The Nicarao Especial Reserva 2015 follows on from the huge sales success of the 2014 edition (click here for the review). The Robusto size and blend have remained identical, but the number of boxes produced, again 21-ct, has increased to 420 (compared to 350 in the previous edition).
Visually, the wrapper appears slightly opaque and has a Colorado hue with brown reflections. To the touch, it is quite wrinkled, with light veins. Construction and filling are excellent.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 127 mm (5″)
- Wrapper: Nicaragua
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $ N.A. – € 10.50
Nicarao Especial Reserva 2015: unlit, the cigar brings intense aromas of ripe fruit, followed by notes of cocoa and earth, enriched by woody nuances, to the nose.
The start is decidedly sapid, enriched by a spicy sensation. Very intense aromas of nuts develop, followed by less marked hints of damp earth and fresh wood. Strength is medium-light (2/5). The smoke is slightly astringent.
In the central third, the initial spiciness is lost, while the sapidity remains unchanged. The nutty aroma settles down a bit, becoming equal to the note of fresh wood. A spicy nuance also appears, where camphor emerges. The astringency from the previous third decreases slightly. Strength becomes medium (3/5).
In the last third, the sapidity remains unchanged, and the astringency is now quite enjoyable. It expresses notes of fresh wood and camphor (which, compared to the second third, increases in intensity), enriched by a nuance of cocoa. Strength becomes medium-full (4/5).
Summing up, the Nicarao Especial Reserva 2015 presents an appreciable flavor profile that seems somewhat muted, almost unable to express itself to the fullest. The smoke has a monotonous sapidity and an astringency that in the long run makes the smoke a bit pungent and difficult. The balance between aromas and strength is on the edge.