Joya de Nicaragua (Greek Mike)

Brand: Joya de Nicaragua

Line: Celebracion

Vitola: Torpedo

Length x Ring Gauge: 6.0 x 52

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (puro, wrapper, binder and filler: Nicaragua)

Strength: Full bodied

Date: July 3, 2011

Notes:

Joya de Nicaragua, the jewel of Nicaragua. In my humble opinion, one of the greatest cigars to ever grace your palate, a fine product from this Central American country (almost makes me forget about the mess with the Contras).

This is one of my favorite cigars. It’s a cigar that I smoke most often, and that I use as a gauge for others. It is full bodied, spicy and complex. It starts off smooth and packs a punch in the end. You can enjoy it with beer, a beautiful red wine (cabernet sauvignon, or a malbec from a good year, like 2003 or 2007), or Jack Daniels Single Barrel (my drinks of choice). It is a versatile cigar that can complement whatever libation you like without masking its taste, or aroma.

Well constructed with a silky-wrapper, they age extraordinarily well. You almost feel guilty lighting one up, but once the flame is going, you sit back, relax and take in the bouquet, aroma and taste of this rich Nicaraguan puro.

The draw is smooth and consistent. The last third is not ashy or hot and the taste actually gets more complex as you smoke.

This is an all around great cigar, also if you consider the price, it is unsurpassed.

Overall: 9.8 out of 10 (among my top 3)