In today’s review, we take a look at a cigar from a brand making its debut on Polski Aficionado. Let’s dive into the Horacio Final 8 – 58.
In truth, I’ve only had one prior encounter with cigars from Horacio — and I remember it vividly. That was the very evening I met my cigar companion… or rather, companions.
While the night itself was undoubtedly a success — something best reflected in the countless cigars we’ve shared since — I can’t say the same about the cigar I smoked back then. The guys convinced me to try a Sleda. Judging purely by the smoking experience, it’s quite possible I would never have mentioned that evening, nor those companions, ever again.
But cigars are only part of the equation. It’s the people that create the magic around them — and my story is proof of exactly that.
Given that this is my first review of a Horacio cigar…
A Few Words on Horacio
Horacio was founded in 2008 by Christophe Leroy, Fabien Gil, and Sylvain Toaldo — three friends whose shared passion for cigars took shape during a trip to Costa Rica. It was there that they began experimenting with production, gradually transforming their enthusiasm into a cohesive premium cigar project.
After entering the French market in 2010–2011, where the brand quickly gained recognition, a defining moment came in 2013 with the move of production to Estelí, Nicaragua — one of the world’s most respected tobacco regions. It was in Estelí that the blends were developed that continue to shape the brand’s identity today. Around the same time, the name was simplified from “Don Horacio del Monte” to “Horacio,” reflecting a more focused and modern direction.
Today, Horacio is a globally distributed brand, present in over 70 countries and supported by its Geneva-based distribution arm. Despite a growing portfolio, its core philosophy remains unchanged: a consistent commitment to balance, structure, and a modern interpretation of the Nicaraguan cigar profile.
Horacio Final 8 – 58
The Final 8 line was conceived around a medium-bodied blend, crafted entirely from Nicaraguan tobaccos. The range consists of three distinct formats:
- Final 8 – 58,
- Final 8 – 68,
- Final 8 – 78.
In today’s review, I’ll be focusing on my impressions of the Final 8 – 58 format from Horacio.
A Few Technical Notes
The format is somewhat unusual — short and stout, measuring 4 1/2 inches (approx. 115 mm) with a 54 ring gauge. Interestingly, both ends are finished with what resembles a pigtail; although at the foot, it leans more toward a small “fuse”-like extension than a classic finish.
The wrapper sits somewhere in between light and dark, offering a balanced, medium-brown tone. In hand, the cigar feels firmly packed and solid throughout. The presentation is completed by a well-executed band, reminiscent of a casino chip — a subtle nod that aligns neatly with the line’s name.
The Cut
For reasons I can’t quite explain, I decided to go with a punch on this one. Before making the cut, I take a moment to bring the cigar to my nose — a small ritual to set the stage. The aroma is pleasantly sweet, perhaps with a faint floral edge.
A quick snip removes the pigtail. The draw is right where it should be — open, but not loose. On the cold draw, the profile leans toward earth, with a subtle touch of coffee rounding it out.
The Light
I take my time warming up the closed foot, then bring it to life with a series of short, gentle draws. After lighting, I let the cigar rest for a moment before settling into the smoke.
The opening is grounded in earth and wood, with a subtle hint of cocoa adding a touch of depth. A creamy note emerges early, gradually expanding across the palate, soon joined by leather. Earth remains a constant presence — particularly noticeable on the retrohale — while a distinct mineral edge brings freshness and lifts the profile, adding a welcome layer of complexity.
As the cigar develops, the creaminess becomes more defined. The finish introduces notes of nuts alongside a suggestion of baking spices, before settling into a leathery close.
Strength & Body
Strength sits comfortably at a medium level throughout — never overwhelming, and largely consistent from start to finish.
Aroma & Smoke
In the aroma, even smaller amounts of smoke reveal a creamy sweetness supported by wood.
Construction & Burn
Construction is solid: the burn remains even, the ash holds firm, and overall, the cigar requires very little attention while smoking.
A Note from Piotr Siwiński
In my view, this is the standout cigar in the entire portfolio of Horacio. Of course, that’s just my humble opinion. I first picked it up during its Polish debut, and it has found its way back into my humidor on a regular basis ever since. I’ve had the chance to try most of the brand’s offerings, but none have captured my attention quite like this one.
Even from a visual standpoint, it makes an impression. The band, the pigtail cap, and the distinctive “fuse”-like extension at the foot — which actually makes lighting easier — all contribute to a very positive experience right from the moment you take it out of the humidor. Add to that an exemplary burn, and you have a cigar that performs flawlessly. I’ve never encountered any technical issues with it.
And then there’s the flavor. Here, I fully agree with Mateusz — which doesn’t happen all that often. It’s one of the rare cigars where our impressions align so closely. If you get the chance to try it, don’t hesitate. There’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it just as much as we do.
Final Thoughts on Horacio Final 8 – 58
This is a very successful cigar — and, in a way, an antidote to the disappointment I experienced with my first encounter with Horacio. What stands out here is the combination of balance and complexity. The strength remains approachable throughout, while the flavor profile delivers enough intensity to keep things engaging. Construction is equally commendable, allowing for a relaxed, uninterrupted smoking experience.
The only drawback was the relatively modest smoke output, which at times felt slightly underwhelming. Even so, it’s a cigar I would gladly return to.
As it happens, many cigars I wouldn’t normally pick for myself tend to come from Piotr — and this was no exception. After a rather underwhelming first experience with Horacio, I had been putting off giving the brand another chance. Thanks to him, I was reminded of something simple: not every line from every brand is going to resonate — and that’s perfectly fine.
My thanks go to Piotr for making this review possible.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Piotr Siwiński @piotrsiwinski_, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
