Rebellion – Cigars
Rebellion Cigars from Great Britain
Rebellion Cigars is still a young brand, but it immediately stands out. This is not only due to the bright pink cigar band of the Rockstar Range, but also to the story behind it. Rebellion was founded by Shaun and Mandi Wilkinson, a married couple from Great Britain who run their own cigar shop there. During the COVID-19 pandemic, frustration, long nights and plenty of rock music sparked the idea of creating their own brand. The result is not a polished prestige project, but a series of handmade longfillers with a distinctive identity.
Rockstar Range Cigars with a Rock-Inspired Look
This is particularly evident in the Rockstar Range. Visually, it takes a different approach from many classic brands, which often favor gold, dark red and muted earth tones. Rebellion instead opts for a bold appearance that immediately catches the eye at trade shows and in the humidor. The concept carries through to the names: the vitolas are named after well-known rock songs, inspired by the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Motörhead and AC/DC. The cigars are produced by Tabacalera Nuevo Nica S.A. in Honduras, while distribution in Germany is handled by Alex Wehlage’s Royal Cigar Distribution.
Blends from Honduras and Nicaragua
The blends also show that there is substance behind the eye-catching packaging. The filler combines tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua, complemented by an Indonesian binder and, depending on the blend, Mexican wrappers. In terms of flavor, the cigars generally range from medium-bodied to full-bodied. Typical notes include dark chocolate, creamy nuances and delicate spice such as cinnamon or pepper. Despite their strength and spice, the blends remain balanced. That is precisely what makes the Rockstar Range interesting: it shows plenty of character without becoming harsh or unbalanced.
Rockstar Range Sampler with Four Robustos
With sizes ranging from Robusto to Gordo, the series covers many of the formats aficionados actually enjoy on a regular basis. Those who want to explore the brand first will find the Rebellion Samplers an easy way to get started. The Rockstar Range Sampler contains four Robusto cigars in a Freshpack and provides a good overview of the range.
It includes Sweet Child O Mine, Paradise City, You Shook Me All Night Long and Ace of Spades. The names naturally set the tone, but each cigar also brings its own aromatic character, ranging from slightly sweet notes and earthy, spicy nuances to greater depth and strength. For anyone looking to discover the brand or give it as a gift, this is the most obvious choice.
Limited Edition Screaming Skull
The Limited Edition Screaming Skull shows that Rebellion has more to offer than just a distinctive visual identity. This special edition was released to mark the brand’s fifth anniversary and is aimed more at experienced smokers who appreciate more intense blends.
The Gran Toro in a 6 x 56 format offers around an hour and a half of smoking time and combines an aged San Andrés Maduro wrapper from Mexico with an Indonesian binder and filler tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. The result is a complex, powerful yet balanced cigar with earthy, nutty and spicy notes. Sweeter impressions of caramel, wood and a touch of coffee remain present throughout the smoke. This makes the Screaming Skull more than just an attention-grabber: it is a serious Limited Edition for collectors and aficionados of stronger cigars.
Rebellion Cigars with Character
Ultimately, Rebellion is a brand that deliberately sets itself apart from the often highly traditional look and image of the cigar world without compromising on craftsmanship. The Rockstar Range captures this approach most clearly: handmade longfillers from Honduras, a distinctive look, rock-inspired names and blends with a personality of their own. Anyone who enjoys cigars with character and does not mind a splash of color in the humidor should take a closer look at Rebellion.
