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I still remember the first time I tried a leather rose cigar. I picked one up on a whim at a local shop because the rose-adorned box looked different. One puff later, I felt a little guilty—for judging a cigar by its looks—and excited, because it wasn’t what I expected. It changed how I think about boutique cigars. The sweet cap surprised me, and the flavors were complex but friendly. If you’re new to cigars or a seasoned smoker looking for something offbeat, this cigar deserves your attention. I’ll walk you through the taste, tech, sizes, and how to smoke one right.

What is a Leather Rose Cigar?

The leather rose cigar is Drew Estate’s Deadwood Leather Rose. It’s a premium Nicaraguan cigar that stands out because of a sweetened cap on the head of the cigar. You’ll find it in a typical price range of about $8–12 per stick, depending on where you buy it.

Its packaging is eye-catching. Roses on a rustic box—part Wild West, part floral. That look, plus the approachable flavor, has made Deadwood Cigars Leather Rose a gateway cigar for many people who are trying cigars for the first time.

What Makes a Leather Rose Cigar Unique?

Two things make the leather rose cigar stand out.

• The aromatic, sweetened cap that you taste on your lips.
• The dark Maduro wrapper adds chocolate notes and body.

These two features give the cigar an unusual first impression: sweet and floral, then rich and earthy. It’s a neat contrast.

The Sweet Cap Technology in Leather Rose Cigars

The “cap” is the small bit of wrapper at the head of the cigar that you cut or bite off before smoking. With the Leather Rose, the cap is treated with natural sugars. It isn’t artificial flavoring. You’ll notice a subtle sweetness on your lips when you take the first puff—think honey or a sugar kiss. That sweetness tends to fade after the first inch and won’t overpower the tobacco’s natural flavors afterward.

The Distinctive Wrapper of Leather Rose Cigars

The wrapper is a dark, oily Maduro leaf. (Maduro means “ripe” in Spanish and refers to darker, often sweeter wrapper leaves.) This wrapper gives the cigar chocolate and cocoa notes, plus a bit of richness. It looks glossy and dark in the hand, which pairs nicely with the rose imagery on the box. But it’s not just for looks—the Maduro adds real flavor and helps balance the initial sweetness from the cap.

Quick tip: When you see the word Maduro on a tag, expect darker flavor notes and some natural sweetness.

What Are the Tasting Notes on a Leather Rose Cigar?

Think of smoking a Leather Rose cigar as a three-act play. Flavors build over time rather than hit you all at once. I’ll compare the tastes to things you probably know—dark chocolate, espresso, and cinnamon—so you’ll have a clear idea before you light up.

First Third of Your Leather Rose Cigar

Right away, you’ll taste the sweet cap mingling with cocoa and smooth earth. The smoke feels creamy. It’s like drinking sweetened coffee with a little chocolate on the side. The sweetness is noticeable but gentle. It gets you in the mood.

Second Third Flavor Development

As you move into the second third, leather and baking spices start to show up—think cinnamon and nutmeg. The early sweetness pulls back a bit and sits in the background, balancing the new flavors. At this stage, I often think of aged bourbon: layered and warming. The cigar isn’t loud; it’s building a story.

Final Third of the Leather Rose Cigar Experience

In the final third, the body gets fuller. You’ll find black pepper and stronger dark tobacco notes. The sweetness is mostly gone, leaving a satisfying, richer finish. I usually stop with about 2 inches left; beyond that, the smoke can turn bitter if you chase the nub too long. It’s a good habit to leave some behind.

What Flavor is the Leather Rose Cigar?

If I had to sum it up in a phrase, it would be: dessert meets leather shop. It’s sweeter than most premium cigars, but not like a candy in the humidor. The sweetness comes from the cap and the Maduro wrapper, and it pairs well with coffee or whiskey. Compared to other lines, it’s sweeter than something like an Acid Blondie but less overt than the most sugary flavored cigars, and it’s sweeter than many traditional Maduros.

Dominant Flavors in Leather Rose Cigars

Main flavors to expect:

• Chocolate/cocoa
• Leather
• Earth
• Spice (cinnamon, black pepper)
• A light floral or honey note from the cap

The Maduro wrapper helps add the chocolate and a touch of natural sweetness, while the sweet cap gives that aromatic top note.

Best Drink Pairings for Leather Rose Cigars

A few drinks work especially well:

• Black coffee—matches the chocolate notes and wakes your palate.
• Bourbon—adds woody, caramel notes that play nicely with the cigar.
• Dark rum—brings out the sweeter, dessert side.

These drinks enhance the cigar rather than cover it up.

What Sizes and Shapes Are Available for the Leather Rose Cigar?

Leather Rose comes mainly in two shapes. Each affects smoking time and intensity.

Leather Rose Cigar Torpedo (5 x 54)

The leather rose torpedo is the flagship. It’s about 5 inches long with a 54 ring gauge. The tapered head concentrates flavors, so you get a fuller experience. Expect 45–60 minutes of smoke. If you want the complete flavor journey, this is my pick.

Leather Rose Cigar Petite Corona

Leather Rose Cigar Petite Corona Smaller, shorter, and slimmer in size, it’s perfect for short trips. A petite corona gives you the same flavor notes but in a quicker package, usually 25–40 minutes. It’s great when you don’t have time for a full sit-down.

Which Leather Rose Cigar Size Should You Choose?

If you’re trying it for the first time, I recommend the torpedo so you can taste the full story. If you’re short on time, go for a petite corona. Also, buy singles or a leather rose cigar 5 pack before committing to a leather rose cigar box—try one or a few first.

How to Properly Smoke a Leather Rose Cigar

A few simple tips will make the cigar better for you.

• Cut just 1/8 inch off the cap to preserve the sweet cap. Too much and you lose it.
• Toast the foot first—hold the flame near the end and spin the cigar until it glows before you puff. (Toasting warms the filler; it helps for an even burn.)
• Pace yourself: one puff per minute is a good rule to keep flavors balanced.
• Common mistakes: inhaling smoke (don’t), puffing too fast (you’ll overheat the cigar), and cutting too much off the cap.

Follow these and you’ll get the best flavor.

Where to Buy Authentic Leather Rose Cigars

You can buy a leather rose at trusted places like Famous Smoke Shop and most local B&Ms (brick-and-mortar cigar shops). Price varies, but expect about $8–12 per stick. Avoid suspicious deals on auction sites; fakes happen. If you want to test them, look for a leather rose cigar 5 pack or buy singles first. Search for a leather rose cigar near me to find local availability.

Conclusion

The Leather Rose bridges classic and modern cigar worlds in a way that feels honest and fun. It’s approachable for someone new, but layered enough for an experienced smoker. I’ve shared cozy mornings and short celebrations with this cigar. Try one with your morning coffee or a neat bourbon. Start with a single or a leather rose cigar 5 pack to see if you like it, and don’t be shy about asking your local shop for a sample.

FAQ

1. How strong is the leather rose cigar?

Medium, about a 5/10 on strength.

2. How long does the leather rose cigar last?

Expect 45–60 minutes for the torpedo, shorter for small sizes.

3. How do I store leather rose cigars?

Keep them at about 65–70% humidity in a humidor.

4. How do they compare to other Deadwood cigars?

They’re sweeter than Fat Bottom Betty but less sweet than Sugar Plum.