Viaje Skull and Bones Cloudmaker (5 X 60/Box of 25)

The Skull & Bones Cloudmaker is another exciting offering from the Skull & Bones line of cigars, which is known for delivering bold, powerful, and full-bodied cigars. The Cloudmaker, in particular, stands out as a distinctive creation within the brand, designed for smokers who appreciate a high-intensity smoking experience but with its own unique profile. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this cigar:

1. Brand Overview
Skull & Bones is a sub-brand of Drew State, which is renowned for crafting cigars with strong, dynamic flavors. Like many of the other cigars under the Skull & Bones banner, the Cloudmaker is geared toward smokers who enjoy an impactful, full-bodied smoke. The Cloudmaker leans into that ethos, while also offering a touch of refinement and complexity that makes it stand apart from some of the other offerings in the Skull & Bones line.

2. Cigar Construction
Wrapper: The Cloudmaker uses a Maduro wrapper, which is a type of leaf that has been aged longer and undergoes a fermentation process to achieve a darker, richer color. The wrapper is typically thick, oily, and dark in hue, giving the cigar a luxurious appearance. Maduro wrappers are known for their slightly sweet, rich flavors, which can serve as a counterbalance to the spice and strength of the filler tobaccos.

Binder & Filler: Like many Skull & Bones cigars, the Cloudmaker uses a Nicaraguan binder and filler. These tobaccos are known for their intense flavors, and Nicaraguan cigars are often appreciated for their boldness and power. The blend of these tobaccos in the Cloudmaker creates a complex, full-bodied profile with a mix of spicy, earthy, and sometimes sweet flavors.

3. Flavor Profile
The Cloudmaker is a full-bodied cigar, but it offers a richer, smoother experience compared to some of the other Skull & Bones cigars, such as the Moab. It still delivers intensity but with a bit more refinement. The flavor profile includes:

Spice: A strong spice note, particularly black pepper and white pepper, is the first thing most smokers will notice. This is a hallmark of many Nicaraguan cigars, and the Cloudmaker doesn’t shy away from it.

Earthiness: Earthy, woody flavors are central to the cigar, giving it a grounded, rustic quality.

Coffee & Chocolate: The Maduro wrapper adds a layer of sweetness to balance out the spice, with hints of dark chocolate and espresso that bring a smoothness to the smoke.

Leather & Tobacco: There are also notes of leather and a slightly smoky tobacco flavor, which contribute to the cigar’s depth and complexity.

Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering flavors of spice, earth, and cocoa. There’s often a bit of creaminess that balances out the stronger elements of pepper and coffee.

4. Size and Shape
The Skull & Bones Cloudmaker comes in several sizes, but the most common formats are:

Robusto (5 x 50): A popular size for many smokers due to its balance of time and flavor intensity. The robusto allows the Cloudmaker’s full-bodied flavor to come through clearly without being overwhelming.

Toro (6 x 50): A slightly longer option, the toro format offers a longer smoking experience and allows for a gradual development of flavors.

Gordo (6 x 60): A larger format for those who prefer a more extended smoke with a heavier, thicker draw. The larger ring gauge helps deliver a slower, cooler smoke.

5. Smoking Experience
Draw: The Cloudmaker typically offers a smooth, slightly firm draw. It’s not too loose, which ensures that the cigar burns evenly and delivers the rich, concentrated smoke that Skull & Bones cigars are known for. The draw isn’t tight either, providing a balanced airflow that allows the flavors to open up properly.

Burn: The burn is generally even, with a solid ash that holds well. The Maduro wrapper burns slower, which allows for a longer smoking experience and ensures the cigar doesn’t burn too hot, even during the more intense parts of the smoking experience.

Smoke Output: Given its full-bodied nature, the Cloudmaker produces a lot of smoke. The draw produces thick, billowy clouds of smoke, which enhance the cigar’s presence and give it a satisfying visual appeal.

6. Aesthetic and Packaging
Skull & Bones cigars, including the Cloudmaker, are typically sold in striking, bold packaging that aligns with the brand’s rebellious and daring image. The Cloudmaker often comes in a well-crafted, elegant box, with the Skull & Bones logo prominently displayed. The cigars themselves are presented in a way that emphasizes the rich, dark appearance of the Maduro wrapper and the cigar’s overall premium nature. Packaging can range from simple wooden boxes to more luxurious, coffin-style boxes for specific limited editions or collector’s runs.

7. Price Point
Like other Skull & Bones cigars, the Cloudmaker is positioned in the mid-to-high price range, with prices typically ranging from $8 to $14 per cigar depending on the size and retailer. It’s a premium smoke, but still accessible to a wide range of cigar enthusiasts who are looking for an elevated smoking experience.

8. Occasions
The Skull & Bones Cloudmaker is best suited for those looking for a full-bodied, powerful cigar with a bit of sophistication. It’s ideal for evening smokes, as it pairs well with dark spirits like aged whiskey, bourbon, or rum. The Cloudmaker is a great choice for special occasions, celebratory moments, or simply when you want a satisfying, bold cigar that delivers both strength and a variety of flavors. Its complexity makes it perfect for moments when you can really focus on savoring the smoke.

In Summary
The Skull & Bones Cloudmaker is a robust, full-bodied cigar with a Maduro wrapper that adds a layer of sweetness to the otherwise spicy, earthy blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos. It offers a rich, multi-faceted flavor profile, combining peppery spice, dark coffee, chocolate, and leather with a creamy, smooth finish. It’s an intense, yet refined smoke that is well-suited for those who appreciate a premium, bold cigar that isn’t afraid to push the limits of flavor. Whether you’re an experienced smoker or just seeking a powerful and satisfying smoke, the Cloudmaker is a standout choice within the Skull & Bones lineup.