AshMap
Overview
In the sprawling landscape of premium cigars, few collaborations have produced a brand with the focused clarity of Pledge. Conceived in 2017 by Two Guys Smoke Shop in partnership with the formidable AJ Fernandez, the Pledge line was born from a desire to deliver a mature, complex smoking experience at a price point that defies its pedigree. The Pledge Prequel Torpedo, introduced as an accessible companion to the fuller-bodied Sequel, distills this vision into a vitola that demands attention without pretense. Hand-rolled at Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the Prequel is a study in balance — a cigar that respects tradition while asserting a contemporary boldness. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, dressed in a Colorado shade of medium-dark brown with a light tooth and subtle oils, hints at a refined rustic character, while the Nicaraguan binder and long-leaf fillers from Jalapa and Estelí form the backbone of a blend built for depth. This is not a cigar for the impatient; it is a deliberate, architectural smoke that unfolds its narrative over the course of an hour or more. The Prequel Torpedo’s 6 x 52 format — with its tapered head — is a classic choice that concentrates the opening flavors and allows the smoker to experience the blend’s evolution from a focused point of entry to a broad, satisfying finish. Within the Pledge family, the Prequel serves as an invitation: a medium-full expression that respects the palate of the enthusiast while remaining approachable. It is a cigar that speaks to the craft of blending — where each leaf has a role, and the whole exceeds the sum of its parts. In a market flooded with high-priced releases that promise more than they deliver, the Prequel Torpedo stands as a testament to thoughtful design and execution. It is a regional release from Two Guys Smoke Shop, which lends it an air of discovery — a hidden gem for those willing to seek it out. The Prequel is not merely a prelude to its Sequel sibling; it is a complete statement, one that rewards the smoker with a layered complexity that few cigars at this price can claim. For the aficionado who values substance over flash, the Prequel offers a journey through Nicaraguan terroir, guided by the steady hand of a master roller. It is a cigar that earns its place in the humidor through quiet confidence.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Estelí) — aged long-leaf |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobacco aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw delivers mild sweetness and cedar. Once lit, the torpedo opens with rich roasted espresso and dry oak, underpinned by a white pepper spice that arrives quickly on the retrohale. Leather and toasted almonds round out the early third with consistent medium-full presence.
Second Third
Complexity increases as dark cocoa and dried cherry notes emerge alongside the persistent cedar backbone. The pepper spice evolves into a more nuanced earthiness, and a subtle caramel sweetness threads through the profile. Smoke production is generous and the flavors integrate beautifully.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark espresso, charred oak, and a mineral-tinged earthiness. The pepper returns more assertively on the finish, and the sweetness retreats, leaving a long, dry, leathery finish. Strength climbs but remains controlled and purposeful.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — a hallmark of AJ Fernandez's factory discipline. The draw is slightly firm but well within range for a torpedo, the burn is even with a dense salt-and-pepper ash that holds 1.5 to 2 inches without effort.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 12 or 18 Year) or a medium-proof bourbon such as Buffalo Trace or Four Roses Single Barrel
Wine
A Malbec from Mendoza or a medium-bodied Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero to mirror the cigar's dark fruit and earthy character
Non-Alcoholic
A dark roast pour-over coffee — Ethiopian or Colombian single-origin — or a cold brew concentrate to echo the espresso notes
Who Should Smoke This?
The Pledge Prequel Torpedo is crafted for the experienced aficionado who appreciates a medium-full profile with layered complexity, but it also welcomes the ambitious enthusiast ready to graduate from milder fare. This is an evening cigar — one that demands a quiet hour, a comfortable chair, and a willingness to engage with its evolving notes of espresso, cedar, cocoa, and earth. It suits the contemplative smoker who values construction and balance over brute strength. If you have a cellar of aged Nicaraguan rum or a favorite medium-proof bourbon, this cigar will reward your patience. Beginners should approach with respect, as the strength and complexity can be intense; it is best reserved for those who have already explored the fundamentals of flavor and retrohaling. The Prequel is a companion for solitude, not for rush.
Bottom Line
The Pledge Prequel Torpedo is a masterclass in value — delivering AJ Fernandez’s signature construction and a flavor profile that competes with cigars costing twice its price. It is a nuanced, medium-full smoke that rewards attention and time. Seek it out; it will not disappoint.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Pledge Prequel cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pledge Prequel Torpedo a strong cigar?
The Pledge Prequel Torpedo is rated medium-full (4/5) in strength. It is not overwhelming, but it has a purposeful intensity that builds through the final third. It is best suited for smokers comfortable with a robust nicotine presence.
What does Pledge Prequel Torpedo taste like?
The flavor profile opens with rich roasted espresso, dry oak, white pepper, leather, and toasted almonds. The second third adds dark cocoa and dried cherry, with a subtle caramel sweetness. The final third intensifies into dark espresso, charred oak, mineral earth, and a return of assertive pepper with a long, dry leathery finish.
How long does Pledge Prequel Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 60 to 75 minutes. The torpedo’s tapered head and 6 x 52 vitola encourage a slow, deliberate pace to fully appreciate the evolution of flavors.
What is the best pairing for Pledge Prequel Torpedo?
For spirits, aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 12 or 18 Year) or a medium-proof bourbon such as Buffalo Trace or Four Roses Single Barrel are excellent. Wine drinkers should consider a Malbec from Mendoza or a Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark roast pour-over coffee or cold brew concentrate complements the espresso notes beautifully.
Is Pledge Prequel Torpedo good for beginners?
While the construction is forgiving, the medium-full strength and complex flavor profile make it more suitable for intermediate to experienced smokers. Beginners should have some familiarity with fuller-bodied cigars before attempting this one.
Where can I buy Pledge Prequel Torpedo?
The Pledge Prequel Torpedo is a regional release from Two Guys Smoke Shop. It is primarily available through their retail locations and online store. Due to its niche status, availability may be limited.
What is the price of Pledge Prequel Torpedo?
The Pledge Prequel Torpedo is priced between $12 and $16 per cigar, placing it in the premium tier for value. At this price point, it offers construction and complexity typically found in $20+ cigars.
Is Pledge Prequel Torpedo worth aging?
Yes, the cigar can benefit from additional aging. The Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers and Ecuadorian Habano wrapper are well-suited to rest, though the specific aging potential is not publicly documented. A year or two in a stable humidor may soften the pepper and further integrate the flavors.
What wrapper does Pledge Prequel Torpedo use?
It uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. The wrapper is medium-dark brown with a light tooth and subtle natural oils, contributing to the cigar's rich, earthy character.
Where is Pledge Prequel Torpedo made?
The Pledge Prequel Torpedo is hand-rolled at the San Lotano factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, under the direction of AJ Fernandez. Estelí is renowned as a premier cigar-producing region.