First Impressions: Hermanos de Armas Cataclysm Toro

I’d been looking forward to trying this Hermanos de Armas cigar for some time—well, at least for the past four weeks since picking up a selection of HDA cigars during a stop at Hogshead Cigar Lounge.

Hermanos de Armas Cigars is the creation of two U.S. military veterans with a deep passion for cigars. The name, which translates to “Brothers in Arms,” reflects both their bond and background. The cigars are produced at the Oveja Negra factory in Nicaragua — the same factory behind Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio, both of which I enjoy regularly.

The Hermanos de Armas Cataclysm is a 6 x 54 Toro featuring an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. A Nicaraguan binder encases a blend of Ometepe and Condega Nicaraguan leaf. The reddish-brown wrapper is oily and beautifully finished, with an impressively smooth construction.

The first draws filled the palate with an earthy, dry smoke. There’s a woody base in the initial profile, accompanied by a mild tinge of pepper. After a few puffs, I was reminded of boiled peanuts — an unexpected touch. Soon, the dry wood and earth were joined by sweet notes of molasses and brown sugar, bringing a welcome balance. Toward the end, the flavor profile deepened with hints of bitter black coffee.

While the opening minutes of the Cataclysm were somewhat unusual, as the cigar warmed and the interplay of sweet and bitter developed, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The burn was steady, and the ash held firm, forming a solid “stack of dimes” without flaking. I appreciated the full-bodied character of the smoke right down to the finger-warming nub.

For the pairing, I poured Weller Full Proof — a 114-proof wheated bourbon with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and toasted oak, finishing with a candied fruit sweetness. While flavorful, the bourbon’s strong finish tended to mute the cigar’s more nuanced flavors. I ended up holding off on sipping most of the Weller until I was near the end of the cigar.

I still have multiple samples of other Hermanos de Armas cigars on hand, and after the pleasure of the Cataclysm, I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of the lineup very soon.

Cheers!