Reviews
Date Added: Wednesday 03 September, 2025
The Joya Black Label has been one of the most exciting cigars I’ve smoked so far. It’s wrapped in a dark Mexican San Andrés wrapper, which gives it a rich, bold appearance that immediately sets the tone. The first few draws were earthy and slightly sweet, with cocoa and espresso notes right from the start. I was a little nervous it would be too strong, but it stayed smooth and well-balanced the whole way through. The pepper and spice were present but not overwhelming, adding complexity without harshness. Midway, I noticed a subtle creaminess blending with the darker flavors, which really kept my interest. The burn was perfect—razor sharp and steady. This cigar felt a little more “serious” than some of the lighter smokes I’ve tried, but in a good way. It showed me how a darker wrapper can bring depth without being overpowering. The aroma was rich, almost chocolatey, which I really enjoyed. Toward the final third, the strength picked up, but it stayed pleasant and flavorful rather than bitter. For me, this felt like a big step in my cigar journey—bold but still approachable.
Rating: 9
Date Added: Wednesday 03 September, 2025
The Joya Red Label has been one of the most approachable Nicaraguan cigars I’ve tried so far. It’s marketed as vibrant and medium-bodied, and I’d agree with that. Right away, I got a burst of earthy spice that was lively but not aggressive. There’s also a slight sweetness—like dried fruit—woven into the smoke, which balances things nicely. The construction was solid: the draw was easy and the burn line stayed sharp almost the whole way through. As the cigar developed, I picked up more cedar and a bit of cocoa, giving it a warmer character. It’s not as creamy or mild as some of the others I’ve tried, but it’s also not a powerhouse—perfect middle ground. What stood out most to me was the consistency: each puff delivered the same balanced mix of earth, pepper, and subtle sweetness. Toward the end, it built into a stronger finish, with more spice and richness, but it never crossed into harsh territory. For someone like me learning to appreciate the differences in cigars, this was a great introduction to the “classic Nicaraguan” flavor profile. I’d definitely smoke it again.
Rating: 8/10
Date Added: Wednesday 03 September, 2025
This cigar immediately caught my attention with its dual wrapper—the creamy Ecuadorian Connecticut on top and Nicaraguan binder/filler underneath. For a newer smoker like me, the Cabinetta was both approachable and exciting. The first few draws were creamy and light, with subtle hints of sweetness and toasted nuts. As I progressed, more earthy and woody notes came forward, along with that signature Joya spice, though much softer than some of their bolder blends. The burn was steady, and I enjoyed the visual appeal of the two-toned wrapper burning down. About halfway in, it became more complex: cream mixed with a little cocoa and hints of leather. It’s medium-bodied at most, which makes it perfect for someone like me who doesn’t want to be overpowered but still wants character in the smoke. The aroma was very pleasant—sweet and nutty rather than strong or heavy. Overall, this felt like a cigar designed to bridge the gap between mild and strong smokes, offering enough flavor to keep me engaged without overwhelming my palate. It’s also just a fun-looking cigar to smoke, and I think that
Date Added: Sunday 31 August, 2025
The J Cortes Orange Tubed Corona was a proper sit-down smoke for me, lasting around an hour, maybe a touch more. I liked the flavour, smooth but with enough depth to keep it interesting. It comes ready-punched, which makes life easier, and the nicotine kick is strong, so it’s not something I’d hand to a beginner. For the price though, it’s excellent value, and the fact it comes tubed means you don’t really need a humidor if you plan to smoke it within a year or so. I enjoyed mine out in the garden with a vodka and some coconut water ice cubes, a surprisingly good match for me personally. Overall, a solid cigar when you’ve got the time to relax.
Date Added: Friday 29 August, 2025
Excellent quality at a very low price! Brilliant construction, smooth draw, the most even burn I’ve seen a cigar for a long time, did not need any touch ups. In terms of the flavour profile, it as expected at this price point. There are some hints of expresso and dark chocolate but ever so faint. At this price point this cigar cannot be judged too harshly.
Date Added: Tuesday 19 August, 2025
I like a Short Gordo - a nice big ring guage without a 2hr smoke time. Sadly, the flavours of this cigar were not to my personal liking.
It lasted me a leisurely 1hour, though it suffered throughout with uneven burning, requiring a few touch-ups, but the ash held well. As I removed the band, a portion of the wrapper lifted away with it making the last third a trickier smoke.
Not bad, but not great, and not one for me.
