Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Gordo Review

Vitola: Gordo (6 x 60) 

Factory: AJ Fernandez Factory — Estelí, Nicaragua 

Smoke Time: Approximately 100 minutes 

Cigars Smoked: 2 

ChiTown Cigar Podcast Score: 9.5 / 10

First Impressions

The Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro is the newest release from Matt Booth, featuring a dark, chocolate-brown wrapper and an eye-catching gold band. The contrast between the band and the dark wrapper gives the cigar a sharp appearance and the artwork is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Construction was excellent. There were a few visible veins along the wrapper.. Despite smoking the large 6 x 60 Gordo, the cigar never felt overly bulky. It rested comfortably in the hand and had a surprisingly balanced feel.

The cold draw was pleasant, offering a subtle hint of cedar before lighting.

First Third

The opening immediately grabbed my attention with a flavor that reminded me of milk-chocolate-covered peanuts. That combination of creamy chocolate, nuttiness, and sweetness was joined by a pleasant coffee note.

Simply put, I loved the way this cigar started.

The retrohale had a touch of white pepper, but it was never overpowering. Smoke production was generous, and the cigar produced a white ash that held impressively well, at least until I swatted at a fly and dropped it directly into my lap.

That one was on me, not the cigar.

Second Third

A noticeable transition developed as the cigar moved into its second third. Cedar began to push forward while the sweeter milk chocolate notes shifted toward darker chocolate and espresso.

It was an excellent transition that gave the cigar more depth and maintained the enjoyable flavor notes established in the opening third.

The burn line remained sharp and even, requiring no touch-ups. The white pepper increased slightly on the retrohale, but it remained balanced and never overwhelmed or burned my senses.

Matt Booth described the evolution of Johnny Tobacconaut by saying:

“Time brings lessons nothing else can teach—and in time we have evolved our beloved Johnny Tobacconaut into a sensational maduro variant.”

With the cigar being produced at the AJ Fernandez factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the quality of the construction and smoking experience came as no surprise.

Final Third

Just when it seemed that Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro had already delivered everything I could ask for, the final third introduced another enjoyable transition.

A savory, meaty quality developed that reminded me of a well-seared steak. Leather and espresso accompanied it, creating a rich and satisfying finish.

The cigar continued to burn evenly without requiring a single touch-up. It also smoked slowly, which is exactly what I want from a cigar providing this much flavor. At approximately 100 minutes, it offered plenty of time to enjoy each transition.

Even the “Fun-Sized One” had no complaints about the smoke or aroma, which is always a major plus. Nice job, Matt.

Final Thoughts

The Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Gordo delivered an outstanding smoking experience across both cigars sampled. It combined excellent construction and a trouble-free burn with a flavor profile that evolved throughout the smoke.

It began with milk chocolate, peanuts, and coffee before transitioning into cedar, dark chocolate, and espresso. The final third brought a savory combination of steak, leather, and espresso that gave the cigar a memorable finish.

The playful band may grab your attention first, but the cigar underneath it is what will bring you back.

Final Score

• Construction: 9.8 / 10

• Burn: 9.5 / 10

• Draw: 9.4 / 10

• Flavor: 9.5 / 10

• Complexity: 9.3 / 10

• Overall Score: 9.5 / 10

Would I Smoke It Again?

Absolutely.

This was a fantastic cigar and an excellent overall smoking experience. It offered rich flavors, clear transitions, tremendous construction, and nearly 100 minutes of enjoyment.

I will definitely be seeking this one out again.