Joya de Nicaragua released two TAA exclusive cigars last year: Antaño Gran Reserva Presidente and Selección de Torcedor. The Selección de Torcedor was a new release but was only available with the purchase of the Gran Reserva as a 5-pack.
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. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Selección de Torcedor is an annual release in which the company’s rollers choose a blend and size to be shipped to TAA stores. Depending on how it does, the company will consider a full release. The blend is undisclosed but it said to be approachable, smooth yet flavorful, and with a selection of tobacco designed to showcase the historic ties between Nicaragua and the US. It comes in one size, a 6 x 50 toro.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro Length: 6″ Ring Gauge: 52 Country of Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Unknown Binder: Unknown Filler: Unknown Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A. Blender: Juan Martinez, Alejandro Martinez Cuenca Number of reviewers: 4 – Eric (smalls29) Alan(Eulogy) Randy B.(randobush) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Price: Unknown Age: 5 Months Release Date: May 2019 Contributed by: Joya De Nicaragua
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 90
“Nice soft wrapper with delicate veins, tight seams, and a well applied triple cap.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Aroma: 89
“The aroma pre-light had some interesting notes. I was picking up a soft amount of floral notes off the wrapper. The cold draw left me with notes of butter and bread. Can’t wait to get this one going.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Mild-Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“Great smoke output, rich texture, and a strong flavor profile. There’s a rich cedar note, slightly bitter chocolate, and rich pepper finish that isn’t overpowering. My only complaint is that it has an odd cardboard finish occasionally that distracts from a great profile.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“This one has had a nice beginning. There are wonderful smoky flavors with some hints of cedar and oak. The aroma reminds me of campfire at the beach. Very pleasant and warming.” –Eric (smalls29)
Second Third
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“There’s an interesting play on flavors with a strong floral note working against a rich unsweetened tobacco profile. A bit of pepper, wood, and muted leather finish out the profile with an occasional cardboard flavor stepping in.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“As I press on, the flavors have begun to become bitter but not to a point that it is not tasteful. At this point, the flavors of smoky wood, charred meat, and crispy bacon have taken over. There is now a nice peppery flavor left on the lips and palate. I am still finding this an enjoyable cigar.” –Eric (smalls29)
Final Third
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The final third settles and the smoothness of the cigar takes over. The bread notes come back and a strong wheat profile develops. Towards the end, the salt notes pickup again and round out a unique smoke.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“I am think now that a nice single malt scotch would pair nicely with this cigar. The woody, leathery flavors are still balanced and enjoyable. The added peppery tingle is a nice bonus now. This is not a sweet cigar nor is it for the faint of heart.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Just a tad loose but it smoked great with a creamy smoke output.” –Alan (Eulogy)
Burn: 89
“The burn was nice. The ash was thick and held really well. Some touch-ups were needed, but did not knock off the overall flavor profile.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 91
“Ash fell in in 1”-2” chunks throughout. Good construction overall.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 90
“I want to first state that this cigar was enjoyable from beginning to end. The very first smell of leather from the wrapper was wonderful. The smokey flavors and peppery tingle were wonderful. I enjoyed the boldness of this one and how the woody flavors lingered after inhale. At one point there were nice hints of leather but that didn’t last long. I really enjoyed the complexity and balance of all of the flavors from beginning to end. It was nice not having to fight through any bitterness near the end. I am wondering how this one would pair with a single malt scotch or dark beer.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Other then the occasional cardboard taste that would pop in it was a great smoke. An interesting profile that had several profile changes kept me engaged till the end. I would smoke it again and hope that the paper flavor wasn’t present.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“This cigar was a bit underwhelming on flavor and complexity. Tantamount at times to smoking a paper sack. While the construction and burn were very good, as was the aesthetics of the cigar, it left much to be desired.” –Randy B. (randobush)
“This cigar had a lot of nice characteristics to it. From the thick sourdough notes coupled in with the salt finish, this cigar had a really unique profile. My only wish was a little more power on the finish. I found myself hoping for more. Overall, a nice mid afternoon smoke that won’t smash your palate.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
"Other then the occasional cardboard taste that would pop in it was a great smoke. An interesting profile that had several profile changes kept me engaged till the end. I would smoke it again and hope that the paper flavor wasn't present. " -Alan (Eulogy)
