Nica Libre & Aganorsa Leaf Belicoso

It has been said that many, if not all, of Nica Libre’s smokes are a homage to its home country, Nicaragua. Everything from the blends to the wrapper pays tribute. Aganorsa Leaf, formally Casa Fernandez, has been known for growing the best tobaccos in Nicaragua, if not the world. When you combine both, you get one tasty handmade. This collaborative puro features a stunning Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper that secures a Nicaraguan binder and long-leafs. Medium to full-bodied, light it up and find hints of coffee bean, smooth milk chocolate, and plenty of pleasant spices on the finish. Try pairing it after dinner with a tawny port.

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.