Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto

Overall Score

1 review for Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto

  1. N*** D***

    Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto

    Origin : NicaraguaJoya de Nicaragua
    Format : Robusto
    Size : 140 x 21 mm (5 1/2 x 52)
    Ring : 52
    Wrapper : Nicaraguan Habano Criollo
    Filler : Nicaraguan Habano
    Binder : Nicaraguan Habano
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$6 each

    On a recent visit to one of my favorite local tobacconists I found a half box of these in prime condition. Without hesitation I purchased them. It has recently been brought to my attention that the Antano (Sp. Yesteryear) 1970 blend is to be discontinued and rebranded by Drew Estates under the Casa Magna band (see Norman’s comment below). As such, I have been stockpiling this blend in its current incarnation as I am unaware to what, if any, changes are in store for this blend.

    Joya De Nicaragua (Sp. Jewel of Nicaragua) holds an interesting, if not prominent place in modern 20th Century cigar history. Tobacos Puros de Nicaragua S.A. was the first factory established in the fabled Esteli Valley region of Nicaragua. Consistently this region has produced some of the finest tobaccos and highest quality handmade cigars in recent memory. Founded in 1968 it was the cigar of Presidential Administrations in the years following the Cuban embargo of 1964. In the 70’s its quality and flavor were renowned, considered to be the very finest in the world at that time, it rivaled Havana production during that period.

    Nearly brought to the brink of extinction during the Sandinista Revolution, it was returned to prominence and accolades in 2002. The Antano 1970 blend is a return to those bygone days of the 70’s. By re-enlisting the master blenders and torcedors of that storied era for this project, Joya De Nicaragua has truly recaptured its former glory, providing for your enjoyment a genuine “Jewel”, that is more than worthy of your time and attention.

    Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto

    Appearance : [rating:5/5]
    This cigar presents itself with total class and beauty. It is dressed in a stunningly beautiful Rosado colored Nicaraguan Habano Criollo wrapper that is without flaw. Color is consistent from the toe to its double cap. The classy Gold and Red with Green appointments band provides stunning contrast. It is a work of art.

    Construction : [rating:5/5]
    There are seemingly no bumps on the body. This cigar feels very substantial in the hand, possessing considerable mass. Closer scrutiny reveals no soft spots, and it is nearly devoid of any discernable veins. It produces a perfect draw with generous amounts of decadent and luxurious gray white smoke. Burn is precise requiring no maintenance. Band is easily removed with no interference to the wrapper.

    Flavor : [rating:5/5]
    The first third provided a first palette that is sweet, with flavors of cherries and raisin. It is producing generous volumes of gray white smoke. It possesses a precise burn and a wonderfully smooth and cool draw. Second palette is of sweet coffee and cream with an elegant aroma of cocoa and cedar. Closing out the first third is a rather full shot of nicotine that settles the stomach nicely.

    Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto

    In the second third the first palette reveals a mild Scotch Bonnet pepper spice with notes of apricot and fresh almond. Second palette is of hot espresso. The tantalizing aroma of coca and cedar persists. Burn remains perfect with a light gray, tightly formed ash that holds strong to the body. The smoke being produced is luxurious and in pleasing volumes, yielding a cool and effortless draw.

    During the final third the first palette is leathery with red pepper spiciness with a second palette of Allspice and syrupy sweetness. The aromas and volumes of smoke from the preceding thirds are consistent. The draw continues to be spot on flawless. The finish is slightly bright, long and lingering with a smooth Crème de Menthe spice. It affords one many opportunities to revisit and reflect.

    Value : [rating:5/5]
    With a price point from $7USD retail to Sub $3 wholesale it affords access to virtually anyone in search of a unique and very memorable cigar smoking experience.

    Overall Rating : [rating:5/5]
    I was absorbed by this experience. It continually kept me on my toes, requiring my total concentration lest I be swept away by its character, at a loss for words to describe. This cigar requires a commitment of one’s time; you shall not be able to power through it. I also, regrettably so, cannot recommend this cigar to the newly initiated. It is a powerful smoke that likely would leave the neophyte grabbing for the wall long before the close of the first third. I also must recommend a fairly well developed palette, or perhaps the desire to sharpen one’s discernment.

    Brilliant execution in construction and design, impressive flavor profile and a very attractive price point. It is very tough to beat this cigar. I give this cigar a Strong Buy recommendation.

    I know that this blend is aged for a considerable time before being released for consumption. I am curious as to what a little more age might do in terms of developing additional finesse to its flavor profile. As I now currently own 4 full boxes of these I will let you know of my discoveries in the coming years. I wish to thank you for joining me on this journey. It has been a pleasure to share it with you.

    Pairing recommendations: I would advise coupling this cigar with Flor De Cana Centanarios 18 yr. old rum, neat. This being sipping rum, any mixing of it would be criminal. Also I would recommend a quality hazelnut dark chocolate, as that would serve as a stellar compliment to this smoke, affording a truly luxurious experience. Live well my friends.

    [sz]joya antano[/sz]

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • C**** O*

      Just had my first Antano 1970 today that was recomended to me by my local shop when I asked for a good full bodied as I’m usually a mild guy. I have to say I was really impressed by the complex earthy tones with the 1970 and enjoyed how they seemed to come and go as I hit the half way point on it. I think I’ve found my new everyday smoke that doesn’t break the bank.

      Chris O.
      Los Angeles, Ca

    • B******

      Bad very bad cigar, i have to returned…burn like joint…

    • C**** D***

      I appreciate the fine management folks at JDN and DE being involved in the meaningful and ongoing discussion about their cigars with regular Joe’s like the ones posting comments here. Collectively, these two companies produce (in my humble opinion) some of the finest cigars on the planet. JDN Antano 1970 Belicoso and Liga Privada T52 Toro are as close to perfection as a natural product can be. Keep up the great work, gents!

    • K***

      I’m a bit of a newb to finer cigars aside from the 10 or so different Cuban cigars I smoked while deployed to UAE. A friend of mine has introduced me to many new cigars and has recommended some excellent smokes. While at my favorite cigar shop here in Oklahoma City stocking up on smokes, the JDN 1970 Antano was suggested. I bought 3 and after the first one, I had my new favorite stogie! I bought more and gave one to my friend (the same friend who reignited my taste in cigars). He smoked the JDN and said it was, “hands down, the worst cigar he’s ever had!” Many of the characteristics he described were nothing like what I experienced with the JDNs. Is it possible the cigar was a “lemmon”? Possibly over humidified? He described horrible acid tastes on his back pallet, and a very tight draw. I never experienced any of those characteristics in the JDNs I’ve smoked. I’m letting the rest of the batch I recently purchased age for at least a week in my humidor before seeing if I get similar results. Any insight would be great and much appreciated.

    • D** H****

      Can we get these in Florida? Love these cigars! I had found some decent ones in Panama, but none like the one my Dad brough home!

    • m****

      Thank you Steve for your suggestion on the JDN Clasico Claro. In my quest to find my 1985 cigar I was given a Clasico Claro from my local cigar shop and lit it up a few days ago. It was a beautiful looking cigar, but fell a bit short as far as bringing me back to the 1985 I remember. However with all this honesty going around, my palate has changed from 1985. I sent an e-mail to Norman Lugar and he suggested the Cabinetta as a reuniting to the Brand. I have yet to try it. But with all the reviews I’ve read, plus my Brothers endorsement I just might like it. Again thanks so much to You and Norman for giving me valuable information to inhance my future cigar pleasures. I will indeed try the Clasico again. Every cigar deserves a second chance.

    • S**** S***

      Got hit with a link via email today for this blog due to Micah’s post which prompted me to revisit the page… First I want to say thanks to the Editors for correcting the info and doing it in a way that alleviates any confusion. The net is great thing, but it almost impossible to get mis-info corrected once it goes out into ‘net cloud.

      While reading the blog post and comments it also made me think how even in this rush to always get “new” and “improved” cigar brands to market to satisfy consumer’s desires it is remarkably striking that one thing never ever changes: Great is Great – Antano 1970 is a full bodied puro blend that has withstood the test of decades of smokers and continues to grow while hundreds of other full bodied cigars have come, gotten ridiculously high ratings, been all the buzz to then disappear into the trash bin of cigar history.

      I guess what I am trying to say is seldom is “new” actually improved…

      BR,

      Steve Saka
      Prez, Drew Estate

      ps for Micah: The JDN cigar you smoke in 1985 that was “mild and creamy” is still available, same exact blend, it is branded as Joya de Nicaragua Clasico Claro – it can be harder to find though because the trend is towards the stronger darker smokes these days however, any retailer that stocks JDN can order you box to smoke if you ask them to do so.

    • m****

      This cigar kicked my ass! I enjoyed the second half more than the first. 1st half diplayed to much wood and red pepper through the nose to distinguish any other flavors. Interesting smoke, but I prefer the boldness of black pepper to this one. 2nd half was smoother red pepper and the raisony, sweetness came out a bit more, as did the coffee. I will smoke it again but after a full meal! Excellent cigar for the experienced smoker for sure.

    • m****

      I was given a box Hoya De Nicaragua cigars back in 1985 bought from a small shop in California. They were boxed pressed, with a light color wrapper, and about 6 1/2 X 54. They were mild, smooth, creamy, with tons of flavor. I could never locate them again. Is Joya De Nicaragua of recent popularity the same brand as the one I had.

    • M**** C**** L****

      There is a great Cigar bar, called “Cigar Bar” in Weston, Florida. They have the antano 1970.

    • P***** N********

      Nice review. I must try one. Indeed, mixing an 18 years aged Flor de Cana is a crime!

    • p*******

      this was my top new cigar for 2010. i had been smoking romeo y julietta habano reserve and kristoff criollo as my favorites until i tried this one. awesome smoke!

    • A*** G***

      I smoked the Joya de Nicaragua brand when I was a student in Granada in 2000. Where in Miami can I find this “Antano 1970”?

    • S**** S***

      Hello All,

      I want to just reinforce what Norm Luger said:

      Drew Estate is solely the US Distributor of the cigars manufactured by the Joya de Nicaragua factory.

      We do not involve ourselves in any way whatsoever in their tobacco purchase, selection, or fermentation. Nor our we involved in the cigar production or blending. They have been manufacturing cigars quite successfully since the late ’60s – they do not need any help from us. :>

      Our involvement is limited to the importing, selling and marketing of the product within the United States – that is it. The cigars themselves are and will always be the product of their labor and passion for making the finest Nicaraguan puros on the market.

      I would consider it a personal favor for anyone that ever reads or is told differently to please correct the record on JDN and our behalf as it is grossly unfair to not credit Alejandro Martinez-Cuenca and his team for the amazing job they do.

      Much Thanks,

      Steve Saka
      Drew Estate, President

    • N***** L****

      About a half an hour ago, I received the nicest phone call from a retail customer that bought a Box of Joya De Nicaragua “ Antano 1970 “ cigars. He was concurring with all the reviews and reiterating what the lovers of full bodied cigars were and are saying about the cigar since the cigar was created. However he heard that Drew Estate, our USA distributor was changing the band of the cigar to “Casa Magna “.
      After a good laugh and a staunch explanation of how disinformation effects Brands etc. , he seemed relieved.
      On a serious note, I suggest you post a retraction and leave it on site for at least as long as you have had the erroneous information on your web site. Please do a fact check before posting any information about our brand.
      Sincerely,
      Norman Luger
      JOYA DE NICARAGUA , SA

    • K*******

      I had a Joya de Nicaragua recently thanks to a friend on a forum I go to and it was pleasant but I was freezing the whole time and needed to let it go. This seems like a good step up from the blend I had. Looks like a beauty of a value too.

    • i*********

      Like others have said, this is a nicotine monster! Don’t smoke it on an empty stomach and definitely not for newbs – like I was the first time I had one. Flavors are wonderful on this cigar, sweet and rich. A definite Top 10 for me.

    • S**** J*****

      Yeah, the Antano 1970 is both flavor and nicotine bomb. I liked the flavor, but I haven’t smoked another one since my first, as I really don’t need the headrush.

    • J**** T

      This was the first cigar I had ever smoke. It was nearly the last. This dynamo knocked me for a loop.

    • B*****

      I haven’t tried the cigar, but Flor de Caña is a great rum. Unfortunately it’s not sold in my part of the country but I try to pick up a bottle whenever I’m traveling.

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Cigar Region Nicaragua
Filler Nicaragua
Wrapper Nicaragua
Binder Nicaragua
Length 5
Ring Gauge 42
Vitola Robusto
Construction Hand Made