Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Country: Honduras

Shape: Box-press

Size: 5.5 x 52

Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas S. de R.L.

Production: Boxes of 25 and 5

Viaje, which means “journey” in spanish, is a small batch cigar company that uses Nicaraguan tobaccos from a farm in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Oro Reserva VOR No. 5 was ranked as Cigar Afficianado’s #2 cigar of 2010. This cigar by Andre Farkas helped Viaje launch into what they now consist of today. It took me on a journey that I thoroughly enjoyed but, will probably never take again. The construction on this cigar was flawless from its oily wrapper to the minimal amount of veins to the triple cap and lastly to the overall box-press shape. The cigar was firm to the touch and it was medium to full-bodied overall. The pre-light draw was a light spice with a sweet aroma. The initial flavor was a slight salt with mainly a kick of spice like a black pepper and the draw was smooth with a voluminous amount of smoke. The first third remained with the spice followed along with a leather flavor that was great with the suburb draw. The second third remained with the black pepper slightly but, then the sweetness of cocoa and warm coffee notes took center stage and were astounding! The combo of the flavors made the best profile for a cigar I have ever had to this point and I really wish others could have tried this stick. The final third and the finish were pretty much the same as the second but, the flavors warmed up a bit and slightly subdued. Usually a cigar near the end gets pretty harsh but, this stick softened out. The burn was flawless not once did I think about touching it up at all. The draw was excellent and the ash was firm but, flaked a little and was a darker gray. Overall this stick was just outstanding from the start to the finish and if anything comes out from Viaje that’s close I say snatch them up before they are gone.