Blind Cigar Review: Joya De Nicaragua | Cinco Décadas Fundador

Cigar Info

Last June, Joya de Nicaragua announced a new vitola to the Cinco Décadas line: Cinco Décadas Fundador. The name “Fundador” translates to “Founder” and is a tribute to Juan Francisco Bermejo and Simón Camacho, two men attributed with the rise of cigars in Nicaragua. It was first shown off at IPCPR in 2019.

The new size is a Gran Toro measuring 6 x 54 with a soft box press. MSRP is $20.00 and comes in boxes of 10. Cinco Décadas Fundador is a DDRP retailers exclusive.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez & Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca
Number of reviewers: 4 – Alan (Eulogy) James H. (Keikan Jim) John I. (John I.) Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Price: $20.00
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: July 2019
Contributed by: Joya De Nicaragua

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“Beautiful soft box pressed toro with a perfectly applied triple cap. The dark chocolate color is rich and inviting.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Aroma: 91

“The foot has a lot of spice, dark stone fruit, and hay notes which are very inviting. The pre draw is like sucking through a straw and I’m hoping that there’s a bit more resistance after I light, what I am picking up is a grass and yeast note with just a touch of spice on the finish. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

First Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Dry draw was wide open with little resistance. This may be a quick smoke. Out of the gate, this cigar had a beautiful sweet and fairly long finish and salty zing on the lips. The flavor reminds me somewhat of a Dr. pepper. So many flavors but I can’t just pick one. Retro is very smooth with a hint of white pepper. About halfway into the first third a spicier note popped in and the retro amped up. It was not overbearing and a nice addition.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

“Starts really boldly. Bright and peppery with a really sharp retrohale. Digging it. Fifteen minutes in this is going really well. Draw is great, burn is sharp. Nice amount of potency to this, and it’s rich and oily on the palate. Gets into all the nooks and palate crannies. Overall this has a roasty, dark wood profile with some residual sweetness. Not nuanced, but pretty in your face. Has edged toward fuller bodied from the second the flame hit it. ” –John I. (John I.)

Second Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“A sweet cedar note has taken the lead with a spicy red pepper finish. Sort of a pleasant middle of the cigar but nothing super exciting. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Finally things get interesting! This thing really opened up and let the flavors shine. Lots of spices and a sweet chocolate flavor that is very appealing. Also leather on the retro. Very smooth retro on this. Sadly the wrapper started unraveling on me. I didn’t let that ruin the experience but it needed touched up a few times. ” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Baking spice, sweet cedar, rich tobacco, and red pepper are all still prevalent from the previous two thirds. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Strength hasn’t really increased at the finale. I’m on the fence still between calling this med-full to just straight up full bodied. It’s been awfully good though, so I’m ok to call it a draw. Still nothing new to see in terms of the flavor profile. It’s been consistently a really enjoyable ride even if there isn’t a lot of nuance to speak of. ” –John I. (John I.)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 95

“Phenomenal draw. Just about right for me. Drew really easily with enough resistance to prevent overheating. Love a cigar that sips effortlessly.” –John I. (John I.)

Burn: 91

“This cigar lit easily and remained burning even after sitting for extending periods in the ashtray. The burn line was not razor sharp but was very straight throughout with no touch ups required.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

Construction: 92

“Really well crafted cigar. The draw alone would have led me to forgive other significant concerns, but aside from some slop in the mid portion burn, there really wasn’t anything to complain about.” –John I. (John I.)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91

“A nice calm smoking experience. Nothing exciting in terms of profile changes but the core flavors were relaxing and this was a great example of the natural sweetness of tobacco. I would smoke this again if I was in the mood for a calm, sweet experience.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“This was a very good cigar with excellent burn and flavor transitions. I would definitely smoke this one again. At first, I thought this was going to be a quick smoke, however, it continued to burn well beyond what I expected. Pair with coffee, English Brown or Lightly pleated Scotch.” –James H. (Keikan Jim)

“Fantastic cigar. Something I could easily smoke all the damned time and would want to go back to again and again. Nice amount of strength, and the flavor profile was definitely on point for me. Not a lot of nuance here, but serious, bold smoking.” –John I. (John I.)

“If this had started with the flavors I got from the second and third parts, it would have been far more enjoyable. I’d give it a “fair”. Would have scored much higher if it weren’t for the muted flavors and wrapper issues. I’d definitely try this again. Could have just been a dud. I’d buy a fiver to see.” –Kevin J. (maninblack77)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 94

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Joya De Nicaragua | Cinco Décadas Fundador

Overall Score – 92 – Great