Knuckle Sandwich Cigars: A Culinary Legend's Bold Foray into the Premium Cigar World
When renowned chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri announced his entry into the premium cigar industry, aficionados and fans alike were intrigued. Known for his larger-than-life personality and culinary expertise, Fieri's venture into cigars promised a unique blend of flavor and craftsmanship. Partnering with master blender Erik Espinosa and legendary cigar maker A.J. Fernandez, Fieri has created the Knuckle Sandwich line, a series of cigars that bring his bold culinary flair to the smoking experience. Crafted at the prestigious San Lotano factory in Nicaragua and distributed by Espinosa Cigars, Knuckle Sandwich cigars are poised to take the cigar world by storm.
A Collaborative Effort with a Rich Backstory
The creation of Knuckle Sandwich cigars is a story of collaboration and dedication. For 18 months, Fieri worked closely with Erik Espinosa and A.J. Fernandez to develop two distinct blends that embody his love for bold flavors and quality craftsmanship. Fieri, a passionate cigar enthusiast, brought his unique perspective to the table, drawing parallels between the complexities of fine cuisine and premium cigars. Espinosa, known for his successful cigar lines like 601, Murcielago, and La Bomba, ensured that the blends met the highest standards of the industry.
The partnership was a natural fit. Fieri's culinary empire, built on the principles of big flavor and fun, translated seamlessly into the world of cigars. His TV shows, such as Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
and Guy’s Grocery Games,
have showcased his ability to find and celebrate exceptional flavors, and this same enthusiasm was poured into the creation of Knuckle Sandwich cigars.
The Knuckle Sandwich Blends: Natural and Maduro
Knuckle Sandwich cigars come in two varieties: Natural and Maduro. Each blend offers a unique smoking experience, crafted to deliver rich, complex flavors without overwhelming the smoker. The cigars are available in two popular vitolas, Robusto and Toro, catering to different preferences and smoking occasions.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Corona Gorda: Featuring an Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro wrapper, this medium-bodied cigar delivers rich notes of dark chocolate, spice, leather, and sweet dried fruit, offering a complex and satisfying smoking experience.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Robusto: Wrapped in an oily Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro leaf, this robusto provides a medium-bodied profile with flavors of dark chocolate, spice, leather, and hints of sweet dried fruit.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Toro: This toro-sized cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro wrapper offers a balanced medium-bodied smoke, rich with dark chocolate, spice, leather, and sweet dried fruit flavors.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Gordo: With its Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro wrapper, this gordo cigar delivers a full, medium-bodied experience, featuring deep flavors of dark chocolate, spice, leather, and sweet dried fruit.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano Corona Gorda: Wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano leaf, this medium-bodied cigar provides a smooth and creamy smoke with notes of white pepper, cedar, nuts, and sweet cream.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano Robusto: This robusto features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, offering a balanced medium-bodied profile with flavors of white pepper, cedar, nuts, and sweet cream.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano Toro: With an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, this toro cigar provides a creamy, medium-bodied smoke with delightful notes of white pepper, cedar, nuts, and sweet cream.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano Gordo: This gordo-sized cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, delivering a medium-bodied profile with flavors of white pepper, cedar, nuts, and sweet cream.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut Robusto: Featuring a Connecticut Shade wrapper, this robusto offers a mild to medium-bodied smoking experience with creamy notes of nuts, coffee, and a subtle sweetness.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut Short Churchill: Wrapped in a Connecticut Shade leaf, this short churchill provides a smooth, mild to medium-bodied smoke with flavors of nuts, coffee, and a touch of sweetness.
Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut Toro: This toro cigar with a Connecticut Shade wrapper delivers a creamy, mild to medium-bodied profile with notes of nuts, coffee, and a hint of sweetness.
The Natural line features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, known for its smooth and creamy profile. The blend includes perfectly aged Nicaraguan long filler and binder tobaccos, creating a medium-bodied smoke that is both balanced and flavorful. Upon lighting, smokers are greeted with a medley of white pepper, cedar, nuts, and sweet cream. The result is a harmonious blend that offers a satisfying smoking experience from start to finish.
The Maduro line, wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro leaf, provides a richer, more robust flavor profile. This dark, oily wrapper encases the same high-quality Nicaraguan fillers, resulting in a medium-bodied cigar with notes of dark chocolate, spice, leather, and sweet dried fruit. The Maduro blend is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly bolder smoke without sacrificing smoothness and complexity.
Craftsmanship and Quality at the San Lotano Factory
The San Lotano factory in Ocatal, Nicaragua, is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Under the guidance of A.J. Fernandez, the factory produces some of the finest cigars in the world, and the Knuckle Sandwich line is no exception. Each cigar is crafted by skilled artisans who take pride in their work, ensuring that every stick meets the high standards set by Fieri and Espinosa.
The production process begins with the careful selection of tobacco leaves. Only the finest Nicaraguan fillers and binders are chosen, each aged to perfection to bring out their full flavor potential. The wrappers, sourced from Ecuador, are meticulously inspected for quality and consistency. Once the tobaccos are selected, the blending process begins, with Espinosa and his team working to create a perfect balance of flavors and strengths.
The rolling of the cigars is done by experienced torcedores, or cigar rollers, who use traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each cigar is rolled with precision, ensuring a perfect draw and even burn. The finished cigars are then aged further to allow the flavors to meld and mature, resulting in a smooth, well-rounded smoke.
A Culinary Influence on Cigar Creation
Fieri’s influence on the Knuckle Sandwich line is evident in the cigars’ flavor profiles and overall experience. Known for his love of bold, comfort food flavors, Fieri brought a similar approach to the development of these cigars. The Natural blend’s creamy notes and the Maduro’s rich, chocolatey flavors mirror the comforting, indulgent dishes that Fieri is famous for.
Early reviews of the Knuckle Sandwich cigars have been overwhelmingly positive. Smokers have praised the cigars for their rich flavors, smooth smoking experience, and high-quality construction. The Natural blend has been noted for its creamy, nutty profile with a hint of white pepper, while the Maduro has been lauded for its complex blend of dark chocolate, spice, and fruit notes. Reviewers have also highlighted the cigars’ excellent burn and draw, a testament to the craftsmanship at the San Lotano factory.
Availability and Enjoyment
Knuckle Sandwich cigars are available for purchase in boxes of 20, making them a perfect addition to any humidor. Whether you’re a novice smoker looking to explore new flavors or a seasoned aficionado seeking a high-quality smoke, these cigars offer something for everyone. The medium-bodied profile of both blends ensures that they are accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
These cigars are designed to be enjoyed after a gourmet meal, aligning perfectly with Fieri’s culinary roots. The rich flavors and smooth smoking experience make them an ideal choice for unwinding and reflecting on a great dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at one of Fieri’s restaurants or at home, a Knuckle Sandwich cigar provides a perfect finish.
Knuckle Sandwich cigars represent a successful fusion of culinary flair and premium cigar craftsmanship. The collaboration between Guy Fieri, Erik Espinosa, and A.J. Fernandez has resulted in a line of cigars that deliver on flavor, quality, and enjoyment. With their rich, complex profiles and high-quality construction, Knuckle Sandwich cigars are set to become a favorite among cigar lovers.
The journey from concept to creation has been one of dedication, passion, and a shared love for great flavors. Fieri’s entry into the cigar world brings a fresh perspective, and his partnership with Espinosa and Fernandez ensures that Knuckle Sandwich cigars are crafted to the highest standards. Whether you choose the creamy Natural or the robust Maduro, you’re in for a memorable smoking experience that embodies the spirit of Flavor Town.
