Brand Heritage
RoMa Craft Tobac is a highly respected boutique cigar manufacturer co-founded by Skip Martin and Michael Rosales, known for producing small-batch, handcrafted cigars with an obsessive attention to quality and consistency. The brand has built a devoted following among aficionados who appreciate nuanced blending and cigars that reward patience and careful smoking. RoMa Craft's Intemperance line draws its thematic inspiration from the temperance movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, with each vitola named after a moral virtue of the era — a clever and distinctive identity in the premium cigar market.
Blend & Construction
The Intemperance EC XVIII Brotherly Kindness is a Nicaraguan puro in keeping with the broader Intemperance EC XVIII line, which is known for its all-Nicaraguan tobacco composition. The "EC XVIII" designation references the Early Colonial 18th century theme of the series. The Brotherly Kindness vitola is presented as a Robusto Gordo measuring 5 inches with a 56 ring gauge — a size that balances approachability with complexity, offering a wider draw and generous smoke volume. RoMa Craft is known for meticulous construction standards, and the cigars in this line typically feature well-applied wrappers, firm pack, and consistent draw right out of the box.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the Intemperance EC XVIII line's established profile, the Brotherly Kindness delivers a medium to full-bodied smoking experience rooted in rich Nicaraguan tobacco character. Smokers can expect a foundation of earthy depth with notes of dark wood, leather, and subtle spice, with a natural sweetness that tends to emerge as the cigar progresses through its burn. The wider 56 ring gauge contributes a cooler, creamier smoke that helps tame the natural boldness of the Nicaraguan blend, allowing the complexity to develop gradually rather than arriving all at once. The retrohale reveals additional pepper and cocoa nuance for those who choose to explore it.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic: A wheated Kentucky bourbon such as Maker's Mark or Larceny complements the earthiness and subtle sweetness of this Nicaraguan blend without overpowering its more delicate nuances.
Non-Alcoholic: A dark roast pour-over coffee or cold brew brings out the cocoa and woodsy undertones in the smoke, creating a well-rounded sensory pairing that enhances both the cigar and the cup.
Best Enjoyed
The Intemperance EC XVIII Brotherly Kindness is best suited for intermediate to experienced cigar smokers who appreciate a well-constructed, medium-full Nicaraguan smoke with layered character. It is an excellent choice for a relaxed evening session — on a porch, patio, or in a lounge setting — where there is time to let the cigar breathe and evolve. Expect a smoke time of approximately 60 to 75 minutes given the 5x56 Robusto Gordo format. While not overwhelmingly strong, its depth and complexity make it more rewarding for those already comfortable with fuller-bodied blends.
English