JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTANO 1970 GRAN CONSUL
Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Torpedo
Size : 4.75 x 60
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Havana-seed
Binder : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
The Antano! One of the most powerful cigars on the market. In fact for many years it was THE most powerful cigar around. Here’s some info from the manufacturer:
Antaño in Spanish means “yesteryear”, a name that is a tribute to the Joya de Nicaragua cigar of the 70’s when the brand became one of the favourite smokes in the US market.
This is a full bodied cigar, made totally by hand with 100% Nicaraguan tobacco. The filler, binder and wrapper are Havana Criollo seed grown in Nicaragua. The shiny Colorado wrapper and the complexity of the blend give a very distinctive personality to this cigar, created to satisfy the most exigent smoker who looks for a strong cigar, rich in taste and aroma. Introduced in 2002, Antaño actually is one of the favourite cigars in the American Market and is a symbol of the true Nicaraguan puro.
I’m not normally a fan of big ring gauge cigars, but there is something special about the Gran Consul that sets it apart from the smaller sizes in the Antano line.
This beefy cigar is very oily looking and has a nice dull point to the torpedo end. The cigar clips easy and the pre-light draw is very open; but not due to being under-filled as this cigar is very densely rolled.
This takes a little while to light due to the girth of this cigar, but you are rewarded when you finally get it lit.
The initial flavours give you quite a kick, loaded with red pepper and leather, similar to smoking a belt dipped in Tabasco sauce. If you survive the first inch, the flavours mellow and simmer down a bit. I then pick up coffee and licorice notes. The balance of these flavours is perfect in this vitola.
The finish is long. Antanos have one of the longest finishes out there, slightly dry and rich with mocha flavours.
Just when you think this cigar can’t get any better, whammo! The last few inches are rich and decadent, it’s like eating a piece of tiramisu laced with chipotle peppers.
I really can’t recommend these cigars enough. I forget about them because of all of the new brands coming out, but don’t forget the Antano… and trust me and try it in the Gran Consul size. If you get the chance, buy a box and set them aside for a few years, they get even better!
JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTANO 1970 ROBUSTO GRANDE
Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Robusto
Size : 140 x 21 mm (5 1/2 x 52)
Ring : 52
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Habano Criollo
Filler : Nicaraguan Habano
Binder : Nicaraguan Habano
Hand-Made
Joya De Nicaragua (Sp. Jewel of Nicaragua) holds an interesting, if not prominent place in modern 20th Century cigar history. Tobacos Puros de Nicaragua S.A. was the first factory established in the fabled Esteli Valley region of Nicaragua. Consistently this region has produced some of the finest tobaccos and highest quality handmade cigars in recent memory. Founded in 1968 it was the cigar of Presidential Administrations in the years following the Cuban embargo of 1964. In the 70’s its quality and flavour were renowned, considered to be the very finest in the world at that time, it rivalled Havana production during that period.
Nearly brought to the brink of extinction during the Sandinista Revolution, it was returned to prominence and accolades in 2002. The Antano 1970 blend is a return to those bygone days of the 70’s. By re-enlisting the master blenders and torcedors of that storied era for this project, Joya De Nicaragua has truly recaptured its former glory, providing for your enjoyment a genuine “Jewel”, that is more than worthy of your time and attention.
Appearance :
This cigar presents itself with total class and beauty. It is dressed in a stunningly beautiful Rosado coloured Nicaraguan Habano Criollo wrapper that is without flaw. Colour is consistent from the toe to its double cap. The classy Gold and Red with Green appointments band provides stunning contrast. It is a work of art.
Construction :
There are seemingly no bumps on the body. This cigar feels very substantial in the hand, possessing considerable mass. Closer scrutiny reveals no soft spots, and it is nearly devoid of any discernable veins. It produces a perfect draw with generous amounts of decadent and luxurious grey white smoke. Burn is precise requiring no maintenance. Band is easily removed with no interference to the wrapper.
Flavour :
The first third provided a first palette that is sweet, with flavours of cherries and raisin. It is producing generous volumes of grey white smoke. It possesses a precise burn and a wonderfully smooth and cool draw. Second palette is of sweet coffee and cream with an elegant aroma of cocoa and cedar. Closing out the first third is a rather full shot of nicotine that settles the stomach nicely.
In the second third the first palette reveals a mild Scotch Bonnet pepper spice with notes of apricot and fresh almond. Second palette is of hot espresso. The tantalizing aroma of coca and cedar persists. Burn remains perfect with a light grey, tightly formed ash that holds strong to the body. The smoke being produced is luxurious and in pleasing volumes, yielding a cool and effortless draw.
During the final third the first palette is leathery with red pepper spiciness with a second palette of Allspice and syrupy sweetness. The aromas and volumes of smoke from the preceding thirds are consistent. The draw continues to be spot on flawless. The finish is slightly bright, long and lingering with a smooth Crème de Menthe spice. It affords one many opportunities to revisit and reflect.
Value :
With a good point it affords access to virtually anyone in search of a unique and very memorable cigar smoking experience.
Overall Rating :
I was absorbed by this experience. It continually kept me on my toes, requiring my total concentration lest I be swept away by its character, at a loss for words to describe. This cigar requires a commitment of one’s time; you shall not be able to power through it. I also, regrettably so, cannot recommend this cigar to the newly initiated. It is a powerful smoke that likely would leave the neophyte grabbing for the wall long before the close of the first third. I also must recommend a fairly well developed palette, or perhaps the desire to sharpen one’s discernment.
Brilliant execution in construction and design, impressive flavour profile and a very attractive price point. It is very tough to beat this cigar. I give this cigar a “Strong Buy” recommendation.
I know that this blend is aged for a considerable time before being released for consumption. I am curious as to what a little more age might do in terms of developing additional finesse to its flavour profile. As I now currently own 2 full boxes of these I will let you know of my discoveries in the coming years.
Pairing recommendations: I would advise coupling this cigar with rum, neat. This being sipping rum, any mixing of it would be criminal. Also I would recommend a quality hazelnut dark chocolate, as that would serve as a stellar compliment to this smoke, affording a truly luxurious experience.
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