In 2015, the Crux Du Connoisseur was originally released in sizes that we affectionately refer to as ‘cigar nerd’ sizes. These being in the realm of Lancero and Panatela. It was announced by Crux about 2 years later that they would be adding a No. 4 to the Du Connoisseur lineup. When the Crux brand went through a ground-up redesign process, the entire Du Connoisseur line was put on hold. Then in 2021, the Du Connoisseur line was reintroduced with a new look, and it was again announced that the No. 4 size would be shipping to retailers. Here is Matt’s review of the new No. 4 size.
As of the publishing date of this review, the Crux Du Connoisseur is also available in a No. 1 (5.625 x 35), a No. 2 (6.5 x 38), and a No. 3 (7.5 x 38).
Crux Du Connoisseur No. 4
MSRP: $9.99
Size: 5.375 x 46
Origin: Plasencia Cigars S.A. (Nicaragua)
Wrapper: Habano (Nicaragua)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras
Prologue
These cigars are rolled beautifully, with an extremely even coloration like caramel. There is a gentle toothy texture to the wrapper leaf, and some small veins, but clean seams and nicely applied cap. The wrapper has nice aromas of cedar and sweet aged tobacco, while the foot has a little cinnamon, more aged tobacco sweetness, and some leather. The cold draw is sweet and clean, like grass and citrus, with a little bit of cedar and vanilla.
Act I
There is a surprising earthy note that hits at the very beginning, behind a tiny bit of black pepper and some sweetness. That earth note fades almost immediately and the blend starts to give flavors and aromas that remind me of baking spices, graham crackers, and a slight citrus tang on the back of the tongue. There is a little pepper on the retrohale, but more than that I get a sweetness that almost reminds me of butter candy.
Act II
The middle section of the cigar does add a few things, but mostly amplifies what was there before. In addition to the graham cracker and slight citrus note, something like roasted pecans and an almost caramel note. I get some cedar and more of that baking spice from earlier. That same character from the baking spice starts to make it into the retrohale, and that same kind of brown butter toffee note.
Act III
It’s a nice transition to the final stretch of this cigar when I get a few flavor and aroma notes that remind me of coffee. That goes very nicely with the graham cracker and baking spice aromas. It all rounds out with more roasted nuts, a little cedar, vanilla, and a slight return of the citrus tang from the first section. The retrohale at the very end incorporates a nice zing of pepper spice to compliment the sweet aroma.
Epilogue
The pure tobacco sweetness is evident in this blend, and I think shines beautifully in this size. There are a lot of individual characterizing flavors and aromas within the aged tobacco notes that make it fun to pick them out. One of the biggest plusses in my opinion with this cigar is the consistency. Each cigar smoked for review was nearly a spot-on match for the other. From a flavor, burn, and price perspective, I’d say you’ll have a hard time beating the smoking experience you’ll get from this Du Connoisseur No. 4. This is a cigar I will continue to enjoy as a part of my weekly rotation from now on.
Crux Du Connoisseur No. 4 – How Bout That Cigar?
Rating: How Bout a Box?
Overall Score: 94
PAD: +2.5 (What is PAD?)
Flavor Summary: Graham Cracker, Baking Spice, Cedar, Toffee, Roasted Pecans, Coffee, Citrus
Strength Assessment: Medium
Source: Cigars for this review were purchased by HBT Media LLC