First off, let me say I BELIEVE in what HoneyBee Cigars is building. The passion, branding, and direction are all there, and I genuinely see the potential for this brand to become a powerhouse in the boutique cigar world. That said, here’s my honest take on the Tupelo Miel.
Packaging & Presentation:
While the branding is beautiful — the band is detailed and visually impressive — the packaging itself felt a bit rushed. Bands weren’t placed consistently, the cigars were oriented all different ways in the cellophane, and the cello itself was noticeably wrinkled. Even less-established brands tend to nail this part, so I was surprised. Presentation sets the tone, and I’d love to see a little more refinement here.
Pre-Smoke Feel:
When I received the cigars, they were noticeably soft — like freshly rolled soft. Personally, I prefer cigars that have had time to age and settle post-roll. Fresh sticks can smoke inconsistently, but thankfully I enjoy aging cigars myself, and I see this one improving significantly with some rest in the humidor.
Flavor Profile:
Now here’s where it gets interesting. The first few puffs had me *thinking* this cigar was infused — that’s how pronounced the sweetness was. Turns out, it’s not infused, which honestly impressed me. The dominant notes were honey (as expected), with hints of cedar and vanilla floating in the background. While it was too sweet for my own personal rotation, I think newer smokers trying to step away from flavored sticks would *love* this as a bridge cigar.
Construction & Performance:
No issues here — construction was solid. Long, sturdy ash and a smooth, consistent burn. That’s a big plus in my book.
Final Thoughts:
Even though this particular blend wasn’t a perfect fit for my palate, I gave it 4 stars because I see the bigger picture. I respect what HoneyBee is doing, and I’m confident they’re just getting started. With a little time and fine-tuning (especially in packaging and post-roll aging), I think this cigar — and this brand — will only get better.
