Released together in 2019, the Viaje Skull & Bones Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider share the same imposing 6 × 56 Toro Gordo format, but they are far from interchangeable. Both were made in Nicaragua as part of Viaje’s Ghost Rider-inspired trio, and Viaje kept the precise blend details largely undisclosed. Johnny Blaze has commonly been identified as a Nicaraguan puro with a Criollo wrapper, while the two cigars were presented as distinct blends rather than differently named versions of the same smoke.

Johnny Blaze

Of the two, Johnny Blaze appears to deliver the more layered and balanced experience. The opening combines cedar, brown sugar, cinnamon, caramel and nutmeg, backed by black coffee and a substantial dose of pepper. There is sweetness, but it never turns soft or dessert-like. The darker tobacco and spice remain firmly in control.

The cigar becomes more interesting through the middle as a brighter citrus note begins to cut through the cedar, leather and baking spice. That touch of acidity gives the blend some lift and keeps the large format from becoming too heavy. Reviews also describe worn leather, earth and black coffee developing underneath, while the pepper gradually settles from its aggressive opening.

By the final third, Johnny Blaze moves from medium-full toward full-bodied, returning to its darker combination of cedar, leather, coffee, caramelized sweetness and spice. The transitions are not dramatic, but the smaller shifts among citrus, sweetness, wood and pepper provide enough movement to keep the cigar engaging. A smoking time of roughly one hour and 40 minutes was reported, with generally strong construction and a long finish. Published scores ranged from 89 to 94.33 points, though a rating around 92 points seems like a reasonable middle ground.

Johnny Blaze rating: 92 points

Best pairing: A spicy rye whiskey, aged rum, espresso or black coffee.

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Ghost Rider

The Ghost Rider begins in a similar family of flavors, but its personality is earthier and more direct. Early notes include cedar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cream and black coffee, followed quickly by a heavy wave of earthy nutmeg. Black pepper is especially noticeable on the retrohale, giving the opening a sharp, forceful edge.

Where Johnny Blaze uses citrus and caramel to create contrast, Ghost Rider leans harder into earth, nutmeg, leather and coffee. Cream softens the profile slightly, but the cigar remains dry, dark and spice-driven. Halfwheel’s review found espresso bean, cedar and earth in the pre-light profile and noted an extremely firm construction. Its smoking experience was marked by a tight draw and a burn that required attention, factors that held back the overall score.

Through the middle and final thirds, Ghost Rider reportedly changes very little. The cedar and sweetness begin to fade, leaving earthy nutmeg, leather, black coffee and pepper to carry most of the experience. Strength rises from medium toward medium-full, but the cigar does not necessarily become more complex as it gains power. Another detailed review described it as remaining in essentially the same gear for much of its approximately one-hour-and-45-minute smoking time.

Ghost Rider rating: 89 points

Best pairing: Bourbon, dark-roast coffee, porter or a lightly sweet aged rum.

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Final Verdict

Both cigars fit the bold, unapologetic identity of the Skull & Bones collection, but Johnny Blaze wins the matchup. Its combination of cedar, caramel, citrus, leather, coffee and baking spice gives it better balance and more noticeable development. It is strong without relying entirely on strength.

Ghost Rider is the darker and earthier option. Smokers who enjoy nutmeg, leather, espresso and persistent pepper may prefer its straightforward personality, but it appears less dynamic and may be more sensitive to draw and burn issues.

Johnny Blaze: Sweeter, brighter and more layered.
Ghost Rider: Earthier, darker and more pepper-driven.
Overall winner: Johnny Blaze.