The M.X.S. Signature (M.X.S. stands for Maximum-Excellence-Success) lines from A.C.E. Prime Cigars are each a collaboration between former athletes. The lines also bear the name of the athletes they are dedicated to.
Tiago Splitter, a former N.B.A. player and is now player development coach with the Brooklyn Nets. Aside from that, he is also co-founder of A.C.E. Prime. He is also co-owner of Tabacalera Pichardo, where the cigars are made. The Tiago Splitter Signature consists of two sizes, Robusto and Toro.
The wrapper is of a pale brown Colorado shade, which is somewhat typical for a Sumatra wrapper. It is smooth to the touch, and the filling is generous with a uniform construction.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 50 x 127 mm (5″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Dominican Rep., Nicaragua
- Price: $11 | € –
ACE Prime M.X.S Signature Tiago Splitter Robusto: herbal, hay, and spicy notes are perceived in the cold draw. The cigar opens with sweet nutty aromas and herbs.
The herbal note is the prominent flavor in the first third, followed by hazelnut and wood. There is a distinct sweetness underlining the flavors, and a hint of lemon zest can be made out in the background. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
A light pepper note is added to the profile in the second third. The lemon zest moves to the foreground next to the herbs, wood, and hazelnut. The intensity of the flavors, however, has declined a bit. The cigar also has trouble burning evenly and needs to be touched up a couple of times. Strength remains unchanged.
Flavorwise, the last third is a long continuation of the previous third. The flavor intensity drops further, but they can still faintly be made out. Strength hasn’t changed.
Overall, the ACE Prime M.X.S Signature Tiago Splitter Robusto starts promising, with a balanced and round profile. But from the second third on, it gradually declines in terms of the intensity, with the flavors being very light in body. The numerous burn corrections didn’t help either.