El Baton Robusto

Originally debuting as a nickel cigar in 1914, the El Baton has made a recent comeback and most will say that it is better than ever. Now offered by the J.C. Newman Company, this spicy Nicaraguan puro debuted again in October 2008 as a single size with rave reviews by critics including a 93 point rating from Cigar Aficionado. Now in three sizes and handmade at the Tabacalera San Rafael in Estelí, Nicaragua, this spicy fella starts with carefully selected Nicaraguan long-fillers and binder, and is topped with a stunningly handsome Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper. Bold to the nub, this medium to full bodied smoke lends flavors of nuts, coffee, spice, and raisins, with hints of sweetness. We loved this cigar and it pairs beautifully with a dark rum.

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.