Joya De Nicaragua Antano Dark Coroja by Alejandro Martinez Cuenca – (Toro 5.5 x 54)

· Wrapper – Coroja (Nicaragua)

· Binder – (Nicaragua)

· Filler – (Nicaragua)

My First Impression:

I had such high hopes for this cigar. First off I must confess I absolutely love the Joya De Nicaragua Antano 1970 and anyone who knows me has had their ear talked off about this fact. I believe here lies the issue this cigars is not in the same category by any means. At first glance you will notice the dark Coroja wrapper, but the wrapper seems very course, thick and a bit stemy. I also didn’t think that the wrapper has the oils that have made the 1970 into my top five category. None the less the cigar started out very strong but not a pleasant strength but more a dog fight. This in and of itself would describe the experience in a nut shell “dog fight” as I fought to keep her light. I never felt at any time during the smoke that she was maturing in taste of form – it was just a strong rude cigar. Now I am not sure if the 80% ligero tobacco or the 10 mph wind caused this cigar to go out 5 plus times, but it really started to piss me off. For those of you who may thing it is my humidor was the problem WRONG it is in perfect condition and this guy was stored at 70% humidity at 70 degrees. I will dry out the next one (2 days off of the humidor) and see if this changes her behavior. But all in all this cigar is no Antano 1970. I hope this is not a sign of things to come from Drew Estate taking over distribution.

· Where I smoked? Citadel Beach House porch 80 degrees 10 mph wind from the south

· What I drank? Water

Recommendation:

Well I guess I can say I am disappointed. I will smoke a few more sticks to ensure my opinion isn’t tainted but I am very curious to get y’all take. This cigar isn’t cheap about $8 to $9 per stick or a box of 20 at $120 through online retailers. Surprisingly enough this cigar received a 90 rating which I would strongly disagree with. In the end this cigar needs to go back to the drawing board.

This cigar is awesome and I will be smoking many more of these. Cigar International is now distributing as well as Cigarnow.com – both retailers have these guys on sale for under $70 a box (25 to a box). At three dollars a stick you can afford to give one to your father-in-law, even if he doesn’t smoke he will like this. To me the experience was elegant and brought back the yesteryear of cigars – when men wore suits and sipped Remy Martin XO Cognac.

The Pro’s Comments:

Created 10 years after the launch of the landmark Joya de Nicaragua Antaño blend, the new Dark Corojo puts a unique and welcomed spin on Nicaragua’s Classic handmade. Created with 3-year aged Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos and a special Corojo leaf wrapper that’s dark, oily and loaded with flavor. Naturally robust but impressively smooth, JdN Dark Corojo exudes a rich series of earth, cedar, pepper, cocoa and a slightly sweet finish. Complete, refined and worthy of the Joya de Nicaragua name.