Viaje Roman Flashing Thunder 2023 (6.5 X 52/Box of 60)

Viaje has announced that it will have a quartet of cigars to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.

Headlining the group is a new cigar called Flashing Thunder, a 6 1/2 x 52 toro extra that uses an Ecuadorian habano wrapper atop a Nicaraguan binder and filler. While a Flashing Thunder is a type of Roman Candle firework that packs a notably loud bang, it is not related blend-wise to a cigar by that name that’s also getting a new version this year.

The Viaje Roman Candle is a 9 x 50 giant robusto that debuted in 2012 with subsequent releases in 2014, 2017 and 2019. The cigar debuted as a Nicaraguan puro, but the company has not disclosed its blend in some time. What it has said is that this year’s installment received a year-and-a-half of aging in the box before being released, which the company said was to help it achieve a more harmonious balance of flavors. The cigars appear to return in the same 15-count boxes that bear the word Fireworks on the lid.

The Viaje C-4 and TNT, both of which have been around for more than a decade, also return, both using what the company described as a “rare Nicaraguan corojo 99 maduro” wrapper leaf. The TNT is a toro extra that measured 6 1/2 x 56 in its most recent vitola, while the C-4 is a 5 x 56 box-pressed robusto gordo. Both cigars are known for being capped at both ends. Both of the 2023 versions appear to be offered in the same 75-count boxes used by previous installments.

The TNT was one of Viaje’s earliest cigars created in celebration of Independence Day, debuting in 2010 and getting follow-ups in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021, when it went to a 6 1/2 x 56 vitola after being a 6 1/4 x 54. The C-4 debuted in 2011, and getting subsequent releases in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019, while the 2021 version received a Collector’s Edition designation as it was offered in a 5 1/2 x 58 robusto gordo as a one-time release.

Box of Cigars: Viaje – Flashing Thunder
FT – 6 1/2 X 52
Box Count – 60