AshMap
Overview
The Diesel Wicked is a study in controlled aggression, a cigar that opens with a declaration of intent and never once softens its stance. From the first cold draw, there’s a promise of dark cocoa and charred wood, a pre-ignition whisper of the bruising encounter to come. This is not a cigar that asks for your attention; it demands it, seizing the palate with a dark espresso shot that carries the weight of raw leather and a black pepper bite that snaps on the retrohale. It’s the opening salvo of a blend that knows exactly what it is: a full-strength powerhouse built for the smoker who finds the polite, medium-bodied conversation of most premium cigars to be a bore. This is the Diesel DNA, refined and focused, a direct line to the brand's unapologetic core without the near-mythic intensity of its Unholy Cocktail sibling. It’s a working man’s powerhouse, honest in its construction and purpose, and it wears that badge with a certain pride.
As the first third gives way to the second, the initial pepper blast recedes from a shout to a firm, guiding hand. The core deepens, shifting from a one-note espresso charge to a more complex bittersweet dark chocolate that coats the tongue. The earthiness becomes more pronounced, grounding the profile, while a roasted nut character—think of the skin of a lightly salted almond—adds a textural counterpoint. Just when you think you have its measure, a subtle dried fruit sweetness emerges, a dark raisin note that weaves through the cedar and a whisper of molasses. This is the cigar’s most nuanced phase, a brief moment of introspection where the layers reveal themselves not through subtlety, but through a dense, interlocking complexity that rewards a slow, deliberate pace. The smoke is thick and voluminous, a heavy blanket that carries these flavors with an unerring directness.
The final third is where the Wicked lives up to its name, amping up both strength and body with an unflinching resolve. The bittersweet chocolate and raisin are gone, replaced by a more primal, unrefined power. The flavor profile turns to espresso grounds, a gritty, bitter intensity that is both challenging and deeply satisfying. This is followed by a distinct tar note and the charred oak that was promised on the cold draw, now fully realized as a dominant force. The leather and black pepper return on the finish, not as a nuance but as a final, lingering statement. This is not a delicate fade; it’s a controlled burn to the nub, a purposeful and robust conclusion that leaves no doubt about the cigar's character. It’s a smoke that asks for a full stomach and a clear evening, rewarding the smoker with a powerful, unvarnished experience that is as memorable for its brawn as it is for its surprising moments of depth.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | General Cigar facilities, Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5 x 54 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo extended aging before rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with rich dark cocoa and charred wood before ignition. On the first puffs, dark espresso dominates alongside raw leather and black pepper, with a pronounced spice kick on the retrohale.
Second Third
The pepper integrates and the core deepens into bittersweet dark chocolate, earth, and a developing note of roasted nuts. A subtle dried fruit quality — dark raisin — emerges alongside cedar and hints of molasses, adding complexity to the full-bodied smoke.
Final Third
The final third amps up the strength and body noticeably. Espresso grounds, tar, and charred oak drive through to the nub, with lingering leather and black pepper on the finish. Not delicate — purposefully robust and unflinching to the end.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally solid for the price point — the draw is open and consistent, producing thick, voluminous smoke. The burn can occasionally run slightly uneven but self-corrects; the ash is medium-compact and holds about an inch before dropping.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Bourbon with high rye content — Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch — or a peated Scotch like Laphroaig 10 to match the char and dark earth
Wine
A bold Zinfandel or Petite Sirah with jammy dark fruit and pepper — Ridge Lytton Springs or Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah
Non-Alcoholic
A dark roast, single-origin espresso or cold brew — Ethiopian Yirgacheffe roasted dark will complement the cocoa and earthy tones well
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for Marcus, the 15-year veteran who has a dedicated tupperdor full of Padróns and Tatuajes but finds himself increasingly bored by the polite, medium-bodied offerings that dominate his local lounge’s events. He’s just finished a demanding week of client calls and wants to unwind, not with a nuanced sip-and-reflect cigar, but with something that feels like a firm handshake. He pours a generous two fingers of Elijah Craig Small Batch, settles into his worn leather chair on the patio as the sun dips below the fence line, and lights the Wicked. He’s not looking for a journey of delicate floral notes; he wants a bold, dark, and unapologetic experience that matches the weight of his day. This cigar gives him that—a full-strength, 45-minute session of raw power and dark, earthy flavors that clears his head and reminds him why he fell in love with cigars in the first place. It’s a deliberate, evening-only smoke for a man who knows exactly what he likes and isn't interested in compromise.
Bottom Line
The Diesel Wicked is a masterclass in delivering a full-strength, dark, and aggressive profile at a price that feels like a steal. It’s not a nuanced sip-and-reflect cigar, and it doesn’t pretend to be—it’s an honest, unflinching powerhouse that demands respect and delivers a memorable, robust experience from first light to nub.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diesel Wicked by Diesel a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) on our strength scale. This translates to a significant and immediate nicotine presence that builds throughout the smoke, culminating in a powerful, noticeable kick in the final third. It is not a cigar for an empty stomach or a casual smoke.
What does Diesel Wicked by Diesel taste like?
The flavor profile is a progression of dark, roasted notes. It opens with dark espresso, raw leather, and black pepper. The second third deepens into bittersweet dark chocolate, earth, roasted nuts, and a subtle dark raisin sweetness with cedar and molasses. The final third is dominated by espresso grounds, tar, and charred oak, with lingering leather and black pepper.
How long does Diesel Wicked by Diesel take to smoke?
As a Robusto with a 5 x 54 size, you should expect a smoking time of approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The dense, voluminous smoke and full-bodied nature encourage a slow, deliberate pace, which is essential to fully appreciate its progression.
What is the best pairing for Diesel Wicked by Diesel?
For a spirit pairing, a high-rye bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch is ideal, as its spicy, sweet notes complement the cigar's char and dark earth. Alternatively, a peated Scotch like Laphroaig 10 will match the smoke and medicinal notes. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark-roast, single-origin espresso, such as an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, will enhance the cocoa and earthy tones.
Is Diesel Wicked by Diesel good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner's cigar. Its Full strength (4/5) and bold, aggressive flavor profile can be overwhelming and potentially unpleasant for a novice palate. The $10–$14 price point also suggests it's for a smoker who knows what they want. A beginner should start with milder, more approachable blends before tackling the Wicked.
Where can I buy Diesel Wicked by Diesel?
As a core line offering from General Cigar, the Diesel Wicked is widely available at most reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconists. It can also be purchased from major online cigar retailers, which often offer singles, five-packs, and boxes.
What is the price of Diesel Wicked by Diesel?
The Diesel Wicked by Diesel is priced between $10 and $14 per cigar. This positions it as a value-forward, everyday-tier offering that delivers a full-strength, premium experience without the premium price tag.
Is Diesel Wicked by Diesel worth aging?
While the tobaccos are already aged before rolling, this cigar is not a primary candidate for long-term aging. Its bold, forward profile is best enjoyed within the first year or two of purchase. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper is already dark and oily, and extended aging may mute the very aggression that defines its character. It's best smoked fresh to appreciate its intended power.
What wrapper does Diesel Wicked by Diesel use?
The Diesel Wicked by Diesel uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. This wrapper is known for its deep, dark brown, nearly black color and toothy, lightly oily surface. It contributes a rich, earthy sweetness and a significant amount of the cigar's dark cocoa and charred wood flavors, as well as its full-bodied strength.
Where is Diesel Wicked by Diesel made?
The Diesel Wicked by Diesel is hand-rolled at the General Cigar facilities in Santiago, Dominican Republic. It features a Nicaraguan binder and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, which have undergone extended aging before rolling.