Alec Bradley Project 40 — Heritage & History

Alec Bradley Project 40 began as a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Alec Bradley brand, but it quickly became a standalone line known for its unusual approach: a single blend concept executed across a dozen vitolas, each with a different wrapper. The line was rolled at Fabrica de Tabacos RAICES Cubanas S. de R.L. in Danlí, Honduras, a factory that has become synonymous with Honduran craftsmanship. What sets Project 40 apart is its deliberate use of four distinct wrappers—Honduran Habano, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Nicaraguan Habano, and the proprietary NHDM (Natural Honduras Dark Maduro)—all sourced to create a spectrum of experiences from the same core filler. The Maduro Robusto and the Lancero are often cited as the line's benchmarks, showcasing how wrapper choice alters the blend's character. Project 40's origin story is less about a single founder and more about a collective experiment in Honduran tobacco potential, making it a favorite among collectors who appreciate a line that rewards exploration across its entire range.

Blending Philosophy

Project 40's blending philosophy is rooted in the idea that the wrapper is the primary architect of the smoking experience. Rather than creating a single, fixed blend, Alec Bradley uses a consistent Honduran and Nicaraguan filler core, then layers it with four different wrappers—Honduran Habano, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Nicaraguan Habano, and the dark NHDM Maduro—to produce a range of strengths and flavors. This approach allows the smoker to explore how the same tobacco responds to different leaves, from the mild, creamy notes of the Connecticut Shade in the Churchill to the bold, peppery intensity of the Nicaraguan Habano in the Torpedo. The construction at RAICES Cubanas is meticulous, with each vitola rolled to ensure even burn and draw, but the real innovation is in the wrapper-driven variation, which makes the line a study in contrast rather than a single statement.

Flavor Profile

Across the Project 40 range, smokers will find a core of earthy Honduran tobacco, but the wrapper dictates the dominant notes. The Natural Toro and Corona, with their Honduran Habano wrappers, offer cedar and leather with a touch of white pepper on the retrohale. The Connecticut Shade Churchill is milder, presenting creamy almond and a subtle dried fruit sweetness. The Nicaraguan Habano vitolas, like the Gran Toro and Lancero, ramp up the intensity with dark cocoa and a sharper black pepper spice. The Maduro Robusto, using the NHDM wrapper, is the fullest expression, delivering rich espresso, dark chocolate, and a lingering leathery finish. Strength varies from mild-medium in the Connecticut Shade to medium-full in the Maduro and Nicaraguan Habano, giving the line a broad spectrum that rewards both morning and evening smoking.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Natural Toro is the ideal entry point. At a medium strength and an $8–$12 price point, it offers a balanced introduction to the Project 40 line. Expect cedar and leather with a gentle white pepper finish, all wrapped in a Honduran Habano that burns cool and even. The Toro vitola provides a 60–90 minute smoke, perfect for a relaxed first experience without overwhelming intensity.

Alec Bradley Project 40 Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Alec Bradley Project 40 cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Gran Toro, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Alec Bradley Project 40 cigars made?

All Project 40 cigars are rolled at Fabrica de Tabacos RAICES Cubanas S. de R.L. in Danlí, Honduras. This factory is known for its meticulous Honduran craftsmanship, and the cigars are produced entirely in this facility, from tobacco selection to final rolling.

What is Alec Bradley Project 40 known for?

Project 40 is known for its innovative use of four different wrappers—Honduran Habano, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Nicaraguan Habano, and the proprietary NHDM Maduro—across a single core blend. This allows smokers to experience a wide range of strengths and flavors within one line, making it a favorite for side-by-side comparisons. The Maduro Robusto and Lancero are particularly praised for their depth and balance.

Are Alec Bradley Project 40 cigars strong?

The strength varies by wrapper. The Churchill (Connecticut Shade) is mild-medium, while the Natural Toro and Corona are medium. Most other vitolas, including the Robusto, Toro, and Torpedo, are medium-full. The Maduro Robusto is the strongest, offering a full-bodied experience without being overpowering.

What is the best Alec Bradley Project 40 cigar for beginners?

The Natural Toro is the best choice for beginners. It's medium strength, priced at $8–$12, and features a Honduran Habano wrapper that delivers cedar and leather with a gentle white pepper finish. Its 60–90 minute smoke time is manageable, and it won't overwhelm a palate new to premium cigars.

How much do Alec Bradley Project 40 cigars cost?

Prices range from $8 to $14 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Churchill, Corona, Natural Toro, and Petit Corona are in the $8–$12 range, while the Belicoso, Gran Toro, Lancero, Lonsdale, Maduro Robusto, Robusto, Toro, and Torpedo are priced between $10 and $14.

What wrapper does Alec Bradley Project 40 use?

Project 40 uses four wrappers: Honduran Habano, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Nicaraguan Habano, and a proprietary Honduran Maduro called NHDM (Natural Honduras Dark Maduro). Each wrapper is paired with specific vitolas to create a range of flavor and strength profiles.

Are Alec Bradley Project 40 cigars Cuban?

No, they are not Cuban. All Project 40 cigars are made in Danlí, Honduras, at the RAICES Cubanas factory. The name 'Cubanas' refers to the factory's heritage and techniques, but the tobacco is entirely Honduran and Nicaraguan, not Cuban.

Where can I buy Alec Bradley Project 40 cigars?

Project 40 cigars are widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Look for authorized Alec Bradley dealers, or check major online cigar shops that stock the full line. Prices may vary slightly by retailer, but expect the $8–$14 range per stick.