Reviews
Date Added: Wednesday 03 September, 2025
Flor De Oliva Robusto Cigar - 1 Single
by Richard
The Flor de Oliva was a pleasant surprise, considering it’s one of the more budget-friendly cigars I’ve come across. Right away, it delivered a nice balance of flavors: earthy, slightly sweet, with touches of cedar and nuts. The construction wasn’t flawless—there were a couple of uneven burn issues—but overall it smoked much better than I expected at this price. The draw was easy, producing plenty of smoke, which made it enjoyable to puff on. About halfway through, I noticed a more pronounced sweetness, almost like caramel, mixed with a bit of spice. It’s not overly complex, but it doesn’t feel boring either. The strength is medium, making it approachable for someone like me still learning what I like. Toward the end, it picked up a little more body, with more wood and spice, though it never got harsh. This cigar feels like a great daily option—affordable enough not to worry about, but flavorful enough to keep you interested. It’s not in the same league as some of the premium cigars I’ve tried, but it definitely punches above its weight.
Rating: 7/10
Date Added: Wednesday 03 September, 2025
The Joya Antaño Robusto is probably the strongest cigar I’ve tried so far, and it definitely taught me to respect full-bodied smokes. Right off the bat, there’s a hit of black pepper and spice that wakes up your palate. It’s earthy, leathery, and has a bold espresso-like bitterness that feels very “serious.” At first, I thought it might be too much for me, but as I slowed down and adjusted to the intensity, I started noticing more balance: some sweetness in the background, a bit of cocoa, and an almost honeyed undertone if I really focused. The construction was excellent—firm ash, slow burn, and lots of thick smoke. This is not a casual cigar to puff without attention; it demands focus and rewards it with layers of flavor. By the final third, the power is undeniable, but it doesn’t lose its character. For me, it’s not an everyday cigar—I don’t think I’m ready for that level of strength all the time—but it gave me a glimpse of what full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars are all about. It was bold, flavorful, and memorable.
Rating: 8/10
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: Wednesday 03 September, 2025
Romeo y Julieta No. 2 Tubed Cigar - 1 Single
by Richard
The Romeo y Julieta No. 2 was one of the first Cuban cigars I really sat down and paid attention to, and I can see why it’s considered a classic. From the first puff, it had this elegance that made me slow down and appreciate what was happening. The flavors are smooth and refined—wood, leather, and a touch of spice, but nothing harsh. There’s also a creamy sweetness that reminded me of almonds or marzipan, which played beautifully with the cedar notes. The construction was flawless: even burn, steady draw, and that lovely white Cuban ash that you hear people talk about. It felt like it was teaching me what a well-made cigar should be. As it developed, I picked up some floral undertones and a little bit of nuttiness, which made each puff feel slightly different. I smoked this slowly, and it rewarded me with over an hour of satisfaction without ever becoming bitter. Honestly, as someone exploring cigars seriously for the first time, this felt like a big step up in quality and enjoyment. It gave me a real appreciation for why Cuban cigars are so highly regarded.
Rating: 9/10
