Nicarao Especial Torito

The result of a collaboration between A.J. Fernandez and Didier Houvenaghel, the Especial range is a 100 per cent Nicaraguan puro. It is blended using leaves aged for up to five years before being rolled, wrapped in a Habano rosado wrapper grown in Jalapa.

Tasted here in its Torito format, 11.4 cm with a ring gauge of 54: an interesting vitola, short yet generous, with plenty of kick: a little powerhouse.

Tasting menu

The tasting gets off to a flying start with this little Nicaraguan puro. You can immediately sense its heritage in the intensity it exudes from the very first puffs: spices, black pepper, a blend that certainly makes an impression. But don’t be taken by surprise; it soon mellows to give way to a more woody, pleasant flavour.

The second third surprises with animal, woody and toasty notes, whilst retaining a pleasant sweetness on the finish, which ties the whole cigar together.

Pairing

Best enjoyed with an amber ale, which holds its own whilst offering a roundness that matches the cigar’s own.

Momentum

A break with character at the end of the day, when you don’t have an hour to spare but you’re not willing to compromise on intensity.