Warped Sarto

Warped Sarto

The Warped Sarto stands as Kyle Gellis’s most personal and powerful creation to date, a full-bodied Connecticut Broadleaf masterpiece that marks both a new chapter in production partnerships and a heartfelt tribute to his beloved Cane Corso companion who lost his battle with Idiopathic Epilepsy. This inaugural release from NACSA factory in Estelí represents Warped’s boldest blend ever, combining emotional resonance with uncompromising strength to create a smoking experience that challenges expectations while honoring a cherished memory through exceptional craftsmanship.

Key Features

• Warped’s strongest release featuring dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper
• First collaboration with NACSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua
• Nicaraguan puro core from three distinct regions: Estelí, Jalapa, and Ometepe
• Meaningful tribute featuring Sarto’s image on slate blue, black, and silver embossed band
• Unique Asian spice profile including fennel, lemongrass, cardamom, and ginger
• Limited packaging in elegant 14-count boxes across three vitolas
• Full-bodied intensity that pushes boundaries while maintaining Warped’s signature balance

The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper presents itself with an oily, nearly veinless surface that promises the intensity within. This dark, rich leaf sourced from the Connecticut River Valley undergoes extensive fermentation to achieve its distinctive character, providing both visual appeal and the foundation for Sarto’s commanding presence. The Nicaraguan binder from Estelí creates structural integrity while contributing earthy depth, supporting the complex filler blend that draws from Nicaragua’s three premier growing regions. Each component was selected specifically to achieve maximum strength without sacrificing the nuanced flavor development that defines Warped’s approach to blending.

The flavor journey begins with an immediate announcement of intent, delivering bold earth tones and cracked black pepper that establish Sarto’s full-bodied character from first light. Caramel sweetness provides unexpected balance before evolving into distinctive Asian spice notes rarely encountered in Nicaraguan puros. Fennel, lemongrass, cardamom, and ginger create an exotic profile that sets this blend apart from typical Connecticut Broadleaf expressions. Dark chocolate and leather emerge prominently through the middle third, while fig and cedar add aromatic complexity. The retrohale reveals sesame seeds and intensified ginger, creating a unique sensory experience that challenges conventional expectations.

Construction quality at NACSA maintains the exacting standards Warped enthusiasts expect, with each cigar demonstrating perfect weight distribution and ideal packing density. The draw provides optimal resistance, delivering voluminous smoke that carries the complex flavors effectively. Burn lines remain generally sharp, though the intensity of the blend may require occasional touch-ups. The firm gray ash holds confidently while the aroma fills the room with rich, inviting notes. Smoking times range from 60 minutes for the robusto to nearly two hours for the double corona, providing substantial sessions that fully explore this blend’s evolutionary character.

Specifications

Summary

• Box Count: 14
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Full-bodied
• Binder: Nicaraguan (Estelí)
• Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
• Filler: Nicaraguan (Estelí, Jalapa, Ometepe)

What makes Sarto Warped’s strongest release?

The combination of Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with triple-region Nicaraguan fillers creates unprecedented intensity for Warped. The Estelí components provide power, Jalapa adds complexity, and Ometepe contributes unique mineral notes, resulting in a full-bodied experience that surpasses even La Colmena and other robust Warped offerings.

Why is NACSA factory significant for this release?

Sarto marks Warped’s first collaboration with NACSA in Estelí, expanding beyond their traditional partnerships with El Titan de Bronze and TABSA. This new relationship brings fresh production expertise and access to different tobacco selections, allowing Gellis to explore bolder blending territories while maintaining quality standards.

What are these unique Asian spice notes?

Unlike typical Nicaraguan profiles, Sarto delivers fennel, lemongrass, cardamom, and ginger flavors rarely found in Connecticut Broadleaf cigars. These exotic spice notes emerge particularly in the first third and on the retrohale, creating a distinctive sensory experience that separates this blend from conventional full-bodied offerings.

How does the tribute aspect affect the cigar?

Named for Kyle Gellis’s late Cane Corso who died from epilepsy, Sarto carries deep personal meaning. The band features the dog’s image in elegant slate blue, black, and silver, making each cigar both a smoking experience and a memorial. This emotional connection inspired Gellis to create his boldest blend yet.

Which vitola best showcases the blend?

The robusto provides the most concentrated flavor experience with its 50 ring gauge, ideal for those seeking maximum intensity. The toro offers better balance between strength and smoking time, while the double corona allows fullest flavor evolution over its extended session, though some find it overwhelmingly earthy.

Is this suitable for Connecticut Broadleaf fans?

While featuring Connecticut Broadleaf, Sarto diverges significantly from typical expressions. The extreme strength and unique Asian spice profile create an unconventional experience that may surprise traditional Broadleaf enthusiasts. Those expecting standard maduro sweetness should prepare for a bolder, more challenging smoke.

How prominent are the earth tones?

Earth dominates the profile throughout, with some smokers finding it overwhelming. Bold earthy tones provide the foundation from start to finish, with chocolate, spice, and sweet notes playing supporting roles. Those preferring lighter, more nuanced profiles may find the earthiness excessive.

What occasions suit this powerful blend?

Sarto’s intensity makes it ideal for experienced smokers seeking a memorable after-dinner cigar or special occasion smoke. The full-bodied strength requires preparation with a substantial meal, while the complex profile rewards slow, contemplative smoking. This commanding blend demands attention and respect.