What the pros say: Cigar Aficionado rated this cigar 89 points in August 2014, stating “crafted with a blunted tip, this girthy belicoso is perfect in appearance. It’s rich, roasted coffee bean character carries a touch of sweetness before a tangy finish.”
- Shape: Belicoso
- Size (length x ring gauge): 4.75” x 60
- Country: Nicaragua
- Wrapper Origin: Nicaragua
- Wrapper Leaf: Nicaraguan H. Criollo
- Wrapper Color: Dark Natural
- Filler Origin: Nicaraguan
- Binder Origin: Nicaraguan
Bottom Line: A great cigar for those who prefer a full strength stick.
Brief Summary: A great cigar which looks great and smokes even better. It’s strength does not overpower, and maintains good taste throughout the smoke. The presmoke scent is reminisenct of Calvatia gigantea, which is thoroughly delightful. Draw was good and tight, while the burn was even throughout. The only drawback I noticed was that the head became a bit spongy toward the end of the smoke.
Flavors Touted: Spicy and Robust
About Joya de Nicaragua Cigars: Simon Camacho and Juan Franisco Bermejo fled Cuba in 1968 and started the Nicaragua Cigar Company. Turmoil from the revolution resulted in the destruction of the factory in 1979, but it was soon rebuilt, and continued manufacturing cigars. The company struggled with selling their cigars due to poor marketing and distribution until 1992 when Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca took the leadership reins. Renamed Tabocos Puros de Nicaragua in 1994, Dr. Cuenca pursued obtaining the rights to the name Joya de Nicaragua. Today, the company is the oldest cigar manufacturer in Nicaragua, is run by Dr. Cuenca and his youngest son, Juan Martinez, the name is held in high regard throughout the world of premium cigars.
Price: $34.99 for a Belicoso 5 pack ($7.00 per stick) as of May 6, 2019 (FS)
