AshMap
Intemperance — Heritage & History
Intemperance began as a deliberate act of defiance against the cigar industry's obsession with strength as a proxy for quality. In the early 2010s, RoMa Craft Tobac, then a boutique operation in Austin, Texas, partnered with Rocky Patel Premium Cigars to produce a line that would prove mild-to-medium cigars could carry as much character as any full-bodied powerhouse. The result was the Intemperance line, rolled at the now-legendary TABSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, though the blend's heart is Dominican — specifically, the Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped Lonsdale, which showcases a silky, golden leaf over a Dominican binder and filler. The line expanded to include the Habano-wrapped Robusto and Toro, each a different expression of the same disciplined blending philosophy. What set Intemperance apart from its peers was its refusal to pander: the Lonsdale, for instance, was named not for its strength but for its balance, a quiet rebellion against the pepper-bomb trend of the era. Today, it remains a benchmark for those who believe nuance is its own kind of power.
Blending Philosophy
Intemperance's blending approach is rooted in the idea that a cigar's strength should serve its flavor, not overwhelm it. The brand's master blenders, working across RoMa Craft and Rocky Patel's Dominican operations, prioritize wrapper selection as the primary flavor driver. The Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf used on the Lonsdale is aged longer than industry standard, softening its inherent grassiness into a creamy, almost buttery texture that lets the Dominican filler's cedar and dried fruit notes emerge. In contrast, the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper on the Robusto and Toro is chosen for its natural sweetness and subtle spice, which the blenders balance with a heavier hand of ligero in the filler to reach medium and medium-full strengths without tipping into harshness. Construction is obsessive: each cigar is rolled with a triple cap and a draw calibrated to produce a cool, even burn, ensuring that the blend's intended progression — from first light to final third — unfolds as designed. This is blending as architecture, not improvisation.
Flavor Profile
Across the Intemperance range, smokers consistently encounter a core of cedar and leather, but the expression shifts dramatically with wrapper and vitola. The Lonsdale, in Ecuadorian Connecticut, opens with a soft cream and white pepper on the retrohale, then settles into a mid-palate of toasted almond and a hint of dried apricot, finishing with a gentle, lingering sweetness. The Robusto, wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano, introduces dark cocoa and a more assertive black pepper, with the cedar deepening into a woody, almost sandalwood character. The Toro, the strongest of the line, amplifies the spice and adds a roasted espresso note, while the leather becomes more pronounced, and a subtle earthiness emerges in the final third. Across all three, there is a consistent thread of balance — no single note dominates, and the strength builds gradually, never abruptly, making each cigar a study in controlled intensity.
Best for Beginners
For a newcomer, the Intemperance Lonsdale is the ideal entry point. At mild-to-medium strength, it offers a gentle introduction to premium cigars without overwhelming the palate. Expect a creamy smoke with notes of cedar, light leather, and a hint of white pepper on the nose, all wrapped in a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. Priced between $8 and $12, it's an accessible investment, and the 6.5-inch vitola provides a leisurely 60–75 minute smoke that builds confidence in pacing and flavor appreciation.
Intemperance Cigar Lineup
Explore 3 Intemperance cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Intemperance cigars made?
Intemperance cigars are produced in Santiago, Dominican Republic, as a collaboration between RoMa Craft Tobac and Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. The specific factory is not publicly named, but the Dominican origin is confirmed by the brand's official data.
What is Intemperance known for?
Intemperance is known for being a boutique collaboration that proved mild-to-medium cigars could rival full-bodied blends in complexity. The Lonsdale, in particular, is celebrated for its silky Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and balanced profile, while the Habano-wrapped Toro is a benchmark for medium-full strength done right.
Are Intemperance cigars strong?
No, not in the traditional sense. The lineup spans mild-medium (Lonsdale), medium (Robusto), and medium-full (Toro). Even the strongest, the Toro, is designed to build intensity gradually rather than hit you with a wall of nicotine, making it approachable for most smokers.
What is the best Intemperance cigar for beginners?
The Intemperance Lonsdale is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-medium strength and creamy, cedar-forward profile are forgiving, and the price point (under $12) makes it a low-risk experiment. It also burns slowly, giving new smokers time to learn their pace.
How much do Intemperance cigars cost?
The Lonsdale and Robusto are priced between $8 and $12 per cigar, while the Toro runs $12 to $16. This places Intemperance in the accessible premium tier, offering value for the complexity delivered.
What wrapper does Intemperance use?
Intemperance uses two wrappers: an Ecuadorian Connecticut for the Lonsdale, which provides a creamy, mild character, and an Ecuadorian Habano for the Robusto and Toro, which adds sweetness and spice. Both are grown in Ecuador, a region known for producing versatile, high-quality wrapper leaves.
Are Intemperance cigars Cuban?
No, they are not Cuban. Intemperance cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, specifically in Santiago, as a collaboration between RoMa Craft Tobac and Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. They use Ecuadorian wrappers and Dominican fillers, which is a distinctly non-Cuban approach to blending.
Where can I buy Intemperance cigars?
Intemperance cigars are available at select brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those that stock boutique brands. Online retailers like Famous Smoke Shop and Cigar Page often carry them, and you can also purchase directly from RoMa Craft Tobac's website if you're in the U.S. Always check for authorized dealers to ensure authenticity.