Blind Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua | Número Uno

Cigar Info

Earlier this year, Joya de Nicaragua announced Número Uno, a cigar previously only available to wold leaders handed out by Nicaraguan ambassadors on business around the world. This is the latest release in what the company calls the Obras Maestras, or “Masterpieces” collection which also includes the Cuatro Cinco and Cinco Decedas.

The cigar is described as medium in body and strength. It comes in only one size, L’Ambassadeur a lonsdale parejo that measures 6 5/8 x 44 with a pigtail. This cigar will only be available to Drew Diplomat Retail Program participants and is limited to 1,500 boxes per year. It comes in boxes of 25 and sells for $15 per stick. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan fillers. It wasshown off at IPCPR 2019 in the Drew Estate booth and ships September.

“Número Uno was developed as a unique gift and later an event-exclusive cigar, and although it wasn’t the original intention, we decided to make Número Uno available to a bigger audience. However it will remain as something exclusive, as production will be limited to 1,500 boxes a year for the global market and will be available only in selected retailers around the globe”, said Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, Chairman of Joya de Nicaragua.

“We will start shipping to stores early this fall, production is slower than in other products as only a selected group of very skilled rollers are assigned to this project”, expressed Juan Ignacio Martínez, Executive President.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Lonsdale
Length: 6 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 44
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: Juan Martinez, Alejandro Martinez Cuenca
Number of reviewers: 5 – Mickey T. (irratebass) Alan (Eulogy) Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Isaac M. (The Nothing) John A. (Bostoneo)
Price: $15.00
Age: 1 Months
Release Date: N/A
Contributed by: Joya de Nicaragua

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 94

“The golden wrapper was seamless down its length, and that flagged pig-tail cap was just sexy.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Aroma: 91

“As anticipated by the wrapper, this cigar smelled of dry grass with a bit of barnyard and earth at the foot.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“There’s a very rich note of tobacco right of the bat. A deep leather, cedar, and pepper start to develop after the first few puffs. I’m getting a heavy dose of cinnamon on the retrohale with a bit of cream thrown in. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“The cigar starts out extremely creamy and spicy. Draw is exceptionally well for a lancero. Room note is very pleasurable as well a nice woody sweet smell. Light in strength. Cigar is sweetening up with an added cinnamon cream is still Tue powerhouse and is melting well with the cinnamon.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Second Third

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

“I know I said before the cigar was light it is even more light now. Cream is still front and center cinnamon is lessening. There is still a play on baking spices and sweetness along with the cream. Being a lancero the burn as well is performing very well.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The richness of the leather from the first third ramped up even more in the second third. It was accompanied with a rich earth note that paired well. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“This fine cigar ramps up to the higher end of medium bodied. Very rich tobacco with bold spicy notes. Towards the final bit, a delicious peanutty flavor with grain notes in the nose finishes this damn fine stick. Bravo. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Leather, pepper, rich tobacco, and a ginger spice are all still present. I think it’s just a little more subdued in terms of flavor as the previous two thirds. It’s still a great cigar but it doesn’t have that wow factor as it once did. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“Nice open draw with plenty of smoke” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 97

“About as good as it gets. No relights or touch ups needed and it burned razor sharp though out. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 93

“Looked beautiful, solid to the touch, and the little nipple cap was very attractive. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 93

“I enjoyed this cigar. It wasn’t mindblowing by any means, but there were plenty of flavors throughout starting with cream and white pepper which transitioned into black pepper with hints of bread and coffee. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“Amazing cigar. The flavors were spot were great and the transitions from the first two thirds were bold and varied. The last third didn’t have quite the same pop as the first two but it still finished great. I’d still happily smoke this everyday, it’s that solid. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

“I lived everything about this experience, now this cigar is light but it is so full of flavor.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Don’t let the color of this cigar fool you. This isn’t for the faint of heart first thing in the morning. Rather, it packs a full bodied, full strength blend of leather and earth that’ll be quite satisfying after a large meal. The cigar is drop-dead beautiful in it’s golden hue and flagged cap. I can’t wait for more.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“Wow, this is world class stick. Never have I had such a well balanced, nuanced, medium bodied smoke. The three transitions provided a ménage à trois of deliciousness that would satisfy any hardened and seasoned cigar smoker. I am floored by the quality of this cigar. BOX WORTHY. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 123

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua | Número Uno

Overall Score – 93 – Great