Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli Robusto

Debuting at the IPCPR (International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers) in 2011, this masterpiece is blended by none other than Alan Rubin, the founder of Alec Bradley cigars, who, since 1997, has been blending and producing cigars that have been awarded 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Insider, and Cigar Journal, just to name a few. The Black Market Esteli is no exception, having earned a 90 rating from Cigar Aficionado. This bad boy starts with a handsome and powerful Nicaraguan Habano wrapper which encloses a Sumatra binder, and is chocked full of Honduran, Panamanian, and Jamastran long-fillers. Once lit, this handmade will have nice plumes of smoke and flavors that build in strength of spice, pepper, and peaty undertones. Medium to full bodied, this is the perfect cigar to enjoy with a cappuccino out on the patio after a meal.

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.