CigarPursuits

Cigar Review - Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Alisado About Joya de Nicaragua Antaño The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño series is a beloved line among cigar enthusiasts, known for its bold and full-bodied Nicaraguan profile. Launched in 2001 as a tribute to the robust cigars of the 1970s, "Antaño" translates to ‘Yesteryear’ capturing the essence of classic, strong cigars from the oldest cigar factory in Nicaragua, Joya de Nicaragua. The Antaño Alisado, with its 6 x 52 dimensions, is crafted with 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos and features a dark, oily Criollo wrapper that promises an intense and flavorful smoking experience. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 14/15 The Antaño Alisado presents a well-constructed appearance with a smooth, dark Nicaraguan Criollo wrapper that feels slightly oily to the touch. The cigar is well-finished,...

Cigar Review - La Libertad Robusto La Libertad Robusto - Cigar Review About La Libertad The La Libertad is a cigar that hails from the esteemed portfolio of Villiger Cigars, a company with a rich history dating back to 1888 in Switzerland. La Libertad, which means "Freedom" in Spanish, reflects the brand's dedication to crafting cigars that embody the spirit of independence and quality. The cigar is known for its robust flavor profile and exceptional craftsmanship. The La Libertad by Villiger Cigars has undergone some significant changes in recent years. Originally produced in the Dominican Republic, the production of La Libertad has now moved to Villiger's own factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This shift was accompanied by a rebranding of the line, although the blend remains largely unchanged. The La Libertad now features a Criollo wrapper from Jalapa, Nicaragua, and a binder from the Cibao Vall...

About Plasencia Alma del Fuego The Plasencia Alma del Fuego Concepción is part of the renowned Alma series by Plasencia Cigars, a company with a rich history dating back to 1865. The Plasencia family began their journey in the tobacco industry in Cuba before relocating to Nicaragua and Honduras following the Cuban Revolution. Over the years, Plasencia has become one of the largest tobacco growers in the world, supplying high-quality tobacco to many prominent cigar brands. The "Alma del Fuego," which translates to "Soul of Fire," is a tribute to the volcanic soils of Nicaragua, particularly the island of Ometepe, where the tobaccos are grown. This unique region, with its nutrient-rich volcanic soil, imparts distinctive flavors and strength to the tobacco. The Alma del Fuego line is celebrated for its bold flavors and complexity, a testament to the rich heritage and expertise of the Plasencia family. Each cigar in the Alma series reflects a deep connection to the eart...

About Oliva Serie V Lancero Oliva Cigar Co., founded by the Oliva family with roots in Cuba, has grown to be one of Nicaragua's most respected cigar manufacturers. The family's journey in tobacco started in 1886 in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and continued in Nicaragua after the Cuban Revolution. By 1995, Oliva Cigar Co. was established, becoming known for its high-quality and innovative cigars. In 2006, Oliva introduced the Serie V line, which quickly became a cornerstone of their portfolio due to its robust and complex flavors. The Oliva Serie V Lancero, a notable vitola in this line, features a Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Jalapa Valley ligero fillers. This slender 7 x 38 format emphasizes the rich characteristics of the wrapper, delivering a full-bodied, complex smoking experience. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The Oliva Serie V Lancero is a slender 7 x 38 cigar with a smooth and attractive Habano Sun Grown wr...

About the Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro The Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro is a celebrated cigar that has made a significant mark in the cigar industry since its release. Crafted by Rocky Patel, a brand known for its dedication to quality and consistency, the Olde World Reserve Maduro is a testament to traditional cigar-making techniques with a modern twist. The cigar features a rich, Costa Rican Maduro wrapper that encases a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers. This combination promises a full-bodied smoking experience with complex flavors. The Olde World Reserve line was reintroduced in 2018 after a brief hiatus, much to the delight of aficionados who appreciate its robust character and sophisticated profile. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro presents a very smooth construction with well-executed finishes. While the wrapper isn't oily, it still provides a refined look, indicativ...

About  AJ Fernandez Puro Especial The AJ Fernandez New World Puro Especial is crafted by the renowned cigar maker AJ Fernandez. This blend was developed in collaboration with his father, Ismael Fernandez, and serves as a tribute to the discovery of tobacco in the New World. The Puro Especial is a Nicaraguan puro, meaning it is made entirely from Nicaraguan tobacco. Each leaf is carefully selected from Fernandez's own farms in Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa, ensuring top-notch quality and consistency. CigarPursuits Review New World AJ Fernandez Puro Especial Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The AJF New World Puro Especial features a Maduro wrapper that is smooth to the touch. The construction is firm, indicative of precise craftsmanship. The wrapper's rich, dark brown color adds to its robust appearance. Aroma: 14/15 Before lighting, the cigar emits a sweet woody aroma from the wrapper. On the cold draw, there are peppery and sweet notes. Flavors: 29/35 Upon lig...

About  SLED Edición Especial 2019 The Horacio brand, known for its premium cigars, was established in 2008 by three cigar aficionados in Costa Rica. Their passion for fine tobacco led them to create a brand that emphasizes quality and innovation. The production eventually moved to Nicaragua, a country celebrated for its excellent climate and conditions ideal for tobacco cultivation, allowing Horacio to develop cigars with intricate and delicate blends. The Horacio SLED Edición Especial 2019 is a premium cigar produced in honor of Pierre Sled,  an esteemed French sports journalist and broadcaster. He gained prominence for his work in sports broadcasting, becoming a well-known figure in the French media landscape. His contributions to sports journalism are recognized and celebrated, which likely inspired the creation of the Horacio SLED Edición Especial 2019 as a tribute to his influence and legacy in sports media.  Originating from Nicaragua, this cigar features a distinct...

About   C.A.O Amazon Basin The CAO Amazon Basin is a fascinating cigar, renowned for its unique origins and rare tobacco blend. Introduced by General Cigar Co . at the 2014 IPCPR Convention, this cigar uses Bragança tobacco, grown in the Amazon rainforest and harvested only every three years. This rare tobacco undergoes a natural fermentation process for six months and is traditionally rolled into tubes called " carottes " before making its journey from the forest to the factory​. The CAO Amazon Basin is crafted with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from Brazil (Bragança), Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, creating a medium to full-bodied profile. The cigar has a 6 X 52 Toro size and features an artisanal touch with a rope-like band made from twisted tobacco leaf, which reflects its natural and rustic origins​. CigarPursuits Review C.A.O Amazon Basin Appearance & Construction: 14/15 The cigar generally presents good construc...

About  AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Habano AJ Fernandez's foray into the tobacco world was deeply rooted in Cuban agricultural techniques, learning the ropes in Estelí, Nicaragua, under his cousin, Nestor Plasencia. From humble beginnings with just three rolling tables in his home, AJ expanded his operations outdoors to meet growing demand, eventually establishing the AJ Fernandez label as a major player in the premium cigar market. Now, AJ oversees multiple Nicaraguan facilities, producing over 30 brands, including collaborations with legacy Cuban names like Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta. His cigars are celebrated for their robust Nicaraguan flavors. The Bellas Artes Habano Toro, inspired by the Cuban Bellas Artes National Museum, showcases AJ's mastery with its unique "Rojita" wrapper, blending Connecticut 8212, Corojo '99, and Havana 2000 tobaccos. The binder is Havana '92 from Quilalí, Nicaragua, with a filler blend from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Brazil, off...

About  Rocky Patel Grand Reserve The Rocky Patel Grand Reserve was introduced in 2018, initially targeting the international market before being made available in the United States. This line features a blend of tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua, with a Nicaraguan binder and an Ecuadorian wrapper. The tobaccos are aged for at least two years, reflecting Rocky Patel's commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The Grand Reserve's development highlights the brand's ambition to craft cigars that appeal to a global audience, showcasing their dedication to producing premium, well-aged cigars.        CigarPursuits Review Rocky Patel Grand Reserve Appearance & Construction: 14/15 The cigar showcased good craftsmanship with a well-applied wrapper and fine finishes. Despite encountering a soft spot, the overall construction was smooth . Aroma: 14/15 The aroma was notably sweet and creamy , setting the stage for an inviting start. The cold draw bro...

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 ferm...

    About  Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Sun Grown Founded on a rich heritage of Cuban cigar craftsmanship, Perdomo Cigars traces its origins to the dedication and expertise of Silvio Perdomo in San Jose de las Lajas, Cuba. Beginning his journey in the 1930s, Silvio's apprenticeship with Cuesta y Cia laid the foundation for a legacy of quality and tradition. Nick Perdomo, Jr., furthered this legacy, establishing Perdomo Cigars in 1992 in Miami, Florida, driven by a profound love for cigars and his family's history. Celebrating over two decades of the Perdomo Reserve line, the 10th Anniversary Sun Grown is a Nicaraguan puro featuring a six-year-old Cuban-Seed Sun Grown Nicaraguan wrapper, meticulously aged for ten months in bourbon barrels. CigarPursuits Review Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Sun Grown Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The robusto presents a box-pressed shape with a solid construction , demonstrating the care in its crafting. Its finish ...