Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva Belicoso

The Joya Gran Reserva Belicoso is a 6 by 54 torpedo. This was an interesting cigar with a mild Cuban like flavour and aroma in the first two thirds, developing into a more full bodied cigar in the final third. 

Appearance and Construction: A very solidly constructed cigar, heavy in the hand. The wrapper is a beautiful colorado shade.

First Puff: Very smooth. No harsh introduction.

Draw and Burn: Draw was a bit resistant throughout. There were times when several puffs were necessary to get a decent draw. Burn was adequate. A couple of touch ups were required.

Flavour and Complexity: Flavour was a deliciously smooth Pinar del Rio Cuban flavour, similar to the fake Cohibas that I reviewed recently. During the final third, flavour intensified to a medium roast spicy flavour, which was well complemented by an increase in strength.

Body: Light body for the first half or more, increasing to a full body in the final third. 

Strength: No strength to speak of until the final third, at which point strength increased conspicuously.

Finish and Aftertaste: Finish was a bit short. I rarely put the cigar down to rest for long. I expected this would lead to a maximum of 70 minutes. But I was gratified that the cigar lasted 90 minutes, largely due to the increase in strength. 

Aroma: Delicious, smooth, complex aroma. I could easily have mistaken the cigar for a Cuban.

Ash: A bit flaky. 

Balance and Consistency: The first third or two were a bit lacking in body at times. But the final third made up for this.

Time smoke: 95 minutes.

Overall: A very interesting cigar: the transition from mild, light roasted coffee flavour to a medium roast, full bodied cigar in the final third kept my attention. Quite satisfying and good to the nub. 

This was a cigar that came to life in the final third.

February 14th, 2022: No transitions to speak of. Mild to medium body. Flavour was the same dried apricot, light roast as the previous. Quite pleasant. Burn was fast and even. Draw was easy. Aroma was delicious and rich. Finish was reasonably long. But there wasn't much flavour in it. An increase in strength or spice in the second half, as occurred with the previous cigar, would have satisfied more. 75 minutes to the nub. Pleasant. But not satisfying.