La Gloria Cubana Esteli

The aromas, which waft from an unlit La Gloria Cubana Esteli, are deceptively simple, mostly fermented tobacco and crisp cedar, but a cold draw test will preview a more exciting experience. The golden-brown and solidly constructed barrel of each hefty stick allows a steady airflow laden with cocoa, cracked pepper, and black tea, flavors, which come alive once a flame is applied. Creamy and smooth, the dense smoke that flows to the palate combines layers of savory tastes like leather, cashew, and espresso while a salted caramel sweetness lingers in the background. There's even a touch of lemon zest to be found in the retrohale, a refreshing counterpoint to the darker earth and exotic spices that develop during the latter stages of the rather slow burn.

It's always exciting when a cigar of this caliber is priced to compete with so-called 'budget' sticks of far lesser quality, but this might just be the bargain of the century, especially for those aficionados who enjoy the fuller side of the flavor spectrum. Discover or reinforce your love for Nicaraguan cigars by choosing a handful or two of La Gloria Cubana Esteli, now, a decision that you'll appreciate for the rest of your smoking days.