I recently received some samples of the latest introduction by Acosta Cigars. This new release is named the Envidia which translates to “Envy” and is one of the Roman Catholic seven deadly sins. The church states that ‘Envy’ is among the things that comes from the heart, defiling a person. In the case of Acosta cigar though, the Envidia is dedicated to all those that said it would not be possible. The Envidia is the second blend introduced by the young cigar company, following their inaugural La Lujuria blend, another deadly sin (Lust). Get the trend? Yea, never say something is not possible. Acosta Cigars is the creation of Cuban master blender Delvis Leiva and Colombian Cigar enthusiast Yezid Acosta who has been on a constant quest for the perfect taste, aroma, and experience.
The Acosta Cigars Envidia has blend described as:
- Wrapper – Habano 2000 Oscuro
- Binder – Dominican Habano Broadleaf
- Filler – Dominican Habano Broadleaf and Criollo 98
Expressed in a single (6 x 52) Torpedo vitola, the Acosta Cigars Envidia comes packaged in 25-count boxes and has an MSRP of $15.00/cigar.
Pre-Light Examination
The Acosta Cigars Envidia is wrapped with a beautiful reddish-brown leaf that has a light oily sheen and a some noticeable veins. The cap is expertly applied and formed to a pencil point tip. A gentle squeeze shows that the cigar is firm and well packed with no soft spots along the barrel.
The Envidia his adorned with an ornate single band that covers a good 1/3 of the cigar. The name ENVIDIA is boldly printed in the center of the band. The design and colors of the band are not only attractive but they draw your eyes to that name. Are you envious yet?
Running the Acosta Envidia along the nose, I quickly detected a pungent fermented leaf note along the barrel and earth and barnyard notes off the foot.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the cap at a 45 degree angle like I do all torpedoes and proceeded to give it smoke cold draw puffs that I found to be properly restricted and offered an evolving cinnamon sensation.
Once ignited, the first lit puffs offered a pleasant nut that started a terrific journey down to the nub. Follow along as I burn the Envidia to ash
Cigar Review Notes
- Delicious nutty starts the journey with an pleasant retro-hale
- Light grey flaky ash forms on top of a thick and mildly wavy char line
- Mouth watering berry notes join the mix
- Cocoa powder wraps the berry
- Ash falls in a decent chunk revealing an off centered burn burn cone
- Cinnamon Spice notes brighten the profile starting the second third
- profile begins to shine with caramel notes and a nuance of dark chocolate midway
- Berry nuances remain in the background
- Maple syrup aroma wafts off the foot
- Touch of malt and dry fruit notes please the palate moving into the final third
- Increased spice notes take you down to the nub
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
For the second introduction by Acosta Cigars, I found the Envidia to be a enjoyable and flavorful journey. The flavors and aromas were well balanced and offered pleasant transitions. Unlike many cigars these days, the Envidia did not start with nasal cleaning pepper, but rather began the journey with a satisfying nuttiness and mouth watering berry notes. Add to to that some cocoa powder a touch of spice, malt, and dry fruit with a maple syrup aroma and yo can understand why it is named Envidia. The burn did have a flaky ash and wavy burn and off centered burn cone but never required a touch up. This is one that is worth grabbing a fiver of and I rate it a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flaky Ash; (-1) Wavy Burn; (-1); Off Centered Burn Cone
