Diesel Heart of Darkness Gordo

Diesel cigars have one of the best reputations in the business and so does the mastermind behind the brand, Abel “A.J.” Fernandez. He is known for Man O’ War, Rocky Patel’s Fusion, Man O’ War Ruination and ITC 10th Anniversary, among other stellar sticks. Diesel Heart of Darkness includes a firecracker blend of long-fillers from three different growing regions throughout Nicaragua, including some Esteli ligero, and is finished with a Nicaraguan binder and a dark and oily Ecuador Habano Oscuro wrapper leaf. Give it a few puffs and find full-bodied chewy notes of salty leather, espresso, earth, and black pepper. This lip-smacking palate pleaser pairs well with Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine IPA, or your favorite IPA.

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.