Nica Libre Sun Grown Box-Pressed Toro

Nica Libre’s goal is simple: produce traditional and complex blends that can be enjoyed by everyone at affordable prices. After years of refining blends, Nica Libre released the Sun Grown to join the cult following of their core lines. Handmade in Nicaragua, the first thing that you’ll notice is the chocolate brown Sun Grown Habano wrapper leaf that is draped over the habano binder, which in turn hugs a bevy of premium Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos. With a bold Cuban-esque profile, expect medium to full bodied notes of cashews, cedar, and hints of spice on the finish. We paired our smoke with a bright sauvignon blanc; one panel member recommended 2019 Spottswoode Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.

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.