This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto

Length: 4.7″

Ring Gauge: 48

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo

Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan

Factory: Joya De Nicaragua

Blender: Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca

Number of reviewers: 4 —– Dave (mdwest) Gregg (McGreggor57) Robert (NavyPiper) Brian (B-daddy)

Price: $3.60

Age: 3 Months Rest

Release Date: August 2013

Contributed by: Calypso Cigar Review

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 87

“Splotchy dark brown wrapper with a gold or reddish tint. Noticeably lighter gold/brown filler. Lots of blemishes (dark spots) and a few nicks in the wrapper. A spot of glue down by the foot. An uneven double cap.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Aroma: 91

“Grass or hay notes from the foot along with tobacco.” –Dave (mdwest)

First Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“Maybe it’s because this was a morning smoke, but wow on the nic level. Pepper and chocolate are a good combination over the top of the sweet tobacco base. A great draw allows me to enjoy these simple flavors.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Flavors start off as a deep earth and black pepper that coats the roof of my mouth. I feel the strength of the cigar creeping down the back of my throat. There are some faint hardwood notes, maybe oak, and a slight tannic bitterness but the deep earthy flavors are dominant. The pepper has backed off almost entirely by the end of the first third.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Second Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The flavors present in the first third continue into the second third. Part way in, I began picking up some bittersweet cocoa with a skosh of spice in the background. Has a great flavor with a nice ‘bite’.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Final Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“A bit of charred flavors over the top of a coffee base with a bittersweet chocolate finish. This is an interesting flavor mix. Occasionally I detect some woodiness.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Final third is continuing from the second third with a very nice med/strong tobacco, bittersweet cocoa and a bit of spice in the background. This third went the quickest, as my fingers were getting pretty hot due to length. Kinda hated to see this little guy go.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 96

“This is the draw I hope for in every cigar.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Burn: 88

“While no touch ups or corrections were ever needed, the burn line on this stick was extremely wavy and at times I was certain I was going to have to touch it up, when at the last moment it would start to self correct.” –Dave (mdwest)

Construction: 88

“Construction looks pretty good. Wrapper is dark brown, dull with no sheen to it. Seams are nice, tight and well blended. Couple of fairly prominent ridges running it’s length possibly from stems under the wrapper. Also had a few lumps and bumps but remained straight. Had minimal give when pressed.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 90

“Not really my cup of tea. The flavors were not bad. They simply were not what I typically enjoy in a cigar. The smoke itself was a little bit on the harsh side and probably could have benefited from letting the stick age for a little while. Construction was sub standard which forced me to pay more attention to handling and care than it did actually enjoying the smoking experience.” –Dave (mdwest)

“While not an overly complex cigar, I found the flavor profile consistent and one that I really enjoyed. The first two thirds were fairly strong but mellowed toward the end. It’s a cigar I would definitely keep on hand.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“I really enjoyed this little guy! From it’s appearance, construction and flavors during smoking, it was very enjoyable. Would I care to have another- heck ya! I just wish it was bigger!” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“I liked this cigar fine. The depth of flavor was interesting but it wasn’t my ideal flavor profile. If you like big earthy flavors and dark savory spice, it’s certainly worth a try. It isn’t gonna win any beauty contests but the performance was pretty consistent. I’d still smoke it again.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 66

Total Score: 90 (Very Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here .

Blind Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua | Rosalones 448 Consul