AshMap
Overview
There is a particular breed of cigar that arrives without fanfare, wrapped in a modest band, priced for the working week, and yet smokes with the quiet confidence of a blend that knows exactly what it is. The Intemperance BA XXI Robusto is precisely that cigar. It is the rebel in RoMa Craft's lineup that doesn't need to shout about its liberty—it proves it through every puff. From the first cold draw, there is a promise of something substantial: a faint sweetness on the lips, a whisper of earth, and the tactile grit of a toothy, lightly oily Colorado wrapper that feels alive under the fingers. This is not a cigar that begs for your attention; it commands it through sheer competence.
The opening third unfolds like a well-worn leather armchair in a wood-paneled study. A wave of cedar—clean, not aggressive—intertwines with the distinct creaminess of toasted almonds, while a delicate vanilla sweetness lingers on the palate like a half-remembered dessert. The retrohale introduces a mild white pepper that tingles rather than bites, setting a rhythmic pace. The smoke is cool and voluminous, a testament to the draw, which is open enough to be effortless but resistant enough to build a satisfying density. There is an immediate sense of balance here; nothing overreaches, yet every note is defined with the clarity of a well-mixed cocktail.
As the ash holds firm past the first inch, the narrative deepens. The middle third is where the Intemperance reveals its intellectual core, layering dried fig and raisin over a backbone of cinnamon and nutmeg. The initial creaminess recedes, making way for a more pronounced cocoa that coats the tongue, while a subtle earthiness begins to creep into the finish, grounding the sweeter elements. This is the section that separates a good blend from a great one—the seamless transition from bright, nutty sweetness to a darker, spiced complexity. The pepper on the retrohale remains a steady companion, but it is the interplay of fruit and spice that holds the attention, demanding a slower, more contemplative draw.
The final third is a masterclass in convergence. The flavors that were once distinct now merge into a satisfying symphony of espresso, dark chocolate, and seasoned leather. The pepper strengthens its presence but never threatens to overwhelm, serving instead as a final, firm handshake. The finish is medium-long, leaving behind a lingering trail of cocoa and cedar that invites a final, reflective puff. Even as the nub grows warm, the smoke remains remarkably cool and composed, a hallmark of the construction. This is a cigar that tells a complete story from start to finish, without a single wasted word or a single bitter note. It is a reminder that value and excellence are not mutually exclusive, and that sometimes the most profound experiences come in unassuming, 5 x 50 packages.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium |
| Price | $8–$12 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to blending; no extended post-rolling aging noted publicly |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening presents a pleasant combination of cedar, toasted almonds, and a creamy vanilla sweetness. There is a mild white pepper note on the retrohale that sets the stage for a nuanced smoke. The draw is immediately comfortable and the combustion releases a cool, clean smoke.
Second Third
Complexity increases in the middle third with the emergence of dried fruit — raisin and fig — layered over a baking spice backbone of cinnamon and nutmeg. The creaminess from the first third transitions into a more pronounced cocoa note, and earthiness begins to develop on the finish.
Final Third
The final third delivers a satisfying convergence of espresso, dark chocolate, and seasoned leather. The pepper from the retrohale strengthens slightly but never dominates. The finish is medium-long with lingering cocoa and cedar notes, and the smoke remains surprisingly cool and composed to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent — the draw is open but not loose, producing a firm, slightly firm ash that holds well past an inch. The burn line is even and self-correcting, requiring minimal touch-ups; a hallmark of RoMa Craft's quality control.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A lightly aged rum such as Flor de Caña 7 Year or a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — the sweetness complements the cocoa and spice without overcoming the blend's subtlety.
Wine
A medium-bodied Grenache-based Côtes du Rhône or a Garnacha from Priorat — the red fruit and earthy terroir mirror the cigar's dried fruit and earth notes beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over or a single-origin Ethiopian drip coffee; the fruit-forward coffee notes harmonize with the fig and raisin in the cigar's mid-section.
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the aficionado who has a humidor full of $20+ limited editions but finds himself reaching for the same reliable five-pack on a Tuesday evening. He is not a novice, but he is tired of cigars that demand a special occasion to be enjoyed. He appreciates the nuance of a well-aged tobacco but craves a blend that doesn't require a PhD in agronomy to decode. He is sitting on his back porch after a long day of meetings, the sun dipping low, with a glass of wheated bourbon in hand. He wants a smoke that will engage his palate without demanding his undivided attention—something that can be savored while he replays the day's conversations. This cigar will give him that quiet, contemplative pleasure, reminding him why he fell in love with the ritual in the first place. It is for the smoker who knows that true liberty is found not in excess, but in the perfect, unpretentious balance of a well-made cigar.
Bottom Line
The Intemperance BA XXI Robusto is a masterclass in blending and construction, delivering a complex, evolving profile that embarrasses cigars twice its price. It is an essential addition to any rotation, a thinking smoker's everyday that never fails to satisfy.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Intemperance cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intemperance BA XXI Robusto a strong cigar?
No, it is rated Medium (3/5) on the strength scale. You will experience a satisfying fullness of flavor and a gentle, building pepper on the retrohale, but it will not deliver a heavy nicotine punch or leave you feeling overwhelmed. It is a balanced, approachable strength that allows the nuanced flavors to shine.
What does Intemperance BA XXI Robusto taste like?
The flavor profile is a journey. It opens with cedar, toasted almonds, and a creamy vanilla sweetness. The middle third introduces dried fig and raisin, layered over cinnamon and nutmeg, with a growing cocoa note. The finale converges into espresso, dark chocolate, and seasoned leather, with a lingering cocoa and cedar finish.
How long does Intemperance BA XXI Robusto take to smoke?
Given its Robusto vitola and 5 x 50 dimensions, you can expect a relaxed 45 to 55 minute smoking session. The burn is even and slow, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavor progression without feeling rushed.
What is the best pairing for Intemperance BA XXI Robusto?
For a spirit, a lightly aged rum like Flor de Caña 7 Year or a wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 is ideal. Their inherent sweetness complements the cigar's cocoa and baking spice notes without overpowering its subtlety. For a non-alcoholic option, a medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee will harmonize beautifully with the fig and raisin notes in the middle third.
Is Intemperance BA XXI Robusto good for beginners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a newer aficionado. Its Medium strength is forgiving, and its flavor profile is clear and defined, making it easy to pick out individual notes like cedar, vanilla, and cocoa. At $8–$12 per cigar, it is also a low-risk investment for exploring a high-quality, complex blend without a premium price tag.
Where can I buy Intemperance BA XXI Robusto?
As a well-regarded premium cigar, you can find it at most reputable brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those that stock the RoMa Craft portfolio. It is also widely available from major online cigar retailers, where you can often find singles or boxes for purchase.
What is the price of Intemperance BA XXI Robusto?
The Intemperance BA XXI Robusto is positioned in the everyday price tier, typically retailing for between $8 and $12 per cigar. This price point makes it an exceptional value, offering a complex and well-constructed smoking experience that rivals blends sold for significantly more.
Is Intemperance BA XXI Robusto worth aging?
While the tobaccos are aged prior to blending, there is no extended post-rolling aging noted publicly. The blend is well-balanced and ready to smoke upon purchase. While it could handle some short-term rest in your humidor to settle, it is not a cigar that requires or will dramatically benefit from years of aging. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is vibrant now and is best enjoyed within a few years.
What wrapper does Intemperance BA XXI Robusto use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. This wrapper is medium brown, lightly oily, and has a toothy texture. It contributes a significant amount of the cigar's character, providing notes of cedar, white pepper, and a subtle natural sweetness that forms the foundation for the blend's complexity.
Where is Intemperance BA XXI Robusto made?
It is hand-rolled at the RoMa Craft Tobac / Selected Tobacco factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This is the same factory where the Intemperance line was created by Skip Martin and Michael Rosales, and it is known for its rigorous quality control, which is evident in the cigar's excellent draw and even burn.