Stogie Reviews: Nestor Miranda Special Selection 20 Aniversario Oscuro Ruky

Among the newest additions to the cigar world, Nestor Miranda’s Special Selection 20 Aniversario line ranks near the top. My singular complaint has been that the line, both the Rosado and Oscuro blends, is only available in one immense (7 x 56) vitola called the “Danno.”

I can complain no longer. In June, Miami Cigar & Co.—distributor of such acclaimed brands as La Aurora, Don Lino, León Jimenes, 601, Cubao, and Mi Barrio—brought a new, more manageable size to market: a five and 5/8 inch by 52 ring gauge figurado called “Ruky” (Miranda’s childhood nickname).

As with the Danno, this 20 Aniversario vitola celebrates two decades of producing a Special Selection line named for company founder Nestor Miranda. It is crafted by Don Pepin Garcia’s son, Jaime, and made at Pepin’s Tabacalera Cubana factory.

The Ruky likewise features Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, an Estelí-grown binder, and an oily Nicaraguan habano oscuro wrapper. Its form and precision imparts an appreciation of craftsmanship, as does its well-executed pigtail cap.

Once lit, the cigar’s pre-light notes of dark chocolate and damp earth give way to a much fuller profile of pepper, bread, and spice. The draw is firm as the gray ash builds down the narrow foot. Each puff yields a decent volume of smoke.

Only a quarter inch in, the burn requires a slight touch-up to stay on track. Then, as the Ruky builds to its widest point, the taste takes on a smooth and creamy contour, only to grow in intensity shortly thereafter with notes of wood and coffee beans. Whether resting or puffed, the rich smoke fluffs off the foot effortlessly.

I was won over before midway point. Both samples that I tasted for this review serve as good reminders that, given the right blend in the right hands, it’s entirely possible to create a full-bodied, balanced stick without harshness. The satisfactory combustion qualities and unique shape only add the cigar’s performance and character.

Like the Danno, the Ruky is intended to be sold exclusively at tobacco shops, not through online retailers or catalogues. It is available in boxes of five with an MSRP of $8 apiece. That cost, in my book, is worthwhile given the Ruky’s complex flavor and high attention to detail. I won’t hesitate to reach for another Nestor Miranda Special Selection 20 Aniversario Oscuro Ruky the next time I’m looking for a powerful after-dinner companion. It earns four and a half stogies out of five.

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–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys