Cigar Reveal #140
Wildfire Cigar Co.
REVIVALIST
Jeremy McDonald helped not only launch Caldwell Cigar Co., he was a massive part of helping them grow to where they are today. And while he called it a life changing experience (and retained his equity in the company), it was still Robert Caldwell's dream. Jeremy decided he needed his own dream.
"We started this company as a couple of friends with a lot of ambition. Years of working together has allowed our friendship to grow and flourish. The time has come for me to leave the nest and fly on my own.”
We have featured three different Caldwell cigars in our blind tastings, so it was time for us too to feature his first regular line production cigar: The Revivalist. For Jeremy, it helped to have worked in the cigar industry for long. He was able to connect with one of the most esteemed factory's in the world, Joya de Nicaragua, to make Wildfire cigars. Joya produces their own cigars as well as many Drew Estate brands.
“I have partnered with a factory that I love and respect, and together we are crafting some damn fine cigars for one purpose: To find commonalities in other humans and enjoy those moments together ... It’s the stories we share, the moments we have, and the memories we share. Those are what matter. Those are what change us, and those are what last forever. I named the company Wildfire Cigars because it only takes a spark to catch fire. So, let’s smoke together.”
Because these are a new release there haven't been many reviews yet, so take notes and let us know what you think of the Revivalist!
Revivalist
Anatomy
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Indonesia +
Nicaragua
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Nicaragua
- Mexican Claro
Revivalist
Flavor Notes
First Third
Peat
Citrus
Raisins
Peat
Citrus
Raisins
Second Third
Malt
Cream
Peat
Malt
Cream
Peat
Final Third
Walnut
Raisins
Cream
Walnut
Raisins
Cream
Reviews + Notes
Stogie Press
Congratulations to Jeremy McDonald and his WildFire Cigar Co. for creating a pleasant inaugural cigar. The Revivalist is a testament to Jeremy’s years of work in the premium cigar industry. I loved the complexity on the pre-light and the moderately complex flavor profile through the burn including the raisin. malt and cream notes. It also had a very clean finish. I feel this is box worthy and I rate it a 93.
The Styled Stogie
On the body I get really nice simple and straightforward since of earth and sweet Spanish cedar. A hint of sweetness on the foot almost like raisin. Very interesting cold draw. Taste uncannily similar to a good pad Thai. More than likely what I’m picking up are the spices such as star anise or Chinese five spice. It’s tempting to do the reveal before lighting up, but where is the fun in that?
Right off the bat there is perfect smoke output with a nice earth note with nuttiness on the finish. In addition to that there is some slight pepper spice coming through. The pepper fades quickly after a few minutes and is replaced with a vegetal sweetness and a nice salty savory kick. That nuttiness at the beginning is coming through more as a salted almond. Interesting combination going into the second third. The almond is still present but there’s also a mint note there on the palate. Further in there’s a slight cedar note, but a little heartier. As I get into the final third, the wood note is a bit more noticeable but it’s now more of an oak. With the oak, the is come coffee coming through.
Overall, very pleasant. While the complexity and dynamic range declined throughout the smoke it remained enjoyable all the way to the end. Great pairing with an afternoon coffee post lunch. After the reveal, I was very surprised. I never would have guessed this stick to be what it was and wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise from lack of knowledge. My notes were different, but that’s the beauty of our individual palates. Then again, this is why Standard and Twain has become a favorite. A nice personal surprise, every single time.
