Fratello Navetta Robusto Discovery

Having debuted in 2013, the Fratello cigar brand continues to be one of the fastest growing cigar companies on the market, and for good reason. Owner Omar de Frias carefully plans out everything from the tobaccos used to how they are rolled; every detail is scrutinized, resulting in mouthwatering smokes for every palate. Its newest addition, which debuted at the IPCPR Convention and Trade Show last year, the Navetta is a tribute to all the brave men and women of NASA. Omar de Frias worked at NASA for over 12 years before working in the cigar business. “Blending Fratello Navetta was special as I wanted to translate the ultimate celebration our men and women of the space program felt after a successful mission. After being part of over 21 missions nothing beats the feeling of getting our astronauts home safe to their families. Colleagues of mine would get together and smoke a very special cigar to commemorate the occasion. This very special blend carries the ultimate feeling of innovation, duty, honor and success.”

Meaning “shuttle” in Italian, Navetta comes in four sizes, all named after NASA space shuttles. The smoke you have in your shipment today is called Discovery but there are also Endeavor, Enterprise, and Atlantis. Hailing from the Joya de Nicaragua factory, the Navetta starts with Nicaraguan fillers which are bound by a Dominican binder, then it’s topped with a delectable Ecuadorian Oscuro wrapper. Light ‘er up and get notes of roasted coffee, almonds, and hay. Our panel absolutely loved this smoke and recommended pairing it with pinot noir on a warm fall night while looking up at the stars.

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.