Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask Robusto

Diesel cigars have one of the best reputations in the business and so does the mastermind behind the brand, Abdel “A.J.” Fernandez. He is known for the Man O’ War, Rocky Patel’s Fusion, Man O’ War Ruination and ITC 10th Anniversary, among other stellar sticks. Rabbit Hole Bourbon and Diesel Cigars are a match made in heaven, and the Diesel Whiskey Row was released in 2018 becoming an instant hit to aficionados everywhere. This follow-up smoke used barrels that originally contained 30-year old Pedro Ximenez Sherry which were sent to Rabbit Hole to produce their PX Sherry Finish Bourbon before arriving at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. The blend consists of Nicaraguan fillers with a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, but the pièce de resistance is a barrel-aged Brazilian Arapiraca binder. With Sherry influenced flavors, expect medium to full notes of dark fruit, cedar, pepper, and chocolate. A truly unique smoke that received a 93-rating from Cigar Aficionado, pair it with something simple like a club soda.

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.