Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto Grande (FYARW)

[david9985]

Many years ago I received a 3-pack of these as an engagement present. All 3 were smoked in different countries, in different company and different circumstances. And all 3 were extremely enjoyable and with immaculate construction and burn. Those memories led to me buying a 20-box a few months ago, wondering whether I'd enjoy these again now I have a more established taste for Cubans! This was the first from the box.

A still, cool evening by the firepit and paired with a Guinness.

Main aroma at cold is dry cat food with a little barnyard.

Opens with dark chocolate, cherry, pepper, sweetness.

Draw is perfect, burn is really slow and consistent. Taste remains the same as opening.

Burn and construction are both great. I've done a couple of minor touch-ups that may or may not have been required. The ash is still holding on firm. Normally I knock off the ash in around 1" chunks but this feels like it can go plenty further before dropping and while I don't think this improves the flavour at all, I also don't feel it harms it.

When the ash falls on my lap, I set it down. It has been just OK. Not much change to profile from initial flavours mentioned, but enjoyment steadily declining throughout the duration of the smoke, as the taste tends more and more towards burnt wood. Overall, I did enjoy it: It is different to other cigars in my collection and confirms that my tastes lean towards Cuban cigars. The reliable construction and burn of these is, however, always a positive to the smoking experience.

Smoke time was 80mins and it had plenty left should I have wanted to continue. The rest of the box will get some rest time and will be pulled from every now and again for a change of pace and bring back good memories.

I will score this around the 85 mark.

[Cairo]

I prefer the smaller ring guages on these--the Machito and Lancero are the pick of the litter imho--raw Nic power when fresh--much more approachable when aged.

[smbauerllc]

Nice review.
Had a Connecticut Robusto fiver over the summer and really enjoyed them.
Haven't really enjoyed the nc's i have smoked recently after smoking cc's exclusively for about 6 months now. Even some that I really enjoyed before.
Currently only some of the Arturo Fuentes are still enjoyable to me.

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[david9985]

2 hours ago, Cairo said:

I prefer the smaller ring guages on these--the Machito and Lancero are the pick of the litter imho--raw Nic power when fresh--much more approachable when aged.

I have a couple of the Machitos that I've yet to try. Glad to hear you rate them as I love that size. Would have bought a box of those rather then the Grande Robusto except for the nostalgia aspect!

[Tommy_Tao]

I prefer shorter and thicker vitolas out of this line.

They age very well too.