Diesel Rage Torpedo

Diesel cigars have one of the best reputations in the business as does the mastermind behind the brand, Abel “A.J.” Fernandez. In addition to the Ave Maria brand we’re also featuring this month, he is known for Man O’ War, Rocky Patel’s Fusion, and ITC 10th Anniversary, among countless other stellar sticks. The Diesel Rage that you have in your shipment today is nothing short of steller and showcases a blend straight from A.J.’s farms in Nicaragua, consisting of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers and binder. To complete this medium to full bodied stogie, he drapes it in an ultra-dark Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown Oscuro wrapper. The end result offers complex and powerful yet balanced flavors of earth, vanilla, coffee, spices, and cedar. For pairing options, look to bourbon or a fine aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario.

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.