We continue with our reviews of Ventura’s Psyko Seven cigars by acquainting ourselves with the Connecticut, which was released in 2016. Thanks again to Roy Sommer of Davidoff UK for sending us a few samples to test.
In this article, you will discover the Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Connecticut as we review it using the following considerations:
You can use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to learn more.
Watch The Video Review
Overview
- Brand: Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven
- Range: Connecticut
- Reviewed Vitolas: 5.5 x 50 Robusto
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Domincan San Vicente
- Filler: Dominican “Multi-Country Blend”
- Factory: O.K. Cigars, Dominican Republic
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Mild
- Estimated Smoking Time: 65 Minutes
- Pricing: $8 / Single
Like the Natural before it, the Connecticut is a collaboration between Patrick Hurd (also known as “El Diablo Blanco”), who is the general manager of Ventura Cigars and Hendrik “Henke” Kelner of Davidoff Cigars. Similarly, production began at the Occidental factory before being transferred to the O.K. Cigars Galera.
Psyko Seven Connecticut Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Latte
- Rolling Consistency: Mostly Even
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Hay, Praliné, Milk Chocolate
On this occasion, the cigar’s wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut in a similar approach to Davidoff’s core blends. Meanwhile, the binder is Dominican San Vicente.
However, there’s not much information on the filler and it has been listed as a “multi-country blend”. Nevertheless, I’ve also read that it’s primarily from the Dominican Republic.
This is a very elegant cigar that is reminiscent of Davidoff’s craftsmanship. It has a nice, smooth consistency. It’s slightly firm, but otherwise, there is a spring if pinched hard enough. However, care must be taken as Connecticut wrappers are quite fragile.
The colour is reminiscent of caramel latte and delivers an oily sheen. Similarly, the veins are quite refined with just a few visible ones along the body. As for the aromas, it offers hay, some paliné, as well as milk chocolate.
Psyko Seven Connecticut Review
Firstly, the cigars were kept in a Boveda acrylic humidor for the last couple of weeks in order to properly acclimate them in preparation for the review. They were stored using 69% Boveda packs, and often monitored via a Boveda Butler.
We ensure that every cigar is stored in the same way prior to a review in order to fully standardise and control the process.
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Some Resistance
- Aromas: Haylage, Cocoa, Leather
In terms of pre-light, it gives you just the right level of resistance, which is fortunate given that it’s tightly rolled. That being said, it might be a little tight for some people. However, I do like the cigar to fight back a little.
Additionally, the flavours that it reveals are quite rich in the dry draw, which consist of haylage, which is effectively cured hay, cocoa, and a touch of suede leather.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Hazelnut, Mascarpone, Terracotta
The first third of the Connecticut opens up with a note of hazelnut, some creamy mascarpone, and a little bit of terracotta. The latter evokes dried, cured earth, which has an overall musty profile.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Charred Bay Leaf, Walnut, Red Pepper
Meanwhile, the second third reveals aromatic bay leaf that has been slightly charred to provide a roasted note. Retrohaling unveils red peppers while a hint of provides substance to the second third.
It’s quite interesting as this cigar is somewhat reminiscent of a classic Davidoff cigar. Indeed, I would liken it to the Aniversario blend and it’s quite close to the Special R in the configuration.
Nevertheless, it is still slightly different and it reveals, I would say, slightly stronger flavours while still being a mild cigar overall.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Butterscotch, Birch Wood, Espresso
Once you get to the final third, you’ll probably experience butterscotch, which is similar to the mascarpone in the first third but is a little bit boozier. Added Birchwood offers a balsamic, cured woodiness while espresso coffee provides depth.
In terms of complexity, it evolves nicely through each third with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. There’s a balanced palate stimulation and dryness, as it focuses on all different parts of the tongue.
The overall lifecycle is quite developed and the aforementioned evolution still remains consistent throughout. Afterwards, the finish lingers well without overbearing the smoker.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Some Strength
- Burn Angle: Mostly Straight
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Some Resistance
- Final Smoking Time: 65 Minutes
Firstly, the cigar’s backbone is quite impressive and a testament to its construction. Breaking off the ash by hand in the second third revealed a small mound of ember, which shows that the leaves have been properly aligned.
Even without any touch-ups, the burn angle is steady and relatively straight. Similarly, it provides an overall cool smoke with a pleasant drawer. For those concerned about a tight draw, it opens up nicely by the middle of the first third.
Ideal Pairings With An A Psyko Seven Connecticut
As a mild cigar, milk chocolate and other creamy confectionaries would be an excellent choice. Given that the cigar has a creamy mouthfeel, it would help extend the experience. Otherwise, salted nuts would offer a more savoury experience, too.
Alternatively, I would consider French cream-based pastries. For instance, an éclair or even an Oranais would be very pleasant indeed!
As for beverages, a Lowlands single malt would offer a light-bodied and floral accompaniment that would best suit a mild cigar. Otherwise, a naturally aged rum such as the Flor de Caña 18 would offer an equally pleasant pairing. I would also suggest latte coffee or café au lait over an expresso.
Overall Experience
First of all, let’s talk about the band. We have a black PSyKo band, which is reminiscent of the original. As you may have noticed PSyKo have these fun prescription-style bands that would appear on a medicine bottle.
It’s a great opportunity to offer more information about the blend and you’ll notice El Diablo Blanco’s signature. Of course, you have to remove this large wrapper when you smoke. What’s great is that there is another band that’s hiding underneath so you don’t end up smoking a blank cigar.
After all, some people like a touch of ornamentation on their cigars!
Psyko Seven Natural Box
The box is similar to the Natural edition as pictured above. However, it’s black on this occasion rather than white. You’ll notice some useful information about the blend in the lid’s interior.
In terms of value for money, these cigars retail for just $8 per stick, which is excellent value given that they’re produced by Davidoff using some of their tobaccos. Typically, a Davidoff cigar is normally around $20 while an Avo is usually $15 minimum.
Consequently, you’re getting excellent value for money and great bang for your buck!
Given the large and quite bold wrapper, this isn’t a cigar that I would choose for a formal occasion. However, it’s a great casual smoke to enjoy with friends or when out partying. Indeed, it’s a fun cigar with a presentation that shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, the Connecticut is a wonderfully mild cigar that’s reminiscent of some of Davidoff’s finest creations yet far more accessible. Needless to say, you won’t get the same quality at this price. Yet, if you’re on a small budget, it’s certainly one to consider as a mild everyday smoke.
"Mild flavours and excellent construction render this to be a reliable and pleasant smoke for people looking for an affordable cigar."
Further Reading
If you enjoyed reading this cigar review, feel fry to check out more related content:
Cigars Contents
Very informative.
Thank you!