These were originally made by Tabacalera Tropical and got VERY mixed reviews. Now with this new version, Rocky Patel is at the helm and the new Nicarao is being made at the El Paraiso factory (Nestor Plasencia) in Honduras but they are still an all Nicaraguan blend.

I never had the TT version so I can't compare. I'm sure billybarue and OHMatt have both smoked them, so maybe they can chime in. :-)


Draw is a tad loose but the cigar is solidly rolled and doesn't feel light in the hand. Wrapper is a nice color with a few large veins and a couple of water spots. Prelight draw/aroma is pure tobacco.

First 1/3

VERY woody flavor. Honestly reminds me of some of the Clear Havanas I've tried. Woody flavor on the draw and a horseradish-like bite in the nose. Finish is a nice, gingery/baking spice kind of flavor. About 1" in, the wood flavor and bite in the nostrils remains, but the finish is getting a bit longer and has a nice sweetness to it. Burn is not perfect but no touchups required.


I was going to review this cigar in thirds, but barely into the second 1/3 the flavor profile did a 180 on me. The bite in the nostrils is still very present, but the wood flavor has calmed down and the finish is taking on a very sweet almond or amaretto kind of flavor, almost like almond extract. I am diggin' this cigar so far. I am surprised that the loose draw hasn't created a fast or hot burn. This stick is burning cool and slow.

By around the halfway point, the almond/amaretto flavor is now dominating and the wood is in the background. Also gotta say, the aroma coming from the foot is NICE. I'm done typing, I'm just gonna finish this cigar. :-)



Let 'er die at around 1".


Final thoughts

What a fantastic blend. A total flavor bomb without ever getting harsh. It was apparent that the tobacco was properly fermented and aged. Really impressive cigar for a house brand.
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