AshMap
Overview
The Intemperance EC XVIII by RoMa Craft stands as a masterclass in accessible complexity—a cigar that defies the conventional wisdom that affordability and sophistication are mutually exclusive. Named after the Eighteenth Amendment and its era of American Prohibition, this Connecticut Broadleaf offering carries historical weight alongside its substantial flavor profile. Introduced around 2014–2015 as a companion to the celebrated Intemperance BA XXI, the EC XVIII has proven its staying power through consistent production and unwavering quality control at the TAVICUSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
What distinguishes the Intemperance EC XVIII is the precision with which its makers—Skip Ciurana and Michael Rosales—have orchestrated the dialogue between wrapper and filler. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, sourced domestically and subjected to extended fermentation, delivers the anticipated dark chocolate and molasses sweetness, but the aged Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí provide the counterweight: earth, spice, and complexity that prevents the profile from becoming one-dimensional. The progression is methodical and rewarding. The opening announces itself boldly with espresso and cocoa; the midpoint deepens into leather and roasted coffee; the final third intensifies toward charred oak and lingering dark fruit. Throughout, the balance never wavers.
Construction elevates the experience beyond the price point. The draw is consistently ideal—neither too open nor too restrictive—and the burn line remains razor-sharp from light to finish, producing a firm, light grey ash that demonstrates TAVICUSA's quality standards. At 60–75 minutes, the EC XVIII demands a committed session, but that investment yields dividends. This is a cigar that belongs in the regular rotation of serious aficionados, holding its own alongside Liga Privada and Padró 1926 despite occupying a notably lower price tier. For those seeking an entry point into RoMa Craft's philosophy without compromise, the Intemperance EC XVIII remains a definitive gateway—and far more than that for those patient enough to discover its full architecture.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — USA — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers from multiple regions including Jalapa and Estelí, with aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — produced at the TAVICUSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Multiple vitolas available; core line includes Robusto, Toro, and Churchill formats |
| Size | 5.5 x 52 (Robusto standard offering) |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper undergoes extended fermentation contributing to sweetn |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw offers dark cocoa, dried fig, and a whisper of barnyard earthiness. Upon lighting, the opening delivers bold dark chocolate, espresso, and a distinct sweet molasses note characteristic of well-fermented Connecticut Broadleaf. Black pepper emerges at the retrohale with moderate intensity.
Second Third
The midpoint transitions into deeper, more layered territory — roasted coffee beans, leather, and a creamy cedar note begin to assert themselves. The sweetness from the wrapper integrates beautifully with the Nicaraguan core, producing a balanced interplay of earth and confection. Spice from the Estelí tobaccos builds progressively on the finish.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark espresso, charred oak, black pepper, and a lingering cocoa sweetness on the retrohale. The body becomes noticeably fuller without turning harsh, a testament to careful blending. The finish is long, complex, and satisfying with a faint note of dark dried fruit.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — the draw is consistently ideal, offering just the right resistance, and the burn is razor-sharp with a firm, light grey ash that holds for an inch or more. RoMa Craft's quality control at TAVICUSA is evident throughout.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged bourbon with high rye content — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Four Roses Single Barrel; alternatively, a peated Scotch such as Laphroaig 10 to complement the earthiness
Wine
A bold Zinfandel from Lodi or a Petite Sirah — dark fruit and spice characteristics mirror the cigar's profile beautifully
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or cold brew with a touch of dark chocolate — the bitter sweetness echoes the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper
Who Should Smoke This?
The Intemperance EC XVIII appeals to intermediate and advanced smokers seeking full-bodied complexity without the premium pricing of ultra-limited releases. Aficionados who appreciate Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and are drawn to historically themed blends will find particular resonance here. This is not a quick smoke—allocate 60–75 minutes in a relaxed setting, ideally an evening with bourbon or Scotch at hand. Beginners with some experience can certainly approach it, though its full strength and layered profile rewards palates already familiar with Nicaraguan tobacco and dark wrappers. Collectors and rotation-builders should consider it essential.
Bottom Line
The Intemperance EC XVIII is a Connecticut Broadleaf triumph that outperforms its $12–16 price tag by a considerable margin, offering the complexity and construction quality expected at twice the cost. This is essential smoking for any serious cigar collection, a gateway to RoMa Craft excellence that never sacrifices sophistication for accessibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intemperance EC XVIII a strong cigar?
Yes. The Intemperance EC XVIII carries a full strength profile (4/5), making it best suited for smokers with experience handling robust, full-bodied cigars. The aged Nicaraguan fillers and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper contribute nicotine weight throughout.
What does the Intemperance EC XVIII taste like?
The flavor journey spans dark chocolate and espresso in the opening, deepening into roasted coffee, leather, and creamy cedar in the midpoint, and concluding with charred oak, black pepper, and lingering dark fruit sweetness. The Connecticut Broadleaf contributes molasses and cocoa; the Nicaraguan core adds earth and progressive spice.
How long does the Intemperance EC XVIII take to smoke?
Plan for 60–75 minutes. This is a deliberate, complex smoke that rewards patient attention rather than a quick indulgence. The standard Robusto (5.5 x 52) sustains flavor evolution across three distinct acts.
What is the best pairing for the Intemperance EC XVIII?
Aged bourbon with high rye content—such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Four Roses Single Barrel—complements the dark chocolate and spice beautifully. Alternatively, a peated Scotch like Laphroaig 10 echoes the earthiness. For wine, a bold Zinfandel or Petite Sirah mirrors the dark fruit and spice profile. A double espresso with dark chocolate works excellently as a non-alcoholic option.
Is the Intemperance EC XVIII good for beginners?
Not ideally for novices—the full strength and layered complexity favor intermediate to advanced smokers. Beginners with some experience in full-bodied cigars may enjoy it, but those new to premium cigars should consider lighter profiles first.
Where can I buy the Intemperance EC XVIII?
As a RoMa Craft product in consistent production, the Intemperance EC XVIII should be available through established premium cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar. Availability may vary by region and retailer inventory.
What is the price of the Intemperance EC XVIII?
The Intemperance EC XVIII retails between $12–16 per cigar, positioning it as an exceptional value in the premium segment. This pricing reflects RoMa Craft's philosophy of delivering complexity without excessive markup.
Is the Intemperance EC XVIII worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper undergoes extended fermentation contributing to sweetness and stability. While cellaring additional boxes is certainly viable for collectors, the cigar is crafted for immediate enjoyment and does not necessarily require further aging to reach its profile.
What wrapper does the Intemperance EC XVIII use?
The wrapper is Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro from the USA, selected for its deep dark chocolate-brown color with nearly black undertones, subtle oily sheen, and toothy texture. Extended fermentation of this wrapper contributes to the cigar's signature molasses sweetness.
Where is the Intemperance EC XVIII made?
The Intemperance EC XVIII is hand-rolled at the TAVICUSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The factory's quality control is evident in the cigar's exemplary construction, razor-sharp burn, and consistent draw.