AshMap
Overview
The Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo represents a quiet triumph in accessible premium cigars—a cigar that refuses to apologize for its mild-medium strength while delivering genuine complexity and craft. Manufactured at the esteemed J.C. Newman / PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, this figurado pairs an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper with a binder and long-filler blend sourced from Nicaragua's most celebrated tobacco regions, Jalapa and Estelí. The 'Double Connecticut' designation speaks to J.C. Newman's deliberate philosophy: two Connecticut-style elements working in concert to create a smoke that is simultaneously refined and unpretentious.
What distinguishes the Brick House Double Connecticut from the crowded Connecticut marketplace is not flashy novelty but restraint executed with precision. The first third opens with creamy vanilla and toasted almond sweetness before yielding to gentle cedar and hints of hay—a progression that feels naturally composed rather than artificially constructed. The mid-section introduces white pepper and roasted cashew notes that add subtle dimensionality without disrupting the smoke's inherent calmness. The final third gracefully transitions toward toasted oak and mild leather, closing with buttery elegance rather than a dramatic finale. Throughout, the box-pressed torpedo delivers impeccable construction: effortless draw, razor-even burn, and ash columns that hold firm and light—hallmarks of quality Nicaraguan tobacco and expert rolling.
At $9–$13 per cigar, the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo punches measurably above its price tier. This is not a beginner's stepping stone dressed up as a premium offering, but rather a genuinely crafted Connecticut experience that rewards the palate of both newcomers and seasoned aficionados seeking a moment of undemanding sophistication. Ideal for a 60–75 minute morning or early-afternoon session, it occupies a rare sweet spot: accessible enough to reach new smokers, refined enough to satisfy those who have spent years exploring the genre. It is, quite simply, the best value in the Brick House family.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos, aged blend from Jalapa and Estelí regions |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — manufactured at the J.C. Newman / PENSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $9–$13 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to blending; no extended post-rolling aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweet cream and toasted almonds. Upon lighting, the first third delivers a gentle wave of fresh cedar, creamy vanilla, and light hay. The retrohale is buttery with a whisper of floral sweetness.
Second Third
The mid-section introduces subtle white pepper on the finish, rounding out the creaminess with notes of roasted cashew and mild baking spice. A delicate earthiness emerges underneath the dominant creaminess, adding just enough complexity to hold interest.
Final Third
The final third brings a touch of toasted oak and slightly more pronounced spice on the retrohale without abandoning the smooth profile. The sweetness fades slightly as mild leather and a lingering buttery finish carry the cigar to its conclusion with quiet elegance.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — the box-pressed torpedo draws effortlessly with minimal resistance, and the burn line remains razor-even through all three thirds. Ash holds firmly in one-inch-plus columns with a light gray color indicative of quality Nicaraguan leaf.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Light rum or aged white rum (e.g., Ron del Barrilito 2 Star, Bacardí Reserva Ocho); alternatively a light bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 to complement the vanilla and cream notes without overpowering the delicate wrapper
Wine
Unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay (e.g., Sonoma-Coast Chardonnay) or a dry Viognier; the floral and stone-fruit notes in these wines harmonize beautifully with the Connecticut's creaminess
Non-Alcoholic
Medium-roast Colombian coffee with light cream — avoid dark roasts which would overwhelm the subtlety — or a chamomile-honey tea to echo the floral and sweet undertones
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is purpose-built for aficionados new to premium cigars or those seeking a reliable, no-fuss weekday smoke. Experienced smokers fatigued by heavy, demanding cigars will appreciate its restraint and balance. The mild-medium strength and 60–75 minute format make it perfect for morning sessions, workday breaks, or casual weekend leisure without the time commitment of a larger gauge. It pairs beautifully with light rum, aged white rum, or Maker's Mark 46, and harmonizes wonderfully with Colombian coffee or chamomile tea. Ultimately: anyone who values quality construction, subtle flavor progression, and honest craftsmanship over theatrical strength.
Bottom Line
The Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo is a masterclass in accessible excellence—a cigar that proves Connecticut-wrapped smokes need not be boring to be approachable. At this price point, it remains the finest value in its family and a benchmark for what competent, thoughtful blending can achieve.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Brick House Connecticut cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo a strong cigar?
No. It is a mild-medium cigar (2/5 strength), designed for smokers who prefer nuance and creaminess over bold intensity. The strength is intentionally restrained to allow the wrapper and aging come forward.
What does the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo taste like?
The first third opens with sweet cream, toasted almonds, cedar, and vanilla. The mid-section adds white pepper, roasted cashew, and baking spice. The final third finishes with toasted oak, mild leather, and a lingering buttery sweetness. It is creamy throughout, with delicate earthiness and floral undertones on the retrohale.
How long does the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo take to smoke?
Approximately 60–75 minutes, making it an ideal morning or early-afternoon cigar for those with modest time commitments.
What is the best pairing for the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo?
Light or aged white rum (Ron del Barrilito 2 Star, Bacardí Reserva Ocho) complements the creaminess beautifully. Alternatively, Maker's Mark 46 bourbon echoes vanilla and cream notes. For wine, unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay or dry Viognier are ideal. Non-alcoholic pairings include medium-roast Colombian coffee with light cream or chamomile-honey tea.
Is the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. Its mild-medium strength, creamy profile, and consistent construction make it an excellent entry point into premium cigars. However, it is refined enough to satisfy experienced aficionados seeking an undemanding smoke.
Where can I buy the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo?
The cigar is available through authorized cigar retailers, tobacco shops, and online retailers that specialize in premium cigars. Check with established purveyors for inventory and pricing.
What is the price of the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo?
The retail range is $9–$13 per cigar, making it an exceptional value in the premium cigar market.
Is the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to blending, so the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Extended post-rolling aging is not necessary, though storing properly in a humidor will maintain optimal condition.
What wrapper does the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo use?
An Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper in Colorado Claro. The wrapper is natural golden-tan in color with a silky texture and subtle sheen, with minimal tooth—characteristic of well-grown Connecticut seed tobacco.
Where is the Brick House Double Connecticut Torpedo made?
The cigar is hand-rolled and box-pressed at the J.C. Newman / PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, using Nicaraguan binder and long-filler tobaccos aged from the Jalapa and Estelí regions.