Brand Heritage
RoMa Craft Tobac is a boutique cigar manufacturer founded by Skip Martin and Michael Rosales, widely respected in the premium cigar community for producing small-batch, handcrafted cigars with serious intent. The company has built a loyal following by prioritizing blend integrity and quality control over volume, earning recognition from major cigar publications and enthusiasts alike. The Intemperance line represents one of RoMa Craft's most thoughtfully conceived projects, drawing on historical and philosophical themes to tell a story through tobacco.
Blend & Construction
The Intemperance EC XVIII Virtue is a Nicaraguan puro in keeping with RoMa Craft Tobac's commitment to Nicaraguan tobacco. The EC XVIII designation references the 18th century, grounding the line in a rich conceptual framework. The Short Robusto vitola measures 4½ inches with a 52 ring gauge — a format that concentrates the blend's character into a tight, efficient smoke. RoMa Craft is known for meticulous construction standards, and in keeping with the broader Intemperance line's profile, the blend is likely to feature well-aged Nicaraguan fillers and binder paired with a dark, oily Nicaraguan wrapper. Specific leaf primings and farm sourcing have not been independently verified here, so the precise wrapper and binder designations should be confirmed with the retailer or manufacturer.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the Intemperance line's overall profile and RoMa Craft's Nicaraguan-forward blending philosophy, the Virtue Short Robusto is expected to deliver a medium to full-bodied smoking experience with notable complexity. The shorter format tends to concentrate the flavors, often producing richer, earthier notes with a touch of natural sweetness on the retrohale. Smokers familiar with the line report dark cocoa, dried fruit, cedar, and a peppery backbone that softens as the cigar progresses. The draw is typically excellent, producing a dense, satisfying smoke with a solid burn line throughout its roughly 45-minute runtime.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic Pairing: A medium-bodied aged rum, such as a Barbadian or Jamaican expression, complements the natural sweetness and earthy complexity that defines this Nicaraguan blend without overwhelming its subtler nuances.
Non-Alcoholic Pairing: A double espresso or dark roast black coffee mirrors the cocoa and roasted undertones in the cigar while providing a pleasant bitterness that keeps the palate engaged throughout the smoke.
Best Enjoyed
The Intemperance EC XVIII Virtue Short Robusto is an ideal choice for the intermediate to experienced cigar smoker who appreciates a concentrated, flavorful smoke without committing to a longer format. Its 4½-inch length makes it well-suited for a late afternoon or early evening break, offering approximately 45 minutes of smoke time. It pairs naturally with a relaxed, contemplative setting — a porch, a lounge, or a quiet end to a workday. Novice smokers curious about medium-full Nicaraguan blends may also find this a rewarding introduction to RoMa Craft Tobac's craftsmanship.
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