Quick Draw: VegaFina Nicaragua

VegaFina is the latest Altadis USA brand with a Nicaraguan puro in its line-up, following Romeo Y Julieta’s RyJ, Montecristo’s Espada, and the Juan Lopez. The VegaFina Nicaragua is produced at Tabacalera de Garcia in the Dominican Republic. VegaFina has been known as a valued-price brand and the Nicaragua is no different, ranging in price from $5.50 to $6.25. At this time, the Nicaragua is offered in three vitolas: Corona (5 3/4 by 42), Robusto (5 by 50), and Gran Toro (6 by 52).

The Facts

Samples Provided by Altadis USA
Price:$6.25
Vitola: Gran Toro
Size: 6 by 52
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano 2000 (Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaraguan Seco (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero (Jalapa), Nicaraguan Viso (Esteli), and Nicaraguan Seco (Jalapa)

The VegaFina Nicaragua by Altadis USA wears a dark tan wrapper that is consistent in color. While there are some small veins and bumps, the wrapper leaf is velvety to the touch. Soft wood notes are found on the wrapper and the unlit foot gives off chocolate and cherry flavors.

The first third of the VegaFina Nicaragua produced a chewy smoke with rich woodsy notes and a decent amount of spice that warmed my palate on the chilly Upper Peninsula evening. As the cigar progressed some natural tobacco sweetness added a nice touch and rounded out the profile. Retrohaling the smoke early on was overwhelming with sharp black pepper spice, but became much more manageable as burned down. By the end of the cigar, I found my self retrohaling every few puffs.  As I closed out this stick, I noted an underlying citrus, toasted bread flavors, and the core flavors of natural tobacco, woodsy notes, and pepper. Throughout the entire smoke, the flavors remained in the medium to full arena, and I would rate the strength at the low end of medium.

A copious amount of smoke was produced with each draw. The mouth feel that began chewy, became thinner in the second third, and creamy in the final third. The VegaFina Nicargua formed a beautiful white ash as the cigar burned evenly with its razor sharp burn-line.

For just over $6, the VegaFina Nicaragua delivers. This cigar could easily fit into my rotation as the price is reasonable, flavors are solid, and the performance is exceptional.