AshMap
Overview
The Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero is a study in quiet confidence. Where the standard Brick House lineup flexes muscle, this 7.5 x 40 sub-line flagship whispers—and in doing so, it makes a far more compelling argument for the Connecticut Shade genre. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of restraint: pale golden straw wrapper, silky to the touch, with a faint aroma of hay and honey. Light the foot, and the opening third unfolds like a morning in a cedar-lined library—toasted almonds, fresh cream, and a whisper of pale cedar that never shouts. The honey graham cracker sweetness is the thread that ties it all together, making the entry almost disarmingly approachable. But this is no one-note mild cigar; it's a slow-burn narrative that rewards patience.
By the second third, the story deepens. The retrohale introduces a mild white pepper that dances just at the edge of perception, while the cream evolves into buttered brioche—rich, but never heavy. Floral notes of violet and dried hay emerge, adding a delicate complexity that feels like a secret the cigar is letting you in on. The balance is impeccable; just as the pepper threatens to assert itself, the sweetness pulls it back, keeping the profile in a state of elegant tension. This is where the lancero format shines—the narrow ring gauge concentrates the flavors, making every puff a focused meditation on nuance.
The final third is a masterclass in composure. Where many Connecticuts fade into bitterness or ash, this one holds its line with gentle cashew, mild espresso, and a faint nutmeg spice. The wrapper's sweetness persists, a ghost of honey that lingers on the palate long after the smoke is gone. The burn is flawless—straight, even, with a firm light grey ash that holds past the inch mark, a testament to HATSA's precision rolling. The draw is effortlessly open, allowing the smoke to coat the tongue without effort. This is a cigar that never rushes, never stumbles, and ends exactly where it should—satisfied, not exhausted.
What makes the Double Connecticut Lancero distinctive is its refusal to equate mild with boring. The 'Double Connecticut' designation—referring to Connecticut-seed leaf in both wrapper and binder—creates a layered sweetness that feels intentional, not accidental. It's a cigar for the aficionado who has smoked the full-bodied monsters and now seeks something that whispers rather than roars. At $8–$12, it punches absurdly above its price point, offering a 60–75 minute journey that feels like a luxury, not a compromise. This is the cigar you light when you want to taste, not just smoke.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — General Cigar's HATSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Lancero |
| Size | 7.5 x 40 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-roll aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light opens with delicate toasted almonds and fresh cream, underscored by a whisper of pale cedar. There's a subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey graham cracker that makes the entry exceptionally approachable.
Second Third
The mid-section develops mild white pepper on the retrohale alongside continuing creamy notes and a touch of buttered brioche. Light floral elements — violet and dried hay — emerge, lending complexity without adding body.
Final Third
The final third stays remarkably composed for a lancero, offering gentle cashew, mild espresso, and a faint nutmeg spice. The sweetness from the Connecticut wrapper persists through the final puffs without turning sharp or bitter.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The lancero format demands precision rolling, and HATSA delivers — the draw is effortlessly open with excellent airflow typical of General Cigar's quality control. Burn line is even and straight, producing a firm light grey ash that holds well past the one-inch mark.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Highland single malt Scotch (e.g. Glenmorangie 12 Original or Glenfarclas 12) — the floral, honeyed malt mirrors the wrapper's sweetness without overwhelming the delicate profile
Wine
White Burgundy or an unoaked Chardonnay (e.g. Chablis Premier Cru) — the mineral crispness and restrained fruit complement the cigar's creaminess elegantly
Non-Alcoholic
Light single-origin pour-over coffee (Ethiopian Yirgacheffe) or chamomile tea with honey — both amplify the floral and creamy elements without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel—a 15-year veteran who's smoked every peppery bomb and maduro bruiser on the market. Lately, he's found himself reaching for milder smokes on weekend mornings, not out of necessity, but out of curiosity. He's sitting on his back porch with a black coffee, the Sunday paper unread beside him, and he wants a cigar that won't overwhelm his palate before noon. He already enjoys the creaminess of an Ashton Cabinet and the floral notes of a Sobremesa Brulee, but he's looking for something with a bit more structure. The Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero gives him that—a slow, contemplative smoke that lets him notice the way the honey sweetness shifts to cashew, the way the pepper tickles without biting. It's not a cigar for a party; it's a cigar for a moment of quiet, and Daniel is exactly the man for that moment.
Bottom Line
The Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero is a sleeper hit—a mild cigar that demands attention and rewards it with layers of cream, honey, and floral nuance. At this price, it's a no-brainer for anyone who appreciates elegance over power. Buy a box; you'll thank yourself on a lazy Sunday.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Brick House Connecticut cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero a strong cigar?
No, it's rated Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. You'll get a gentle nicotine buzz at most, with no harshness or overwhelming body. It's designed for those who want flavor without the punch.
What does Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero taste like?
The flavor progression moves from toasted almonds, fresh cream, and honey graham cracker in the first third, to white pepper, buttered brioche, and violet in the second, and finishes with cashew, mild espresso, and nutmeg in the final third.
How long does Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero take to smoke?
As a lancero at 7.5 x 40, expect a 60–75 minute smoke, depending on your pace. The narrow ring gauge means you'll want to puff slowly to keep the temperature down and enjoy the nuances.
What is the best pairing for Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero?
A Highland single malt like Glenmorangie 12 Original—its floral, honeyed malt mirrors the wrapper's sweetness without overpowering the delicate profile. For a non-alcoholic option, try an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee to amplify the creamy and floral notes.
Is Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. With a Mild-Medium strength and approachable flavors of cream and honey, it's an excellent choice for new smokers. The $8–$12 price point is also reasonable for exploring a premium lancero without a big investment.
Where can I buy Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar cigar shops, as well as online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, or Atlantic Cigar. It's a popular everyday tier cigar, so availability is generally good.
What is the price of Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero?
The price ranges from $8 to $12 per cigar, making it an excellent value for a hand-rolled lancero with aged tobaccos and a premium Connecticut Shade wrapper.
Is Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero worth aging?
Not particularly. The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and there's no extended post-roll aging noted. The Connecticut Shade wrapper is at its best within the first year or two—aging it longer may mute the delicate honey and floral notes without adding complexity.
What wrapper does Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper—pale golden straw in color, silky and smooth with minimal tooth. This wrapper contributes the signature creaminess, honey sweetness, and subtle floral character that defines the cigar.
Where is Brick House Double Connecticut Lancero made?
It's hand-rolled at General Cigar's HATSA factory in Danlí, Honduras. The factory is known for its precision rolling, which is evident in the lancero's flawless draw and even burn.