The Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Toro brings a 6x50 parejo-packed punch at $8.28 per stick. This box-pressed beauty combines a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with binder leaves from Nicaragua's premier growing regions. Let's see how this medium-bodied blend from Europe's oldest cigar house holds up against modern Nicaraguan powerhouses.
First Third: Immediate black pepper kick transitions into burnt toast and roasted coffee beans. Earthy undertones keep the spice in check, with Pennsylvania leaf adding subtle cedar sweetness.
Mid Section: Dark chocolate emerges as the Jalapa tobacco shines. Watch for occasional licorice notes if you're retrohaling - this is where the Ometepe filler shows its floral side.
Final Stretch: Sweetness intensifies into maple syrup territory before roasted nuts take over. The last inch brings unexpected white pepper spice, though some report slight bitterness if smoked too fast.
This cigar bridges the gap between traditional European blends and Nicaraguan powerhouses. New smokers appreciate its approachable strength while veterans enjoy hunting for hidden complexities. Pair with black coffee or bourbon - the sweetness gets overwhelmed by sugary cocktails.
