Journal

Released in fall of 2023, Metapa pays homage to Ruben Dario, a famed Nicaraguan Poet. Early this year it was announced the line would be rebranded to Aksum, named after the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. To be honest, I do not fully understand the decision to rebrand the line, especially to something that seems unrelated (though I am not educated on the subject). At any rate, this blend is very popular for the company. I have smoked this Claro in the Toro and was quite impressed with it. I am excited to try this robusto.  Country...

Segovias De Esteli may seem like a new arrival to the cigar scene. By that name, they are, however the cigars and the factory have been around for longer. You may recognize the band and the blend as Antigua Esteli. After an issue that resulted in a rebrand, Segovias De Esteli is back with their Maduro and Habano lines! These cigars are made at their factory Tabacalera Segvoias De Esteli - responsible for the Casa 1910 Calvary Edition and the Fosforo Limitada 2023. Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera Segovias De Esteli Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro Binder: Nicaragua Filler:...

The Charter Oak line from Foundation Cigar Co has always been an ode to his lineage and the history of his home state of Connecticut. The original line was created in honor of his grandfather - a cigar smoker who exclusively smoked Connecticut Broadleaf cigars manufactured in Connecticut. The original blends in the Charter Oak line were created as budget friendly cigars that smoked above their price point. The Charter Oak Especiales was created as a limited production, higher end extension to the line and bare the names of Foundation Cigar Co founder’s, Nick Melillo, grandfather - Pasquale and Pegnataro....

Black Works Studios is a part of the Oveja Negra list of brands and is very closely tied to Black Label Trading Company - it is a limited production portfolio for that brand. The Hornet is one of the early creations for Black Works Studios. This cigar features an Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper with Candela accents - fitting for the name. It was released in 2016 as an extension to the Killer Bee blend. Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro & Candela Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Vitola: 5 x 48 Robusto Price: $11.50 MSRP Link...

El Pulpo is the second core-line release from Artesano Del Tobacco, following up on the highly successful Viva La Vida. The El Pulpo was intended to be a stronger blend than Viva La Vida, but still offering much in the way of complexity and nuance. This blend has made quite a splash, receiving high marks from many publications, including the #10 spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2023. I elected to light up the robusto this morning, as it is the smallest vitola. Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro Binder: Nicaragua...