Item: Review Capitol Robusto - matured for two years
Author: Vasilij Ratej

This Review CAPITOL Robusto (Nicaragua Jack) actually begins with a small coincidence: the CAPITOL Robusto had been in my humidor since October 2023, completely forgotten for a long time. When I saw it again now, the cellophane was already slightly yellowed - a typical sign that essential oils from the tobacco are migrating into the cellophane. For me: a good sign. And that's exactly why I love „rediscoveries“ like this: You think you know a cigar - and then it suddenly shows you a different side after maturing.

QUICK BOX 5-second decision

For you, if you like it: Mild cigars that later show more depth

Strength / Smoke duration: 2/5, approx. 60 minutes

3 flavour points: slightly sweet, creamy, slightly tart

The moment

I was in the mood for something I hadn't had for ages. No experiments, no „What's new right now?“ - but: „What's been lying there for years, waiting?“ And then the box smiled at me. You know how you open the humidor and suddenly there's this one box that's „on“ today? And there it was, the box, beaming at me and shouting into my brain: „Make a review CAPITOL Robusto!“

I also watched the film „Like A Complete Unknown“ on Disney+ - the story of Bob Dylan. Fantastic film, terrific acting. And an afternoon like this cries out for something that doesn't get on your nerves, but instead runs along wonderfully.

Setup & cold draw

I have just cut the cigar - in its entire width, without removing the cap. The cold draw afterwards: rather light. This was immediately noticeable for me, but not bad. I wanted to start like this and see what it would do.

The first five minutes

Surprisingly creamy. And mild. The tobacco flavour was pleasant, unagitated, almost „soft“. During these first few minutes, I had one question in mind above all: will it stay this linear - or will there be a twist?

Flavour progression

First half

It remains mild (strength 2/5), but it builds something that I really celebrate: balance.

Sweetish, slightly tart, slightly bitter - everything is there, but nothing screams. No corner stands out. And that's exactly what makes it so easy: you don't have to „work“, you can just smoke it. I really realised how much I was looking forward to the second half.

Second half

It remains almost linear for a long time - and that is not a disadvantage here, but a comfort. This balance holds and carries.

And then, in the last part, it turns up the heat: suddenly a large portion of earth and wood. This sweetish-tart, slightly bitter edge continues - but it's not distracting, more like a final accent. In this CAPITOL Robusto Review that was the moment when I thought: „Okay. Now you give it your all.“

Draught & combustion

The puff was a little too light for me - probably also because of my cutting technique. It didn't bother me, I just smoked more slowly and deliberately kept the smoke calm.

The burn was mostly good. From time to time I had to correct the skew with the flame - nothing dramatic, but not perfect either.

What you can do if the train is too light: cut slightly less area next time (or make a straighter, more conservative cut) - that can be enough. My CAPITOL Robusto Review ends with the clear feeling that the maturing period has done her a world of good.