262 Paradigm
 

http://www.toastedfoot.com/wp-conten...gm-348x425.jpg

Size: 6 x54, Toro (Box Press)

Wrapper: Brazilian

Binder: Honduran

Filler: Cubito, Columbian, and Nicaraguan (Seco/Ligero from Esteli and Jalapa)

Strength: Medium-Full

Price: Box of 20, $158.00

Grade: 8.9

Revolution 262 was started by 3 cigar enthusiasts in 2009 and they spent most of last year designing the brand and working on their first release, the Paradigm, which was released in January of 2010. 262 carry the motto “Smoke the Revolution” and are advocates for fighting the regulations that impede upon personal freedom, including the ever increasing laws that harm the cigar industry. You can find their manifesto on their website.

The Paradigm jumps onto the scene with a smorgasbord of tobacco, combining Nicaraguan, Cubito, Columbian, Honduran, and Brazilian. The name 262 is taken from the February 1962 date of the Cuban embargo and is a change from the original moniker of Revolution 262. The Paradigm is sold in three sizes, Robusto, Toro (box press), and Torpedo, and is currently being distributed in several states. As of now, this is the only cigar offered by 262, but they are working on a new line with a milder flavor profile, called Ideology.

You can learn more about 262 online and they are also on Twitter. Now, let’s toast it!

Pre-light, 1.8:
With a unique foot band declaring “Smoke the Revolution,” this box-pressed cigar looked great. The dark brown wrapper was smooth to the touch and the box press was excellent. The cigar was firm throughout and the cap was clean. The pre-light aroma was of tobacco and earth and cloves at the foot. The cold draw was similar to the aroma, but with more earthy tobacco, and my senses were intrigued.

Burn, 1.8:
The 262 Paradigm cut, toasted, and lit well with an excellent draw. The first third of the smoke started out well, though I was not satisfied with the amount of smoke until about twenty minutes in, at which point it seemed to really open up. The ash was nicely layered and held about an inch before falling off. The second third produced plenty of smoke with an excellent draw, and this continued to the nub. The burn was spot on the entire time and the 262 needed no touch ups or re-lights.

Flavor, 2.7:
The first third of the 262 had a dark, nutty, tobacco flavor. I also picked up a hint of berry and the spice showed up about fifteen minutes in. The second third produced more spice, leaning towards pepper, with continued notes of dark nutty tobacco with maybe a hint of roasted coffee. Moving toward the finish, the flavor profile was consistent; there was not a lot of movement, but it was still pleasing and the cigar finished strong with continued spice, tobacco, and some coffee type notes.

Total, 2.6:
262 has done a good job with this cigar. The construction was very nice, the burn was excellent, and the flavor profile was satisfying. This is a good smoke, but at eight dollars a stick, I am not sure if I would put it in the daily rotation. However, it is worth picking up a few and trying them out and, of course, making the decision for yourself.

(Total: 8.9)

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Excellent review, I have to give this one a shot! :tu

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Looking forward to trying this one!

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Never heard of this one before. Thanks for the review. :tu

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Have a sampler on the way & am looking forward to trying them out. Thanks for the review!

:tu

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Nice review! Might pick up a single, or a sampler once the paycheck gets here Friday :ss

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Curious, where did you pick your sampler up? From their website or somewhere else?

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Yup, their website...

:tu

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Great Review! I need to find some of these!

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Great review Matthew!

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

For now, you have to buy them at their website. I plan to buy a sampler pack very soon! Thanks for the review!

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

:tpd: Me too. They do look tasty. :tu

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

262 is in 7 stores now with a few new ones added this week not listed yet. We have several more commitments starting next month so hopefully we will be in your area soon. I started a 262 Cigars thread in the retailer section to keep you guys informed of store locations and upcoming events. Also, as was mentioned in the review our mild cigar, Ideology, will be released this summer. Look for a full cigar this winter!! I can't wait for that one.

Bon Ton Roule Premium Cigars
6500 Camp Bowie, Suite A
Fort Worth, TX 76116
817.763.0002

d'Luxe Lounge & Cigar Deck
160 S. Main
Parkville, MO 64152
816.741.1400

Hidden Creek Country Club
1711 Clubhouse Road
Reston, VA 20190
703.437.5222

Outland Cigars
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
Charlotte, NC 28277
704.575.7345

Pop's Safari Cigars & Fine Wines
2929 Morton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.334.0559

That's a Great Cigar Shoppe
180 Erie Blvd
Schenectady, NY 12305
518.346.4052

The Cigar Castle
11724 N 56th Street
Tampa, FL 33617
813.985.1300

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Just put my order in for a sampler 6 pack. Doing some searching I read that these are made by Alec Bradley any truth to that ? I look forward to trying them. Thanks for posting the info.

Re: 262 Paradigm
 

Yes there is truth to that. 262 is a stand alone company however.