Asylum 13 Medulla

C.L.E.’s Asylum 13 Medulla - Review

The Asylum 13 Medulla is unapologetically built to push limits. True to the Asylum brand identity, it leans into boldness, size, and intensity rather than refinement or subtlety. This is a cigar designed for smokers who want power and presence—something visceral and assertive rather than nuanced or restrained.

Produced in Honduras at the CLE Cigars factory, the Asylum 13 Medulla features a dark, heavy Honduran-grown corojo wrapper over Honduran binder and fillers. Offered as a regular production cigar and available in large ring gauges typical of the Asylum line, Medulla positions itself as a strength-forward release meant to deliver a dense, commanding smoking experience rather than balance-driven elegance.

Pre-Light Experience

Appearance: Dark brown to near-espresso wrapper with a thick, rugged texture and visible veins. Oils are present but muted, reinforcing the cigar’s raw, muscular presentation. Aroma (Wrapper & Foot): Earth, raw cocoa, black pepper, and a faint barnyard note with underlying sweetness. Cold Draw: Slight resistance with flavors of dark chocolate, dry earth, and aggressive pepper.

Flavor Breakdown

First Third: The cigar opens forcefully with heavy earth, black pepper, and charred wood. Strength is immediate, with a sharp pepper bite through the retrohale that establishes the Medulla’s no-compromise intent. Dark cocoa lingers beneath the surface, offering brief moments of balance.

Second Third: The profile thickens rather than transitions. Earth and pepper remain dominant, joined by espresso bitterness and a leathery undertone. Smoke output is dense and chewy, and the cigar demands a slower pace to avoid heat buildup.

Final Third: Char and earth take full control, with pepper returning aggressively. Any remaining sweetness fades, replaced by a dry, mineral-heavy finish. Strength peaks here, making this section best approached deliberately.

Body & Strength

Body: Full
Strength: Full
Complexity: Linear

Medulla is about saturation and force rather than evolution. Flavor changes are minimal, but intensity remains consistently high from start to finish.

Construction & Burn

Generally solid burn despite the heavy ring gauge, though occasional touch-ups may be needed if rushed. The draw is open and voluminous, producing thick clouds of smoke. Provides a dark gray, coarse, and short-stacked ash.

Overall Impression

The Asylum 13 Medulla delivers exactly what it promises: power without apology. While it lacks the balance or refinement found in more restrained blends, it succeeds within its intended lane. This cigar is best suited for experienced smokers who actively seek strength and density over nuance.

Pairing Suggestions

Strong black coffee, barrel-proof bourbon, or no pairing at all. Best enjoyed after a full meal.

Final Score

Score: 88 / 100
Value Assessment: Great

A blunt, strength-driven cigar that prioritizes intensity over elegance, rewarding smokers who appreciate raw power and heavy-bodied profiles.