Buffalo Trace Robusto

Buffalo Trace Robusto – Bourbon-Inspired Boldness

Reviewer: Jeff Fuller

Date Smoked: March 27, 2025

Location: Moon Cigar Club Meeting – Smock Stack, Moon Township, PA

Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size & Vitola: Robusto (5.0” x 49)

Age of Cigar (if known): Unknown

Club Price: $5 from the Humidor

Pre-Light Experience

Appearance: Rustic and oily wrapper with visible veins and a dark chocolate hue. Slightly toothy texture and firm construction with a well-applied double cap.

🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.75/5 Moons)

Aroma: Earth, cocoa, and a touch of molasses at the foot. Mildly sweet with a hint of bourbon warmth.

🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.75/5 Moons)

Cold Draw: Great airflow with notes of hay, pepper, and a soft caramel sweetness.

🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4/5 Moons)

Smoking Experience

First Third:

Starts with toasted oak, leather, and black pepper on the retrohale. Bourbon sweetness lingers subtly in the background, making it feel rich without being overpowering.

🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4/5 Moons)

Second Third:

Flavors evolve into charred vanilla, spiced nuts, and smooth caramel. The pepper calms down, and the cigar delivers a creamy, balanced body. Construction remains solid with a clean burn.

🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.75/5 Moons)

Final Third:

Ends on a deeper profile of espresso, dark cocoa, and sweet wood. Strength kicks up slightly but stays smooth. Retrohale is rich and toasty.

🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.75/5 Moons)

Burn & Draw: Burn was steady and mostly even, draw stayed consistent throughout. Ash held tight in 1” chunks with a dark gray finish.

🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4/5 Moons)

Overall Impressions

Flavor Complexity: 🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.75/5 Moons)

Balance & Smoothness: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4/5 Moons)

Construction & Burn: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4/5 Moons)

Overall Enjoyment: 🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.75/5 Moons)

Final Score: 19.5 / 25 Moons

Pairing Notes

No surprise here — paired with Buffalo Trace bourbon on the rocks. The pairing enhanced the cigar’s sweetness and oak notes beautifully. Would also work well with a spiced rum or bold iced coffee.

Final Thoughts

The Buffalo Trace Robusto isn’t just a gimmick stick — it brings real flavor. While not overly complex, it offers a consistent, smooth smoke that complements bourbon perfectly. For $5, it’s a no-brainer addition to the humidor and a great choice for a pairing session or casual smoke with friends.

Moon Cigar Club Seal of Approval: ✅ Yes

Stay Smokey,

Jeff Fuller