5 Vegas Classic Torpedo

In a Cigar Aficionado tasting, 5 Vegas (pronounced Cinco Vegas) was recognized as an excellent smoke, scoring an outstanding ‘90’ on their very discriminating rating scale. The line is rolled with a combination of Dominican Piloto Cubano filler, Indonesian Olor binder, and Indonesian Sumatran wrapper tobaccos. This medium-to-full-bodied premium torpedo presents a creamy, smooth character reminiscent of the marvelous cigars of old Cuba. The name 5 Vegas comes from the legendary true story behind the brand's origin, when 5 renowned tobacco farmers in old Cuba took leaves from each of their fields (known as “vegas”) and blended them to create this distinctive blend. Now rolled in Esteli, Nicaragua, this brand is one of the finer cigars on the market. Immediately note solid construction on this well-crafted tobacco-packed smoke, its ruddy Sumatran wrapper beckoning for a prompt lighting. Look for earthy tones as well as a hint of coffee bean, with an upfront spiciness that remains through the finish. Overall, a strong herbal character dominates and it produces more smoke than a 4-alarm blaze! Consider pairing it with a whiskey or Clément Rhum VSOP and plenty of ventilation.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.