Tampa Stogie Steve’s Final Third Cigar Review Knuckle Sandwich Maduro (Guy Fieri x Espinosa Cigars)

🔥 The Backstory

Before we even spark this thing up, let’s talk about what you’re holding. This is Guy Fieri—yeah, that Guy Fieri—but don’t get it twisted… this ain’t some gimmick cigar with a celebrity name slapped on it. The man’s been a cigar guy for years, and he linked up with Erik Espinosa and Hector Alfonso Sr. to do this the right way.

They spent 18 months dialing this blend in, making sure it hit the way it’s supposed to. Production comes out of AJ Fernandez’s San Lotano factory in Nicaragua, so you already know the construction is gonna be there.

This line dropped back in early 2022 with both Habano and Maduro options—and today, we’re diving into that Maduro.

Alright… let’s get into it.

💨 First Third

Right off the light—this thing comes in swinging.

I’m getting hit with espresso, dark chocolate, and a nice pepper kick right out the gate. There’s also this underlying sweetness—almost like a dark syrup or molasses—that starts creeping in as it settles.

The smoke is thick, creamy… just coating the palate the way a good Maduro should.

Retrohale has some bite, but it’s not out of control—it’s got balance. That’s what I like right away… it’s bold, but it knows what it’s doing.

👉 Medium+ strength right here, with a solid medium-full body.

🔥 Second Third

Now we’re in the meat of this cigar—and this is where it really starts talking.

That chocolatey espresso note is still leading the charge, but now you’ve got more earth and spice building around it. The pepper picks up just a notch, especially on the retrohale, but it stays smooth.

I’m also picking up a little cedar and almost a mineral type note that adds some depth to it.

Everything is just… clicking. Sweet, spice, earth—it’s all working together.

Burn line is clean, ash is holding strong… no touch-ups needed. This thing is performing.

👉 Medium-full pushing into full territory.

💨 Final Third

Alright… final third—and this is where it shows its muscle.

That sweetness takes a step back, and now it’s more about earth, pepper, and that deep Maduro richness. The espresso is still hanging around, but it’s more in the background now.

It gets a little more intense, but never harsh. That’s key. It stays smooth all the way down, no bitterness, no funky finish.

This is that part of the cigar where you just sit back, relax, and let it do its thing.

👉 Full strength, full body—no question.

🧠 Final Thoughts (From Me to You)

Listen… I’m gonna keep it real with you—this cigar delivers.

You can tell time was put into this blend. That 18-month development wasn’t for nothing. The transitions are clean, the balance is there, and it keeps you engaged the whole way through.

This is not a beginner stick. This is something you light up after a good meal, maybe with a nice drink, and just unwind.

And I’ll say this—Guy Fieri came correct on this one. With Espinosa and Hector behind it, they made sure this cigar earned its spot.

⭐ Final Score

8.8 / 10

✔️ Great balance and transitions

✔️ Strong construction and burn

✔️ Bold, flavorful Maduro profile

❌ Might be a bit much for newer smokers

If you like your cigars rich, bold, and with some character—this one’s worth your time.

Stay smokin’, my Stogamaniacs 💨🔥