CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Joya de Nicaragua - Clascio Original"

About Joya de Nicaragua

Joya de Nicaragua, which means 'Jewel of Nicaragua' in Spanish, is a famous and historic cigar brand and the oldest in Nicaragua, established in 1968. It uses the rich, locally grown tobacco of Nicaragua's fertile lands, and has played a big role in making Nicaraguan cigars known around the world. Their range includes strong cigars like the Antaño and milder ones like the Clasico, catering to different tastes. Despite challenges during the Nicaraguan Revolution, the brand has thrived and is a symbol of skill and national pride. Today, Joya de Nicaragua is owned by Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, who has led the company to global recognition. The brand's cigars, celebrated for their unique Nicaraguan tobacco flavor, are enjoyed by people all over the world.

CigarPursuits Review

Appearance & Construction: 12/15

I tried the Joya de Nicaragua Clasico Original in the Toro size, which is 5 inches long and has a 60 ring gauge. The cigar looked nice at first with its smooth and shiny wrapper from Ecuador. But I wasn't happy to find cracks at both the top and bottom of the cigar. These cracks made it look less appealing. Also, towards the end of smoking it, the wrapper started to come apart and didn't stay rolled up. This was a letdown, especially because I expected better quality from a well-known brand like this.

Aroma: 14/15

The prelight aroma matched my expectations for this wrapper, offering a delightful blend of woody and grassy notes. This natural and inviting scent set the stage for the smoking experience. In the cold draw, I detected additional layers of spice and earthiness, further enhancing my anticipation.

Flavors: 31/35

The first puffs brought a light spice and a taste of woody cedar, which was quite enjoyable. As I smoked more, the flavors evolved, becoming creamier and butterier, with a bit more spice. There was also a gentle sweetness that really balanced everything out nicely. Towards the end, I started to taste almond notes along with an increase in spiciness. This progression of flavors made the smoking experience interesting and enjoyable.

Burn & Smoke: 14/15

The cigar burned evenly throughout, which was great as it didn't need any touch-ups. However, the ash didn't hold very well, though it was a nice white color. The smoke itself was smooth, gentle, and really inviting, making each puff a pleasure. I also appreciated how much smoke it produced; it was voluminous and really satisfying.

Overall Enjoyment: 18/20

Despite some construction issues, I really enjoyed this cigar. The flavors were a highlight, changing nicely from light spice and cedar to creamy and sweet, and finishing with almond and more spice. The smooth and plentiful smoke added to the enjoyment. These positives made up for the minor problems with the wrapper and ash.

Conclusion

I rate this cigar an 89 out of 100. It falls squarely into the 'Solid' category, striking a fine balance between quality and enjoyment. It's an excellent mild option for beginners, offering a gentle introduction to the world of cigars, yet its rich flavor profile also appeals to connoisseurs. This cigar stands out as a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of smokers.

Bonus - Perfect Pairing

Rémy Martin XO cognac is an excellent pairing for this cigar. Its complex, smooth, and slightly sweet profile complements the cigar's creamy, spicy, and nutty flavors, enhancing the overall smoking and tasting experience.

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