Diesel Wicked Torpedo

Diesel Wicked makes its intentions clear before the first draw: this is a full-bodied blend with plenty of dark tobacco character. Created by AJ Fernandez and handmade in Nicaragua, the substantial 6.2 × 56 Torpedo combines a thick Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan long-fillers, including assertive ligero tobaccos. Expect oak, leather, and roasted espresso, followed by black and red pepper. The profile leans toward deep, roasted, savory flavors, with spice giving the richer notes extra definition. This is the boldest style of cigar in the group, and its pairing deserves a similarly distinctive personality. Try an Oaxacan Old Fashioned, combining reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, bitters, and an orange twist. The mezcal’s smoky character should complement the cigar’s roasted flavors, while the agave sweetness provides contrast to its pepper and leather. We’d keep the mezcal in a supporting role rather than letting it dominate, giving the cigar’s espresso and oak room to remain noticeable.

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.