AshMap
Overview
In the crowded landscape of contemporary premium cigars, few collaborations carry the quiet authority of the Enclave Broadleaf, a joint venture between A.J. Fernandez and Davidoff’s Oettinger Imex division. Released around 2018, the line was conceived to showcase one of the most challenging and rewarding wrapper tobaccos in the world: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. While the Toro and Robusto vitolas have earned their loyal followings, it is the Lonsdale—a 6.5 x 44 format that feels almost anachronistic in an era of ring-gauge inflation—where the blend’s true nuance is laid bare. This is a cigar that rewards the patient smoker with a tasting experience of remarkable depth and precision, a testament to the notion that sometimes, less circumference yields more substance.
From the first draw, the Lonsdale announces itself with a rich burst of dark cocoa and espresso, underpinned by the signature earthiness of the broadleaf wrapper. That wrapper—a dark espresso brown approaching near-black, toothy and oily, with visible veining—is more than cosmetic; it is the engine of the profile. Yet rather than overwhelming the palate, the narrower ring gauge concentrates the flavors into a focused beam. Beneath the initial intensity, a subtle sweetness emerges—dark molasses and dried fruit—that softens the tobacco backbone without ever obscuring it. It is an opening statement of intent, signaling that this is not a cigar for casual puffing.
As the smoke progresses into the second third, complexity builds with measured grace. Leather, toasted cedar, and a gentle black pepper spice emerge on the retrohale, while the dark fruit notes evolve toward dried fig and a hint of dark cherry. The earth becomes more minerally, almost loamy, and a creamy texture begins to develop, tempering the pepper and allowing the binder and fillers—Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers, aged to an undisclosed standard—to express their own character. The final third deepens toward bittersweet espresso, dark chocolate, and a charred oak note, with the pepper reasserting itself just enough to punctuate the finish. It ends long, clean, and satisfying, with a coffee-ground aftertaste that lingers as a final reminder of the leaf’s quality.
Enclave Broadleaf occupies a rarified space in the market: a value-tier cigar—priced between $10 and $14—that punches comfortably into the premium conversation. The Lonsdale format, in particular, feels like an insider’s pick, a vitola that many enthusiasts overlook in favor of more popular sizes. Yet for those who take the time to sit with it, the rewards are considerable. This is a cigar of controlled power—medium-full, not overwhelming—and architectural precision, a Honduran puro with Nicaraguan complexity that deserves a place in any serious humidor. It is, in short, a quiet masterpiece from two of the industry’s most respected names.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 44 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are reported to include aged Honduran and Nicaraguan leaves; specific aging duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The Lonsdale opens with a rich burst of dark cocoa, espresso, and a pronounced earthiness from the broadleaf wrapper. There is a subtle sweetness — think dark molasses and dark dried fruit — riding underneath the foundational tobacco backbone. The narrower ring gauge concentrates flavors admirably from the first draw.
Second Third
Complexity builds in the middle third with leather, toasted cedar, and a gentle black pepper spice that emerges on the retrohale. The dark fruit notes transition toward dried fig and a hint of dark cherry while the earth becomes more minerally and loamy. Creaminess begins to develop, softening the pepper slightly.
Final Third
The final third deepens toward bittersweet espresso, dark chocolate, and a woody, almost charred oak note. The pepper reasserts itself mildly at the finish, and a pleasant sweetness lingers on the palate. The cigar remains controlled and never harsh, finishing long with a coffee-ground aftertaste.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — the Lonsdale's longer format and narrower ring gauge draw beautifully with just the right amount of resistance. The burn is even, producing a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds well past an inch, and smoke production is generous.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically a 12-year Barbadian rum like Mount Gay XO or a Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-year — complements the broadleaf's dark fruit and cocoa notes without overpowering the cigar's natural complexity.
Wine
A California Zinfandel or a Southern Rhône Grenache-based blend (e.g., Châteauneuf-du-Pape) — the jammy dark fruit and earthy character in these wines mirror the broadleaf wrapper beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic
A cold brew coffee with a touch of heavy cream — the coffee's natural bitterness and richness echo the espresso and dark chocolate notes throughout the smoke.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale is for the experienced smoker who understands that complexity is not measured in ring gauge. It will appeal to broadleaf devotees seeking a sharper, more concentrated expression of that wrapper’s dark fruit and cocoa profile, as well as to aficionados who appreciate the discipline of a Lonsdale format—a vitola that demands engagement rather than passive smoking. With a 75- to 90-minute smoke time, this cigar is best suited to a relaxed afternoon or an unhurried evening, when the transitions can be savored without distraction. Novices may find the medium-full strength and concentrated flavors challenging, but those with some experience under their belt will find it an excellent study in balance and restraint.
Bottom Line
The Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale is an underappreciated gem that proves the Lonsdale format remains one of the most rewarding in the premium cigar world. It delivers razor-sharp flavor concentration, masterful construction, and a price point that makes it a legitimate value play. Smoke it with the attention it deserves.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Enclave Broadleaf cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale a strong cigar?
The Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale is rated medium-full on our strength scale (4/5). It carries a noticeable nicotine presence, particularly in the final third, but is balanced by creamy, complex flavors that prevent it from becoming overpowering. Experienced smokers will find it satisfyingly robust without being punishing.
What does Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale taste like?
The flavor profile evolves through three distinct acts: it opens with dark cocoa, espresso, and earthy notes with a subtle sweetness of dark molasses and dried fruit. The middle third introduces leather, toasted cedar, gentle black pepper, and dried fig, with a creamy texture. The finish deepens toward bittersweet espresso, dark chocolate, charred oak, and a lingering coffee-ground aftertaste.
How long does Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale take to smoke?
At 6.5 inches with a 44-ring gauge, the Lonsdale format provides a smoking time of approximately 75 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. This makes it ideal for a dedicated session where you can appreciate the gradual transitions without rushing.
What is the best pairing for Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale?
For spirits, an aged rum—such as Mount Gay XO (12-year Barbadian) or Flor de Caña 18-year (Nicaraguan)—complements the dark fruit and cocoa notes. For wine, a California Zinfandel or a Southern Rhône Grenache-based blend like Châteauneuf-du-Pape mirrors the earthy, jammy character. As a non-alcoholic option, cold brew coffee with a touch of heavy cream echoes the espresso and dark chocolate throughout the smoke.
Is Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale good for beginners?
We would recommend this cigar to intermediate to experienced smokers rather than beginners. The medium-full strength and concentrated, evolving flavor profile require some palate development to fully appreciate. Novices may find the intensity and pepper notes challenging; a milder vitola would be a more fitting entry point.
Where can I buy Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale?
The Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale is available at many premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Given its collaboration between A.J. Fernandez and Davidoff’s Oettinger Imex division, it is widely distributed. Check reputable online cigar merchants or your local high-end tobacconist for current stock.
What is the price of Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale?
The Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale is priced between $10 and $14 per cigar, positioning it as a value-tier offering that delivers premium-level complexity and construction. This price range makes it an accessible choice for regular rotation without sacrificing quality.
Is Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale worth aging?
Yes, the Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale has good aging potential due to its aged Honduran and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos and the character of the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. With 1–3 years of rest, the pepper may mellow further, and the dark fruit and cocoa notes could deepen. However, it is already well-balanced fresh and does not require extended aging to be enjoyed.
What wrapper does Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale use?
The wrapper is a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro—specifically a dark espresso brown to near-black leaf that is toothy, oily, and visibly veined. This wrapper is the marquee component of the blend, contributing rich earthiness, dark cocoa, and a subtle natural sweetness.
Where is Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale made?
The Enclave Broadleaf Lonsdale is crafted in Honduras, where the blend is produced by A.J. Fernandez in collaboration with Davidoff’s Oettinger Imex division. The cigar is entirely hand-rolled, with the binder and filler incorporating Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers alongside the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.