoking enjoyment. The substantial 60-ring gauge and densely packed filler create a slower burn rate than smaller vitolas, while the 5 3/4-inch length ensures the experience doesn’t become excessive. Smoking pace significantly affects duration, with patient, measured draws extending the session.

Does the large ring gauge affect storage requirements?

While the Super Belicoso fits standard humidor trays, the 60-ring gauge benefits from slightly higher humidity (67-69% RH) to maintain wrapper elasticity and prevent cracking at the shoulder. The included 69% Boveda pack provides ideal conditions. Allow extra space between cigars to prevent wrapper damage from compression.

What flavor transitions occur throughout the smoke?

The Super Belicoso opens with earth, cocoa, and mild pepper from the exposed filler at the closed foot. As the burn progresses into the wrapped portion, honey sweetness and cream emerge. The second third develops dark chocolate and cedar with increased pepper through retrohale. The final third concentrates these flavors while introducing leather and roasted coffee notes, with the Pennsylvanian Broadleaf becoming more prominent.