JR CIgar continues to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a growing list of collaborators making exclusive cigars. The latest to join the celebration is Nick Melillo and Foundation Cigars for El Güegüense JR 50th. El Güegüense is Spanish for “The Wise Man,” and is also the name of a Nicaraguan dramatic theater piece from the 16th Century. It is one of the oldest indigenous works in the Western Hemisphere. This was Foundation Cigar Company's first release back in 2016. Melillo chose the name in honor of his love of Nicaragua and its people. In 2020, Foundation released a 5th Anniversary edition of the El Güegüense with a slightly tweaked blend and The Foundation El Güegüense JR 50th is based on that special blend.
"First of all, I have to say that I am a huge fan of the size on this cigar. I'm glad that the industry is returning to these types of cigars after a long run of big ring gauge cigars. That being said, this was a very enjoyable cigar. I could see it easily pairing with a fresh cup of coffee each morning. Many changes throughout this long, thin cigar. Easily approachable by all levels of smokers. I will surely grab a handful of them to enjoy with my weekend coffee. " -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"If the end didn't fall a bit flat I'd say this is a very well done cigar. The notes are very classical to me and it smoked effortlessly. I wouldn't recommend running out and buying a box but if I wanted a solid smoke while having a chat or playing a game I think it would do nicely. " -Alan (Eulogy)
"I really enjoyed this cigar. Transition of flavors was noticeable, but subtle. Draw, burn, finish, flavors, construction, complexity, all admirable. Ultimately, I would buy this cigar." -Randy B. (randobush)
"I found this cigar to be very intriguing. It’s a good-looking cigar and well constructed. For a medium-strength cigar it provided a consistent foundation of flavor while introducing variations throughout the entire smoke. The weaving of flavors, with the majority of them combining in the second third, really kept me interested and enjoying this stick. I would definitely revisit this cigar. Good looking and good tasting." -Diana (ArmyRN)
I was prepared to write this cigar off a average based on the first third, but thing really came around in the second and final thirds. The addition of baking spices, pepper, and nuts really set things off. I don’t know if the $50 price tag is justified but this is a really good cigar. It is for sure up there with some of the previous limited edition My Father cigars. I wish I knew what a few months or a year of age would do to this cigar would do but unfortunately I doubt I will ever find out. I was lucky enough to find one of these and this was my only one. If you are able to find one to purchase, do it. I really enjoyed the full transition of flavors and body from the first to the final third and would recommend this to anyone.
·
"Overall, this was a VERY consistent flavored stick throughout the entire experience. Omnipresent notes of leather exist the whole time, which minor deviations throughout, most notably the nutty presence at the end, which was yum. Burn and construction were spots on the entire time without any flaws at all while the draw slightly learned on the loose side. Not a bad stick, one of the better ones I’ve had lately, however, it didn’t overly impress me and was a slightly better for an average cigar on the market today." -John A. (Bostoneo)
"This cigar was Top Notch from start to finish. It looked great prior to lighting it on fire AND it delivered a slew of really nice flavors once the foot was torched. Add in excellent construction from start to finish and this is easily a cigar that will satisfy the majority of smokers out there..." -Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)
For the third year in a row, Aganorsa Leaf has announced a new exclusive to their Casa Fernandez Aniverario lineup, Casa Fernandez Aniversario Cuban 109 Maduro. This years version uses the companies proprietary Aganorsa Shade Grown Corojo Maduro wrapper also found on their Signature Shade Grown Corojo Maduro series as well as the Guardian of the Farm Nightwatch.