Brand Heritage
RoMa Craft Tobac is a boutique cigar company founded by Skip Martin and Michael Rosales, two passionate industry veterans who built the brand on a philosophy of small-batch production, meticulous quality control, and a willingness to push creative boundaries. The company has earned a devoted following among serious cigar enthusiasts for consistently producing complex, well-constructed Nicaraguan cigars that punch well above their price point. Their Intemperance BA XXI line is named as a tribute to the Bolstead Act of 1920 — legislation born from the temperance movement — lending each blend in the series a distinct thematic identity rooted in American history.
Blend & Construction
The Intemperance BA XXI Contempt is a Nicaraguan puro, meaning its tobaccos are sourced entirely from Nicaragua, in keeping with the broader Intemperance BA XXI line's use of Nicaraguan leaf throughout. The cigar is presented in a Corona Gorda vitola, measuring 5 3/4 inches in length with a 46 ring gauge — a format well-suited to showcasing layered tobacco complexity without overwhelming the palate. RoMa Craft Tobac is known for applying precise rolling standards to their production, and the Intemperance series typically features a firm, even construction with a well-finished head and consistent draw. Specific wrapper, binder, and filler component details for the Contempt are not confirmed in available documentation, but the line broadly features earthy, medium-to-full strength Nicaraguan tobacco combinations that reflect the brand's signature approach.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the profile established across the Intemperance BA XXI line, the Contempt delivers a medium-to-full-bodied smoking experience with a solid backbone of earthy, peppery Nicaraguan tobacco. Smokers can expect a rich and textured smoke with hints of dark spice, leather, and roasted notes developing as the cigar progresses. The Corona Gorda format tends to allow a gradual build, with the first third offering approachable complexity that deepens through the second and final thirds into a more robust, warming finish. Smoke production is typically generous, and the draw remains consistent throughout a well-constructed example of the vitola.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic Pairing: A high-rye bourbon such as Bulleit or Four Roses Single Barrel — the caramel sweetness and spice notes complement the peppery, earthy character of Nicaraguan tobacco beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic Pairing: A double shot of dark roast espresso — the roasted bitterness and intensity of a quality espresso mirrors the cigar's depth without competing against its natural flavors.
Best Enjoyed
The Intemperance BA XXI Contempt is best suited to intermediate and experienced cigar smokers who appreciate medium-to-full-bodied Nicaraguan blends with genuine complexity. It makes an ideal evening smoke — whether unwinding after a long day or sharing conversation at a dedicated cigar lounge. The Corona Gorda format provides an estimated smoke time of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, making it a satisfying but not overly demanding commitment. Purchased by the box of 24, it rewards those who enjoy aging a portion of their stock, as RoMa Craft Tobac blends are known to develop favorably with a few months of proper humidor rest.
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