La Perla Habana Classic Belicoso

La Perla Habana is one of the most coveted labels in cigar history. Two of the industry’s most respected entrepreneurs took it upon themselves to recreate this well-known Cuban brand outside the control of the communist regime. We think they’ve done an exceptional job with this highly rated line right down to the level of detail in re-creating the band to exacting standards. The line featured this month was reborn almost a century after it was first produced. Sergio Cuevas and Doug Wood have created a cigar in which commitment, quality, and flavor are the sole concerns. Using closely guarded techniques to age and blend the tobaccos, these men have produced a cigar that is worthy of the name, the Pearl of Habana. Also hailing from Nicaragua, La Perla Habana features an Indonesian wrapper and Nicaraguan binder, and is full of a three-country blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan long-fillers. Medium-bodied with complex flavors, expect notes of earth, cedar, and spices. Perfect for any time of day, try it mid-morning with a cappuccino.

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.