L’Atelier Surrogates cigars are each made with their own blend, dreamed up by Pete Johnson and co. Once an intriguing mixture is identified, it’s up to Don Pepin Garcia and the My Father team to roll up the cigars down at the main factory in Nicaragua.
Surrogates cigars come in three main wrapper categories (so far): 1) Ecuadorian Habano wrappers, 2) Connecticut broadleaf wrappers, and 3) Mexican San Andrés wrappers. The details behind each blend are described below.
Just know that you’re in for a serious flavor adventure with these Surrogates cigars – they’re often quite surprising once you get them lit!
Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Tramp Stamp – the Tramp Stamp Surrogates cigar is full-bodied, just like some of the lovely ladies who sport the lower back tattoo that’s unfortunately become known as a “tramp stamp.” The Tramp Stamp cigar is also full strength, with a very rich flavor of cocoa powder and earthy minerals. It’s a 5 ¼ x 48 Robusto with a Nicaraguan filler blend and an Ecuadorian wrapper leaf, and it’s a smoke that’s rich with the flavors of the soil.
Crystal Baller – the Crystal Baller Surrogates cigar is a fine medium-strength smoke that was awarded 91 points by Cigar Aficionado. This box-pressed stogie gives off the flavor of cocoa powder, which you might expect, but also incense, which you probably didn’t see coming. In fact, the Crystal Baller Surrogates cigar is quite reminiscent of pipe tobacco, with an array of fragrant sweet notes.
Animal Cracker – the Animal Cracker Surrogates cigar is a nice rustic 6 x 60 Gordo with enough flavor to earn it another 91-point rating from Cigar Aficionado. They noted the peaty scotch flavor, and also called out citrus and chocolate on the finish. It’s a lot more complex than the basic sweet kids’ snack that it’s named after. It’s powered by a blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers but gets earthiness from the Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper. This may be the pick of the Surrogates cigar litter.
Cracker Crumbs – if the Animal Cracker fat stogie is too big for you, Cracker Crumbs is the 4 1/2 x 38 petite corona version. The Cracker Crumbs Surrogate cigar scored a respectable 90 points, so it’s a fine substitute if you’re short on time.
Connecticut broadleaf wrapper
Skull Breaker – the Skull Breaker Surrogates cigar is a flavor bomb powered by a fermented Connecticut broadleaf wrapper and a Nicaraguan filler blend. All your friends are here: pepper, milk chocolate, and aged leather.
Bone Crusher – like the Skull Breaker, the Bone Crusher Surrogates cigar offers a ton of potent flavor. It’s medium strength when it comes to nicotine impact, and is rolled up into a 5 ¼ x 55 Robusto shape. The Nicaraguan blend and Connecticut broadleaf wrapper mainly offer the flavor of dark cedar, along with an interesting anise note on the finish.
Mexican San Andrés wrapper
Satin Glove – the Satin Glove Surrogates cigar earned a 90-point rating thanks to earthy, nutty flavors that accompany a classic San Andrés baking chocolate note. You’ll also taste pepper bites and a touch of vanilla as well. Like the other Surrogates cigar blends, the Satin Glove cigar is built around Nicaraguan tobacco fillers that complement the flavors of the Mexican wrapper. It’s a medium-full strength, 7 x 47 Churchill that will keep you busy for a long smoke session.
Please browse our selection of L’Atelier Surrogates cigars at your leisure.
Tramp Stamp: cocoa and minerals
Crystal Baller: pipe tobacco
Animal Cracker: peaty scotch, chocolate, and citrus
Skull Breaker: pepper, milk chocolate, and leather
Bone Crusher: dark cedar and anise
Satin Glove: earthy, nutty, baking chocolate
