The Optimist is where Liars Bench started, and it's not hard to see why they led with this one. A 5×52 rolled at Tabacalera La iSLA in the Dominican Republic, it pairs a bold Mexican San Andres wrapper with Dominican binder and filler — a combination that's straightforward on paper but delivers something genuinely layered when you light it up.
The San Andres wrapper does a lot of the heavy lifting here. It brings that dark, earthy character the leaf is known for — rich and slightly oily, with a natural sweetness underneath. The Dominican binder and filler keep things balanced, adding nuance without muddying the profile. The result is a medium-strength smoke that's accessible enough for newer smokers but has enough going on to keep experienced palates interested.
Flavor-wise you're looking at earthy richness up front, chocolate and cedar coming through in the middle, and a smooth, even finish that doesn't spike or fade. The 5×52 format keeps the smoke time reasonable — long enough to settle into it, short enough that it fits a real evening rather than a marathon session.
Liars Bench built this one for the moment when the day finally winds down and you just need something good in your hand. No pretense, no fuss — just a well-made cigar that earns its place as the one that started it all.
