Bahia Gold Torpedo

Since Bahia Gold cigars debuted in 1997, these rich, medium-bodied Nicaraguan handmades have become Tony Borhani's flagship cigars. This is a well-aged cigar in which the filler is comprised of four- to five-year-aged Dominican Ligero, Seco and Viso leaves; the binder is a four-year-aged Dominican leaf, and the wrapper is a four-year-aged Ecuadorian sun-grown, Sumatran-seed leaf. So, four years or more of aging on every leaf in this cigar might seem enough, but after rolling, they're laid down for another full year to mature! With its slight box-press and its oily wrapper, the Bahia's construction and presentation impressed our panel. They found the burn and draw consistent from one cigar to the next. Amidst clouds of thick, hearty smoke, spicy flavors predominate, complemented by rich coffee and dark chocolate overtones. Note the firm white ash, a clear sign of not only age, but properly aged tobaccos. While this cigar is already older than most kids starting their scholastic careers, it will keep in your humidor for years to come. Bahia Gold stogies' rich, complex and full-bodied flavors will appeal to more seasoned cigar aficionados. A couple of suggestions to complement this versatile smoke: a moderately peppery 100% Blue Agave Tequila or a bold imperial stout such as Stoudt's Fat Dog.

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.