Dana Point Cigar & Wine in Southern California is more than just a cigar shop; it’s a gateway to unique finds, especially for those seeking the renowned Esteban Carreras Cigars. Owned by Sean Cunningham, the mastermind behind Esteban Carreras, this shop boasts an unparalleled selection of his creations. During a trip to Newport Beach, a detour to Dana Point unveiled this treasure trove, proving well worth the drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, despite the ever-present traffic. For cigar aficionados venturing to Dana Point, a visit to this shop is highly recommended, promising not only the best Esteban Carreras selection but also a curated assortment from other top brands, reflective of its TAA membership.
Among the notable offerings is the Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat, a cigar that expands the celebrated Chupa Cabra line with a distinctive blend. This “Hellcat” cigar features Nicaraguan fillers and binder, enveloped in a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Rumors suggest this wrapper is of the same esteemed quality used in some of the most sought-after maduro cigars from Nicaragua’s leading manufacturers. The name “Chupa Cabra,” legend has it, was inspired by a boat name spotted by Cunningham, while the “Hellcat” moniker might just be a nod to a personal passion for high-performance vehicles, though definitively in the realm of premium cigars, not automobiles. Interestingly, while online spellings vary, the cigar band itself clearly presents “Chupa Cabra” as two words and “Hellcat” as one, solidifying its branding.
Having sampled the Chupa Cabra Hellcat on a couple of prior occasions, including one provided directly by Esteban Carreras, this review is based on a purchased cigar, ensuring an unbiased perspective.
Prelight Impressions of the Hellcat
The Chupa Cabra Hellcat cigar immediately presents a more refined aesthetic than its Chupa Cabra predecessors. While retaining the main and secondary bands familiar to the Habano and Maduro versions, the Hellcat distinguishes itself with an added foot band boldly declaring its “Hellcat” lineage. Furthermore, an expansive vellum strip elegantly connects the secondary band to the foot band, creating a visually striking, albeit leaf-concealing, presentation. Despite the extensive banding, a closed foot design was chosen, a detail that might be debated given the overall ornate presentation.
Removing the vellum and secondary band section is effortless, revealing a smooth, subtly papery Mexican San Andres wrapper. The wrapper’s color resembles milk chocolate, displaying visible veins that are nearly imperceptible to the touch. A pre-light aroma from the wrapper yields inviting notes of earth and cocoa powder, while the foot adds a cedar nuance to this aromatic profile.
The pigtail cap suggests the possibility of a pre-light pull, a method some aficionados prefer. However, for a clean and precise cut, a Xikar Xi cutter was employed, resulting in an excellent cold draw. The pre-light flavors are a complex blend of chocolate and dried berries, underpinned by earthy and cedar notes, setting the stage for the smoking experience to come.
Flavor Journey of the Hellcat Cigar
Upon ignition, the Chupa Cabra Hellcat cigar immediately establishes a bold flavor presence. The initial puffs deliver prominent notes of leather and dark roast coffee, closely followed by a subtle, bitter earthiness. These leading flavors are beautifully complemented by trailing hints of semi-sweet chocolate, dark fruit, and a whisper of red pepper on the finish. The retrohale elevates the experience, introducing nuances of medium-roast coffee, roasted nuts, and tea, further accented by a pronounced pepper spice. As the first third progresses, the flavor profile harmonizes into a consistent core of coffee, earth, and baker’s cocoa, offering a balanced and engaging start.
The second third of the Hellcat cigar witnesses a gentle increase in sweetness, yet the earthy foundation remains central. Espresso bean notes continue to permeate the profile, maintaining prominence, while the red pepper spice experienced in the initial third noticeably recedes. This transition creates a smoother, more refined smoking experience, allowing the deeper notes to emerge.
Approaching the final third, the Chupa Cabra Hellcat shifts its profile again, emphasizing earth and cocoa powder with increased intensity. The espresso bean note persists, now accompanied by a delicate touch of tea, adding a layer of complexity to the evolving flavors. The pepper, once a notable component, becomes a faint memory, allowing the earthier and cocoa notes to dominate the final stages of the smoke.
Construction and Smoking Experience
The Chupa Cabra Hellcat showcases exceptional construction. It provides a consistently great draw, producing a solid ash that holds firmly. The burn line is remarkably even, requiring only minimal touch-ups throughout the smoking duration, highlighting the quality in its making.
Value Proposition
Consistent with Esteban Carreras’ reputation, the Hellcat cigar offers excellent value. Its reasonable price point makes it an accessible option for the quality and smoking experience it delivers, positioning it as a smart choice for both seasoned and newer cigar smokers.
Final Thoughts on the Chupa Cabra Hellcat
The Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat cigar delivers a decidedly enjoyable smoking experience. While it presents a commendable level of complexity at the outset, the profile tends to simplify somewhat as it progresses into the latter thirds. Despite this slight tapering, the Hellcat remains a “good” smoke, offering a solid and satisfying experience, especially considering its attractive price. It’s undoubtedly a cigar worth exploring, offering a balanced flavor profile and reliable construction that together make it a recommendable choice for cigar enthusiasts seeking quality without extravagance.
By-The-Numbers
- Prelight: 2/2
- Construction: 2/2
- Flavor: 3.5/5
- Value: 1/1
- Total: 8.5/10
