I have always believed that beautiful things never end; yes, there may be short pauses, but they will never cease to exist. Just as great books require fantastic sequels, so do premium cigar brands with an everlasting legacy. Aganorsa Leaf is a vertically integrated company renowned for its iconic Nicaraguan blend and classic Cuban flavor and aroma. As every cigar aficionado knows, each tobacco crafted under their watchful eye goes through a meticulous production process — from scratch to finish — to warrant an excellent smoke. After the Siboney Reserve was launched in 2019, another famous smoke shop exclusive was rolled in perfection. From there, the Siboney Reserve Maduro was introduced to the market, continuing the never faltering prime quality that an old Cuban cigar brand possessed.
As the sun sets, I thought of starting my evening right, so I’ve got a rum poured into the glass, added little ice cubes, and a slice of lime — perfect! For the star of this night, there is no better option than to go for a stick of a beautifully dark Siboney Reserve Maduro Robusto. My my my, how can I deny my palate from the pleasure it desires?
| Wrapper Origin: Mexico | Shape: Robusto |
| Length: 5.25 | Ring: 50 |
| Wrapper: San Andres | List Price: $80 (Box of 10) |
| Origin: Nicaragua | Strength: Medium |
Pull of Cigar
Aganorsa Leaf expands its factories in Estelí, Jalapa, and Miami, Florida, so it is no surprise that the Siboney Reserve Maduro Robusto captures a superior blend expected from fine tobacco cultivated in Nicaragua. This cigar is overlaid with an even, ebony color Mexican San Andrés wrapper, perfected by an Aganorsa estate-grown Nicaraguan binder and filler. Merely from first sight, I can already tell that it’s a good cigar and is something worth sharing with friends who enjoy inexpensive medium-plus smoke. Given its superb quality, I was surprised that it’s sold for less than ten bucks (even cheaper when they’re on sale).
Mostly seamless, this cigar has given me a wonderful sight showing off how softly it was box-pressed, almost appearing to be a barrel in shape. Upon running in onto my palm, I figured that it was amply filled with tobaccos making it impossible to detect any soft spots along its length. And of course, I wouldn’t forget its lovely triple-seam cap that is confidently sitting on the head like it knows that it’s the place where it should be. As for the cold draw, think of these delectable flavors: coffee, cocoa, and nutmeg — encapsulated just on the tip to further lure its willing captives.
Taste
Immediately after kissing my palate, this cigar began to narrate an interesting story. The tale starts with solid pepper notes laced with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of chocolate. Interestingly, both flavors are in harmony, filling what is missing and empowering each other’s weaknesses. As I savor the first two inches, the intensity toned down a bit, paving the way for the nuances of espresso and nuts to shine. A satisfying creaminess also dwelled in my mouth, enhancing every flavor playing inside. I wonder what awaits as I proceed for another thrilling puff.
Going halfway and beyond, I was consistently impressed with the smooth turn of flavors. This maduro cigar rounds out into a complex smoke, rewarding my palate with leather, cedar, and earth notes. Very intrigued, I was somehow hoping for the sweetness to reveal itself fully. However, until the finish, it was content to be just lingering in the background, turning itself into a sweet mystery.
Overall Review of Siboney Reserve Maduro Robusto
Siboney Reserve Maduro Robusto is an epitome of a reasonably-priced premium cigar with unequaled Cuban-Esque style perfection. True to its dark wrapper, this stogie has delivered a full-flavored smoke layered with intricacy. It has burned sharply, and I’d be lying if I say that I was not mesmerized by its firm and grayish ash. The blend of black pepper, coffee grinds, damp earth, sea salt, and sweet spice will not disappoint you. Generally, this cigar is a must-try, especially for those who love potent, well-balanced Nicaraguan cigars. For the final verdict, I found this guilty for a 90.
Other Cigars Reviews
Other Medium-Strength Cigars
AVO Syncro Nicaragua
The AVO Syncro Nicaragua cigar, deviating from the brand’s usual Dominican blend, introduces a unique mix of Nicaraguan Ometepe, Peruvian Olancho, Dominican Piloto Cubano, and other select leaves, standing out as the first box-pressed variant in the line. This medium-bodied offering captivates with an intricate tapestry of flavors, including dominant notes of coffee and leather, nuanced by creaminess, grass, and subtle floral, pepper, and spice hints. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper presents an oily, dark brown aesthetic, encasing a well-constructed cigar that promises an easy draw, consistent burn, and firm ash, despite its robust packing. The smoking experience unfolds in a rich, balanced progression of flavors, with coffee taking the lead, complemented by a spectrum of other tastes that maintain presence but vary in intensity. Given its complexity and smooth, well-rounded profile, it’s recommended for leisurely enjoyment, pairing excellently with evening beverages like wine or coffee, suitable for both novices and seasoned aficionados. This exceptional smoke is not only a testament to craftsmanship but also an invitation to savor a layered, satisfying experience, as evident in this review of AVO Syncro Nicaragua.
Tatuaje Cabaiguan Guapos
The Tatuaje Cabaiguan Guapos, crafted by Pete Johnson and inspired by a Cuban town, presents a medium to full-bodied experience, highlighted by flavors of cedar, floral notes, cream, and spice. Despite its Ecuadorian origin and Connecticut Shade wrapper, the cigar’s appearance is notably rugged, with a lumpy, veiny surface contrasting its light brown hue. A distinctive pigtail cap and a color-complementary band somewhat redeem the aesthetic. Initial smoking phases reveal a bitterness subdued over time, giving way to dominant cedar and creamy tones, with persistent yet not overpowering spice, particularly notable on the retro-hale. While the draw and burn quality is commendable and occasional pleasant flavors emerge, the cigar lacks complexity and, considering its price point fails to deliver a justifiable value, leading to reservations about repurchasing in this review of Tatuaje Cabaiguan Guapos.
Other Nicaraguan Cigar Reviews
CAO Brazilia Gol
CAO cigars are famed for their high quality, fine tobacco, and broad flavor varieties, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts. The CAO Brazilia Gol, particularly notable among the brand’s offerings, is handmade in Nicaragua and known for its distinctive flavor and smooth smoking experience, with medium to full body strength. This cigar, featuring a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, long Nicaraguan filler, and binder, boasts a dark, firm, and vein-free body. The band pays homage to Brazil, mirroring the country’s flag colors and incorporating the “CAO” logo. Initial smoking phases reveal flavors like toasted cedar, nuts, and pepper, transitioning through sweetness and pecan, ending with a dominant toasted cedar and fruity sweetness. Despite its snug draw and some construction issues in the final third, the cigar offers a complex, enjoyable flavor profile. The inconsistencies in the latter part, however, prevent it from being flawless, yet its rich flavors and cultural embodiment make it an intriguing choice for aficionados, as indicated in this review of CAO Brazilia Gol.
Rocky Patel Edge Habano Torpedo
The Rocky Patel Edge Habano Torpedo, an innovative addition to the celebrated Edge line by Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, is a medium to full-bodied cigar originating from Nicaragua. Notable for its intricate blend of Nicaraguan tobacco, this cigar stands out for its distinctive torpedo shape and robust, multifaceted flavor profile that includes creamy, nutty, and woody notes with hints of coffee, cedar, and pepper. Its construction is admirable, featuring a velvety, semi-finished, medium dark chocolate-colored wrapper and a unique marine blue band with cursive inscriptions. The smoking experience is marked by an abundance of smoke, a pleasant draw, and a complexity of flavors that evolve throughout the smoking phases, concluding with an intense creaminess and absence of pepper in the final third. This high-quality, complex cigar offers a long burn time and consistent draw, prompting enthusiasts to consider adding it to their collections following a positive review of the Rocky Patel Edge Habano Torpedo.
