Hammer & Sickle Tradicion Toro

Known also for their exquisite vodka, Hammer & Sickle cigars are one of the fastest growing boutique brands in the cigar industry after launching in 2010. Creator Eric Hanson adopted the symbol of Russia as the cigar’s logo but points out that it does not represent the Soviet Union but symbolizes Russia’s industrial north and agrarian south and is a heritage symbol and not political. The Tradicion cigar you have in your shipment today embarks on a journey of tradition over what is currently trending. It’s hand-rolled in Nicaragua and features a blend of three year old Dominican tobaccos which are secured by a Dominican binder and cloaked with a handsome, rich, and creamy five year old Connecticut shade wrapper. Mild to medium bodied, expect flavors of cream, pepper, cedar, citrus, and leather. Great for any time of day, try it with an afternoon espresso.

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.