Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Consul
28 Jan 2013
These days, when you think of Joya de Nicaragua, you might think of CyB, the company’s newest line, or José Blanco, its popular and prolific senior vice president. You may even think of Drew Estate, which distributes Joya de Nicaragua cigars in the U.S.
Just a few years ago, though, I’d bet the first thing to come to mind would be Antaño, Joya de Nicaragua’s strong line of rich cigars that was introduced in 2002. The aptly-named Antaño blend (which translates to “yesteryearâ€) was crafted, according to Joya’s website, “as a tribute to recapture the power and essence of the puro that made this legendary brand the most sought-after cigar in the U.S. in the post-Cuban Embargo 1970s.â€
Ten Antaño vitolas are available, including Consul (4.5 x 52), which retails in the affordable $5-6 range. It is handmade in Estel×at a factory I’ve personally had the privilege to tour with Blanco and Jonathan Drew—and is intended to be “an ultra-robust, spicy smoke with unbridled body and aroma.â€
This stout, old-school cigar is firm with a dense packing of tobaccos. The Habano-seed wrapper is moderately oily with only the thinnest veins, and the rough cap cuts to reveal a smooth pre-light draw. The fragrance at the foot is of cocoa, earth, and hay.
After establishing an even light, a profile of cedar and black pepper hits hard, followed by a solid nicotine kick. The aroma is sweet and almost creamy—a nice contrast to the powerful taste of the smoke. The texture is thick and leathery. Halfway through, a dried fruit flavor emerges. Nothing terribly complex going on here, just traditional, tasty, and straightforward.
As with most cigars, smoking the Antaño 1970 Consul slowly and through the nose pays great dividends, putting all the flavors on full display and keeping the bold smoke from becoming hot or harsh. I never like to rush a cigar, especially one that smokes so well. The Consul has a wonderful burn line, an easy draw that produces ample smoke, and a solid ash that holds firm.
This creation stands as a great example that a cigar doesn’t have to be new or trendy to be good. A classic-tasting, full-bodied, after-dinner smoke at a reasonable price, the Antaño 1970 Consul earns three and a half stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
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Did this only get 3.5 stogies due to lack of complexity? It seems there were no negatives in your review.
I have two in my humidor that are about 10 years old. It might be time to fire one up.
I enjoyed this cigar, and 3.5 stogies is a solid score. That said, yes, the overall lack of complexity contributed to it not earning, say, 4 stogies.
I will continue to buy and enjoy the Consul vitola. But does it stack up to the cigars that earn 4 or 4.5 stogies? For me, not quite.
My favorite vitola of the Joya De Nicaragua Antaño 1970 line is the Alisado (6 x 52 Box Pressed Toro). Note that I have an affinity for Box-Pressed cigars and a lot of my go to favorites are Box-Pressed.
Sounds like a good smoke, but I'll pass, just a little to strong for me.
Sounds like a great smoke!
3,5 half? Depends on personal taste. For me 4,5. Love this cigar.
Great review. Enjoyed reading it while enjoying the consul. I would say the strength of this cigar hides the complex flavors. It's very subtle and mostly masked. But the buzz, if you enjoy a hearty peppery blend, is a great trade off. It's not the type of buzz that gets you nauseous either. Well into the gut, almost wants to read you a lullabye and your masculinity is only tempting your ego to listen. Def one to end your day with and leave your mental troubles behind with.
Wow, that is a perfect description of how this cigar tastes. Outstanding review!