Diesel Wicked by Diesel Review

Overview

The Diesel brand has long occupied a specific, unapologetic corner of the cigar world. Born from a collaboration between Alan Rubin and General Cigar, Diesel was conceived as a middle finger to restraint—a line of cigars that prizes power, value, and raw character over finesse. The Diesel Wicked by Diesel, a robusto measuring 5 x 54, is a textbook expression of that philosophy. It is not a cigar that attempts to charm; it arrives with the bludgeoning confidence of a heavyweight, wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro leaf so dark and toothy it appears nearly black, its surface lightly oiled and promising depth. Underneath, a binder of Nicaraguan leaf encloses a carefully aged blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, all assembled by hand at General Cigar’s facilities in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This cigar is built for the smoker who has grown weary of polite, medium-bodied blends and craves something that leaves a mark.

From the first cold draw, the Diesel Wicked telegraphs its intentions. Rich dark cocoa and charred wood greet the lips before the flame even kisses the foot. Once lit, the opening salvo is an assault of dark espresso, raw leather, and black pepper—a pronounced spice that stings the retrohale and sets the tone for the entire experience. This is a cigar that never truly retreats; the second third sees the pepper integrate and the profile deepen into bittersweet dark chocolate, earth, and roasted nuts, with surprising notes of dark raisin and molasses adding a touch of complexity. Cedar emerges as a supporting player, but make no mistake: this remains a full-bodied, full-throttle smoke. There are no airy floral notes, no delicate citrus—just the honest, muscular flavors of a well-aged blend that knows exactly what it is.

The final third is where the Diesel Wicked earns its name. The strength amplifies noticeably, delivering espresso grounds, tar, and charred oak that drive relentlessly to the nub. The finish lingers with leather and black pepper, refusing to be subtle. It is not a graceful exit; it is a determined one. Construction is generally solid for the price point, with an open draw that produces thick, voluminous smoke. The burn may occasionally wander but typically self-corrects, and the medium-compact ash holds for about an inch before dropping. This is a 45-to-60-minute commitment that demands a full stomach and the undivided attention of the smoker. It is not a cigar for a rushed lunch break or a casual afternoon on the golf course—it is for the deliberate evening session, preferably with a high-rye bourbon or a peated Scotch alongside.

In the broader landscape of premium cigars, the Diesel Wicked occupies a rare and honest space. It is not trying to compete with the nuanced, sip-and-reflect blends that dominate the upper tier. Instead, it serves as Alan Rubin’s calling card for those who want the aggressive, dark, unapologetic Diesel DNA without approaching the stratospheric intensity of the Diesel Unholy Cocktail. It is an everyday powerhouse—an honest working man’s cigar that delivers full-strength satisfaction at a price that doesn’t require a special occasion. For the aficionado who has grown tired of medium-bodied politeness, the Diesel Wicked is not just a choice; it is a statement.