I’ve come across these a few times but you know how it when you’re in a cigar shop, one can easily get distracted. I’ve gone into a shop specifically looking for one cigar and I end up buying 3-4 different ones. This time, while speaking with Nick from Tobacco Haven about certain brands, the Namakubis popped right into my head and I went for them right away. Below is an excerpt and brief history of how they get their name and production numbers from Room101Cigars Website:
The Room 101 LTD Namakubi, an offshoot of the Room 101 brand, was inspired by Japan’s Samurai culture. According to the tale, after Samurai clans battled, a freshly severed head from the losing party would be prepared on a wooden tray then tagged in a regimented manner and presented to the leader of the winning clan. Thankfully, the attractive Namakubi black satin boxes only hold cigars. The boxes are artfully decorated with red lettering conceived by brand owner Matt Booth. There are five sizes but the standout was the Roxxo, a 4 inch by 48 ring short robusto that scored 90 points, the only cigar in the line to break into the 90-point percentile. The cigars come 20 to the box, with 1,000 boxes of each size, save for the Papi Chulo, which is packed 50 to the box and is limited to 400 boxes. The Namakubis are made by Camacho and distributed by Davidoff.
Room 101 Ltd. Namakubi Roxxo Review
Wrapper: Habano Wrapper
Binder/Filler: Genereso Seed Honduran Binder/Dominican and Honduran Vuelta Abajo Filler
Size: 4 x 48
MSRP: $6-7.00
Drink: Water
Location: Tobacco Haven
Smoke Time: 1hr
Construction/Appearance:
As I am holding the Namakubi Roxxo in my hand, a few things immediately enter my mind. This is a packed cigar barely showing any sign of give going through the squeeze test. The second thing was that the Roxxo is a rugged bumpy cigar even though veins weren’t prominent. I seriously feel as if this cigar is indestructable. At 4 inches in length, you can guess that the Roxxo isn’t heavy but from the band to the texture of the wrapper, everything about it screams, “I mean business.” I love the look of the band as it compliments the wrapper to a “T” and the colors contrast perfectly.
Burn/Draw:
The prelight draw of the Namakubi Roxxo was slightly tight but that was to be expected somewhat when the cigar feels well packed. The Roxxo accepted the flame very easily lighting up so very smooth. In fact, I enjoyed this part because sometimes you can across a nice looking cigar that doesn’t wish to light evenly or it may take longer than you’re used to doing. The Roxxo gave up plenty of smoke throughout the review and had a perfect burn not requiring any corrections at all. You can see from the pictures that the ash held on for about an inch or so before I would gently tap it into the ash tray. I’m sure it could have lasted perhaps for another half inch or so but I didn’t wish to be cleaning my shirt in the event it didn’t.
Flavor/Aroma:
The prelight aroma of the Namakubi Roxxo just seems to be of wood and tobacco. There isn’t a dominant aroma coming off of the cigar. The initial draw is a mix of earthiness, oak and a hint of spice. The first third is very similar as well giving me some earthiness, leather with subtle spice undertones. The second third a little bit more of wood with earthiness playing a stronger role. Because of the Roxxo Size, 35-40 minutes into the cigar and you’re almost done. I’d love to say that the flavors changed dramatically or favorably in the final third, but the cigar essentially stayed the same. Perhaps there was a sign of salty molasses but the flavors were consistent.
Final Thoughts:
From what I experienced, there are a mix of 3-4 flavors that are consistently in every draw. However, to me, these flavors are not the same, but very similar that it may be hard to differentiate. I certainly think the Namakubi Roxxo is a good cigar that many people will love and the rest will enjoy it. At it’s price point (which makes it a no brainer to try) and with the flavor profile, I think the length of smoke time will prove to be favorable. I haven’t tried the larger sizes but unless you absolutely enjoy the flavors, one might not be fully into the cigar by the time you reach the last third.
Rating: 88
