Micallef White Robusto | Cigar Review

Today, we review the Micallef White in the Robusto size. The White is the sixth installment in the Micallef Color Series. Micallef launched the Color Series in 2023 with the Micallef Black. Micallef Cigars has been in operation since 2017, and the Color Series marks a notable development in the company’s progress as a cigar manufacturer. In recent years, Micallef has invested in acquiring higher-grade tobaccos and increasing production efficiency at its factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. As a result, the Color Series aims to deliver higher-quality premium releases at an aggressive price point.

When Micallef Black was released in 2023, it was meant to fill a void in the company’s portfolio with a bold, aggressive cigar. Micallef White was intended to be the opposite, introducing a milder, creamier Connecticut seed-wrapped blend. Micallef White was planned as the second cigar in the series, but the company decided to further develop the blend.

The Color Series

The following are the cigars that make up the Micallef Color Series:

Without further ado, let’s break down the White Robusto and see what this cigar brings to the table.

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

In addition to the Connecticut Seed wrapper, the Micallef White features a Broadleaf binder and a combination of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. The Micallef White is the only cigar in the Color Series to not feature San Andrés tobacco in the blend. In addition, Micallef White is one of two Connecticut seed wrapper blends in the Color Series, with the other being the Micallef Orange.

• Wrapper: Connecticut
• Binder: Broadleaf
• Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: Fabrica de Micallef

Vitolas Available

The Micallef White comes in two regular production sizes, each in 25-count cabinet boxes. The Robusto and Toro sizes match those in the Color Series.

• Robusto: 5 x 52
• Toro: 6 x 52

Appearance (*)

The Connecticut seed wrapper of the Micallef White Robusto isn’t as light as many Connecticut-seed shade-grown wrappers are. This wrapper was closer to medium brown than golden brown. There was a slight amount of oil near the cap, but the rest of the cigar’s wrapper had little oil. Upon closer examination, I noticed some mild toothiness on the surface. There were some thin wrapper veins visible as well as some thin wrapper seams.

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw (*)

A straight cut removed the cap of the Micallef White Robusto. Once the cap was detached, it was time to commence with the pre-light draw experience. The cold draw delivered a mix of cream and classic wood notes. The pre-light draw wasn’t exactly thrilling. Since this stage doesn’t factor into the numeric merit score or value rating, there was no penalty here. With that in mind, it was time to light the foot of the Micallef White Robusto and discover what the smoking experience had in store.

Tasting Notes

The Micallef White Robusto opened up with notes of cream, cedar, and citrus. These three notes were joined by a chestnut note and later some earthy notes. There was no dominant note until the middle of the first third, where the cedar notes moved to the forefront. The cream, citrus, chestnut, and earth notes moved into the background. Meanwhile, the retro-hale added an additional layer of cedar.

During the second third of the Micallef White Robusto, there wasn’t a whole lot of change. For the most part, the cedar notes remained primary while the cream, cedar, citrus, chestnut, and earth remained secondary. By the second half of the cigar experience, the cedar notes became more dominant.

The final third also didn’t see much change, other than the cedar notes becoming even more dominant at the forefront. The cream notes, which often dissipate in the final third of Connecticut blends, didn’t. Chestnut and earth notes still came through in the background. As the Micallef White Robusto came to a close, it finished with a slightly lukewarm and slightly soft nub.

Burn

Overall, the burn performed quite well. It maintained a relatively straight burn line, and I had a straight burn path. This cigar didn’t require many touchups. The resulting ash was a mix of light, medium, and charcoal grays. As for the ash itself, it wasn’t the firmest, but it wasn’t loose or flaky either. Meanwhile, the burn rate and burn temperature maintained ideal levels.

Draw

Overall, the Micallef White Robusto drew very well. If you have read my assessments, you will know that I like a touch of resistance to the draw – and this is something that I like. At the same time, this was a low-maintenance cigar to derive flavor from.

Strength and Body

Of the six color blends I’ve had (at press time, I still haven’t officially assessed the Orange), the Micallef White Robusto delivered the most dialed-back experience. The White Robusto started out with mild strength and a mild to medium-bodied flavor. Both the strength and body increased gradually. By the second half, the White Robusto became mild to medium in strength and medium in body.

In terms of strength versus body, the body maintained a slight edge.

BANDING AND PACKAGING NOTES (*)

Micallef has maintained a consistent look for its Color Series packaging. The design is straightforward, with the box and band reflecting the color name. Additionally, the gold font adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Like all of the Micallef Color Series bands, the back of the Micallef White band pays homage to the partnership of the Micallef and Gomez-Sanchez families. The Gomez-Sanchez family handles the blending of Micallef Cigars. Over the past few years, Micallef has invested in factory infrastructure and tobacco sourcing to produce the Gomez-Sanchez blends.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT