Isla Del Sol

Founded by Jeff White in 1997, the Isla Del Sol Cigar Company offers a truly boutique cigar line. Unlike many new entrants to the market that have not survived the leveling off of the market, Isla Del Sol continues to thrive and we suspect it’s because their cigars are produced by Tabacelera Perdomo in Esteli, Nicaragua (The same folks that manufacture the Perdomo Reserve line featured several shipments ago!). Isla Del Sol is actually an island off the southwestern coast of Florida that has no phones, a handful of cabins and very few local inhabitants. The brightly colored band reflects the attitude of the island and was intended to make the new brand stand out in tobacco shops. The line is offered in 4 standard sizes including a churchill, corona, toro and a robusto, as well as 3 shaped sizes: a belicoso, pyramid and torpedo.

We found the wrapper on this little Nicaraguan gem to offer a nice oily sheen and a beautiful light maduro-rosado color. An exceptionally well rolled cigar, the belicoso smoked evenly, offered plenty of smoke volume and burned cool. Look for some spice and a floral sweetness indicative of Nicaraguan tobacco in this medium-bodied smoke. We also picked up on a distinctive earthy character. Overall, a great little smoke, full of flavor and fun to smoke. Try pairing it with a smoked porter or imperial stout.