Ventura Cigar’s Archetype series is inspired by the work of psychologist Dr. Carl Jung and mythographer Joseph Campbell who defined ‘archetypes’ as the constantly repeating characters who occur in the dreams of all people and the myths of all cultures. Campbell discovered through his study of world myths that the ‘Hero’s Journey’ is a common storytelling arc that has been retold in infinite variations since time began. The Axis Mundi cigar received a 93 rating from Cigar Aficionado (in 2017) so while deciding what to write about next, I decided it was time to give it a try.

The cigar is covered in dark brown slightly toothy Maduro Habano Ecuadorian wrapper. On the wrapper there are some light but noticeable veins and a nice oily finish to it. Seams are tight, the construction feels firm to the touch and no dead spots could be found. The body gives aromas of dried fruit, citrus, hay and a bit of cedar. The cold draw has the flavor or raisin and tobacco.

The first half provides the taste of roasted nuts, spices and a touch of sweatiness I can not place. The burn is even and the ash holds easily to over an inch in length. It produces a medium amount of good weighted smoke with a pleasant aroma.

The second half relaxes into some new flavors. The creaminess of this cigar comes to the forefront along with earthiness, there is the sweetness of dried fruit accompanied with spices on the finish. Reaching the end large amounts of cedar can be noticed and the flavor, in general, is what I would describe as a full. By the midpoint, smoke production has increased to larger amount, the burn remains even for the duration of the cigar and the ash continues to hold tight until knocked free.

“Heaven meets earth” in this collaboration between Ventura Cigar and Drew Estate. This sublimely balanced Nicaraguan powerhouse “delivers rich, complex layers of spice, [dried fruit], maple syrup and charred oak”.