The Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua Toro brings a Nicaraguan twist to this classic Cuban marque. Packing 6"×54 dimensions, this box-pressed Toro features a full Habano wrapper from Estelí's volcanic soils. At $179.70 per box of 25, it sits firmly in the premium daily smoker category - not the cheapest Nicaraguan puro, but offering Plasencia's signature construction quality. Let's unpack why this blend gets recommended as a "starter Nicaraguan" among Cuban cigar veterans.
The cold draw serves peppercorn and dried fruit. Upon lighting, baking spices dominate - think nutmeg-coated cashews. Smoke production stays moderate, requiring deliberate puffing. By the inch mark, earthy undertones emerge like damp forest floor, balanced by cashew butter sweetness.
Flavors intensify without turning harsh. Cocoa powder joins the spice rack, while the retrohale delivers black pepper kick. The burn line stays sharp, though slower smokers might need a touch-up. This section feels like drinking espresso next to a cedar campfire - warm and aromatic without throat irritation.
At the band point, leather and mineral notes take over. Strength creeps up to medium-full territory. Savory fans will appreciate the umami finish reminiscent of sun-dried tomatoes, though some find the last inch overly earthy. Plan 90 minutes for full enjoyment.
The triple-cap head stays intact through precise v-cutting. Nicaraguan sun-grown wrappers show visible toothiness. While not flawless (occasional wrapper veins appear), the Plasencia factory roll maintains excellent combustion - expect 1-2 touch-ups max. The ash holds firm in 1" segments, a good sign of proper fermentation.
Grown in Estelí's mineral-rich volcanic soil, this blend showcases Nicaraguan tobacco's signature "barbecue rub" character - think paprika warmth rather than Cuban twang. Plasencia's pilones fermentation (tobacco stacked in wooden bins) mellows the raw nicotine bite while preserving oil content. This explains why the 1875 Nicaragua smokes smoother than similarly-priced Jalapa-grown alternatives.
