CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Nicarao Especial"


About Nicarao Especial

Nicarao Cigars, established in the 21st century, draws its name and essence from the rich historical tapestry of Nicaragua, particularly from an indigenous chief named Nicarao, renowned for his wisdom and valor. The brand epitomizes the pinnacle of Nicaraguan tobacco cultivation, embracing the legacy and fertility of the land's soil to craft cigars that resonate with the authenticity and heritage of Nicaraguan history. The Nicarao Especial, introduced in 2007 and achieving acclaim as the Best Cigar at the Cigar Underground Festival in 2008, stands as a celebration of meticulous leaf selection, classification, and extended aging processes that collectively enhance the cigar's flavor profile and overall smoking experience​​​​.

The Nicarao Especial Toro is a Nicaraguan puro, featuring a blend that includes a Habano wrapper from Jalapa, oscillating between rosado and oscuro hues. The leaves, aged between two to five and a half years, undergo an extended fermentation and aging process.

CigarPursuits Review

Nicarao Especial Toro


Appearance & Construction: 15/15

The Nicarao Especial Toro, with its 6 x 52 dimensions, presented itself with impeccable construction. The wrapper was smoothly applied. It was densely packed, promising a rich and engaging smoking experience right from the first glance.

Aroma: 14/15

Before lighting, the wrapper exuded fresh grass and sweet notes, an inviting prelude to the complexity that awaited. The cold draw further tantalized the senses with hints of spice and a nutty essence, setting the stage for a promising flavor profile.

Flavors: 30/35

The initial puffs were greeted with a mild green pepper and cedar, a classic opening that quickly evolved to introduce caramel notes into the mix. As the experience progressed, toast notes, citrus and almonds joined the profile, creating a rich, layered experience. The finish was smooth, maintaining a balanced profile from start to end, which speaks to the craftsmanship behind the blend.

Burn & Smoke: 14/15

The draw of the Nicarao Especial Toro was effortless, complemented by voluminous and creamy smoke that made each puff a delight. While the ash wasn't as firm as some might prefer, it was white and consistent, indicating quality leaves. The burn was even.

Overall Enjoyment: 19/20

This cigar stands out for its mild to medium strength and its harmoniously balanced flavor profile. It's a blend that I would recommend to smokers of all levels for its approachability and complexity.

Conclusion

Nicarao Especial Toro score a solid 92 out of 100. It’s a cigar that impresses with its balance, flavor progression, and smoking pleasure. This rating is reflective of its quality, which I believe would align well with the discerning tastes of both novice and experienced aficionados alike.

Bonus - Perfect Pairing

A good pair would be the Glenmorangie Lasanta. This Scotch is aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in sherry casks, which gives it a sweet and complex profile with notes of spices, chocolate, and dried fruits. The Lasanta’s rich sweetness and depth of flavor can nicely contrast the spicy and woody notes of the cigar, while its smooth finish can enhance the overall smoking experience by adding layers of complexity to the caramel and almond notes present in the cigar. This pairing is likely to provide a harmonious balance between the Scotch’s sweetness and the subtle strength of the cigar, making for a luxurious and enjoyable experience.


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