5 Vegas Series 'A' Alpha

Pronounced “Cinco Vegas,” the 5 Vegas brand has earned its place among the cigar elite—thanks in no small part to its legacy of rich blends and rock-solid craftsmanship. The late, great Henry “Kiki” Berger, a Cuban-born legend with roots in Estelí, Nicaragua, helped elevate the brand into must-smoke territory. The Series ‘A’ lineup is a tribute to boldness, with each vitola named after the letter "A"—and the Alpha you’ve got in your hands today is the heavyweight champion of the bunch. Wrapped in a dark, oily Costa Rican maduro leaf, this stogie is a sight to behold. Underneath lies a Nicaraguan binder and a powerful trio of aged long-leaf fillers from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic—all expertly blended to bring serious depth. From first light, you’re met with rich flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and charred wood, accented by notes of black pepper and just a touch of earthy spice. Midway through, a subtle sweetness kicks in—think molasses and dried fruit—rounding out the profile beautifully. Medium to full-bodied with a long, smoky finish and razor-sharp construction, this cigar is for those who want flavor with finesse and a little swagger on the side. Pair it with a bold Petite Sirah—like the 2019 Stags’ Leap—for a deep, luxurious experience. The wine’s dark fruit and spice harmonize perfectly with the Alpha’s smoky richness. Or keep it classic with a strong espresso and a quiet evening on the porch.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.