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The Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Gordo is a 6 x 60 cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler, from the brand Erik Espinosa created with Guy Fieri. Cigar Aficionado scored it 90 points in December 2024, and we sell it as singles.
64 in stock
Description
The Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Gordo is the widest member of the Maduro blend: 6 inches long with a 60 ring gauge, finished in a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper around a Nicaraguan binder and filler. Cigar Aficionado notes that Guy Fieri is partial to this thick format.
What It Tastes Like
Cigar Aficionado gave the Maduro Gordo 90 points in its December 1, 2024 issue and rated it full in strength. Its tasters found the cigar forceful from the opening puffs, leading with earth and leather before coffee bean and spice arrived at similar intensity, and it drew and burned evenly. Espinosa’s description of the blend adds cocoa and nuts.
Who It’s For
- Big-ring smokers who want a 60 gauge without going past 6 inches.
- Fans of the Maduro Robusto or Toro curious how the same blend smokes in a fatter format.
- Smokers who like earthy, coffee-toned maduros and don’t mind a strong smoke.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 90 points from Cigar Aficionado (December 2024)
- Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper paired with all-Nicaraguan binder and filler
- Rolled at A.J. Fernandez’s San Lotano factory, per Cigar Aficionado
Cons
- Cigar Aficionado rates it full, which may be too much for newer smokers (JR Cigar lists it as medium)
- A 60 ring is a big mouthful if you prefer slimmer cigars
About the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro
Cigar Aficionado credits Erik Espinosa and Guy Fieri with creating Knuckle Sandwich. When the line was announced in January 2022, halfwheel reported that the Maduro would carry a red foot ribbon.
Pairing and Storage
Since Cigar Aficionado calls it full and picked up coffee bean, it suits the stronger picks in our cigar pairing guide, such as an aged rum or a barrel-aged Old Fashioned.
Compare Similar Cigars
- Knuckle Sandwich Habano Gordo: the identical 6 x 60 shape in an Ecuador Habano wrapper.
- Espinosa Sumatra Gordo: Ecuadorian Sumatra over Nicaraguan tobacco at 6 x 60, made at Espinosa’s La Zona factory, per halfwheel.
- Knuckle Sandwich Puro Nicaragua Gordo: the same dimensions with Nicaraguan leaf throughout, rated medium-full by Cigar Insider in September 2025.
- Crux Marblehead Maduro Gordo: a 6 x 60 maduro with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, per halfwheel.
Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Gordo FAQ
How strong is the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Gordo?
We list it as full, following Cigar Aficionado’s December 2024 rating of this exact size, and Neptune Cigar calls it full-bodied. JR Cigar takes a differing view and lists it as medium.
Why is a Sumatra wrapper called maduro here?
Espinosa lists the leaf simply as Ecuadorian Sumatra. Neptune Cigar describes it as a dark, oily maduro leaf grown in Ecuador from Sumatra seed.
When did the Gordo size come out?
Cigar Aficionado reported on August 31, 2023 that the Gordo had begun shipping from Miami as a new fourth size for both the Maduro and Habano blends.
Explore the rest of Erik Espinosa’s portfolio, from the 601 series to Crema, on our Espinosa cigars page.
Additional information
| Packaging Type | Single |
|---|---|
| Strength | Full |
| Origin | |
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sumatra |
| Binder | Nicaragua |
| Filler | Nicaragua |
| Length | 6" |
| Gauge | 60 |
