La Gloria Cubana Serie R Black No. 60

La Gloria Cubana Serie R Black is an extension of the already immensely popular Serie R line. The Black has more kick and, depending on who you ask, is better overall. While the original R line is made in the Dominican Republic, this puro is handmade in Nicaragua for the ultra-flavorful and powerful tobacco leaves that the Jalapa Valley has to offer. This monster stogie starts with a blend of well-aged Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers which is bound within a feisty Nicaraguan binder, and it ends with a dark, robust, and handsome Jalapa Tapado Ligero wrapper. Once lit, this full bodied behemoth has a hearty flavor profile consisting of pepper, earth, coffee, cedar, cream, honey, and spices. Excellent construction and a near flawless burn will have you begging for more. Enjoy it after dinner with a bourbon.

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.