My timing was good this year for Espinosa special releases. I not only got to pick up and try the Warhead Independence Day, I was able to get my hands on the Knuckle Sandwich Chefs Special 2025. Knuckle Sandwich is a collaboration between Espinosa Cigars and celebrity chef, Guy Fieri, and the Chefs Special is an annual limited release with a different blend than the regular releases. This year’s release is focused on the Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper that is overlaid atop Nicaraguan fillers and binder.
The wrapper leaf was a little rough to the touch, like a fine-grit sandpaper, but also with a nice oiliness. It smelled of unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of anise, while the foot of the stick was richly earthy with a little chocolate mixed in.
Firing up the Knuckle Sandwich Chefs Special 2025, I got dominant earthy notes, followed by cedar and some mildly sweet chocolate. The retrohale was intensely spicy. I enjoyed the interplay of sweet and savory, the richness of the experience, and the full body of the blend. I’ve been a fan of the Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut since the first time I tried it, but wasn’t very impressed with the Maduro…but if the Maduro was like this, I would have been smoking it very frequently.
I paired this cigar with some Maker’s Mark Heart Release, part of their Private Selection/Wood Finishing program. It brought another level of pepper spice, along with some baking spice to the proceedings, while enhancing the sweeter notes of the tobacco. Both cigar and bourbon are limited releases that I wish were available all the time because they are so good.
