It’s not every day that a small brick-and-mortar shop gets to break big news from a major cigar maker — but today, I get to do exactly that. I’m thrilled to be the first to announce the arrival of the brand-new Esteban Carrera Bloodline O.P.A. Scarlett!
Officially shipping as of September 25, 2025, Scarlett joins the already acclaimed Bloodline family — Blond (Connecticut), Habano, and Maduro — as a second, but very different, Maduro expression.
What makes Scarlett so remarkable? It starts with 75% Nicaraguan Ligero filler — that’s right, three-quarters of the blend is built from the strongest, boldest tobacco leaves taken from the very top of the plant. Normally, that much Ligero would mean a powerhouse smoke that borders on harsh. But Scarlett isn’t your typical Ligero-forward cigar.
Esteban Carrera uses an almost unheard-of technique called Soft Crush Fermentation to tame the beast. By pressing the Ligero leaves during fermentation, oils are pushed into the veins and tips, unlocking hidden layers of flavor and smoothing out the raw strength. The result? A cigar that still delivers the bold intensity Ligero lovers crave, but with a silky refinement you’d never expect.
Scarlett’s profile is unlike anything else in the Bloodline series: subtle natural floral notes (some even liken it to roses) are woven into a tapestry of deep coffee, creamy texture, toasted bread, and rich cocoa — all elevated by the classic depth of its San Andrés Maduro wrapper.
This isn’t just another Maduro. It’s a statement piece — proof that raw power can be channeled into elegance.
Upon opening the box, you will find 20 beautiful box pressed cigars with a thin wooden spacer. That simple spacer has the following words added — RUMORS OF WAR — for no disclosed reason. When I asked the Esteban Carrera rep about this cryptic addition, he responded — “Intrigue without answers… It’s like the best three cigars you’ve ever smoked, all in one cigar.” And, there you have it… Scarlett comes in three sizes — Robusto Extra (5.5 x 52), Toro (6 x 54) and Sixty (6 x 60).
Wrapper: San Andreas Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: 13-Year Aged Nicaraguan (including 75% Nicaraguan Ligero)
Body: Medium to Full
Flavor: Full
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