Hirochi Robaina Claro Toro

You may not have heard of Hirochi Robaina but you probably have smoked some of the tobacco his family is legendary for. In fact, Hirochi’s family has been growing tobacco in Cuba since the 1880’s and his grandfather, the late Alejandro Robania, at one time was considered the “Godfather” of fine tobaccos. Plus, you definately have heard of one his protégés: AJ Fernandez. Alejandro passed on the family business to Hirochi and from there Hirochi has not only upheld the family name, he expanded the business beyond Cuba to Nicaragua and has been creating top shelf premium cigars ever since. The Claro toro you have in your shipment today is one for the books. This stogie features an intricate portfolio of Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos and a Nicaraguan binder, and is topped with a stunning, rich chocolate brown Ecuadorian Habano Claro wrapper. Balanced and approachable for any palate, you’ll find notes of cream, cedar, peat, and coffee with a bit of spice on the finish. Pair with your favorite red wine.

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.