Originally released in 2022 for the German and Swiss cigar markets, the Villiger 1888 Nicaragua was introduced to the USA at the 2023 PCA trade show.
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra-Seed
- Binder – Nicaragua
- Filler – Nicaragua & USA Pennsylvania
The Villiger 1888 Nicaragua is expressed in 3 vitolas, each packaged in elegant dark blue 20-count cabinet boxes.
- Coronita (5.75 x 43) – MSRP $8.00
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $8.00
- Toro (6 x 50) – MSRP $9.20
The Villiger 1888 Nicaragua is hand crafted at Villiger de Nicaragua which is the company’s Nicaraguan cigar factory in partnership with Joya de Nicaragua.
For this review I sampled one of the Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Toros which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Villiger 1888 Nicaragua is draped in a dark brown wrapper that exhibits a light oily sheen. There is a mild toothiness to the wrapper and has minimal veins. The cigar is firmly packed and neatly finished with a double cap.
A single band adorns the cigar using a blue and gold motif. The Villiger Cigars logo is proudly presented on the top and the year 1888, is boldly printed in gold on a blue background. The year 1888, represents the year the company was founded in Switzerland (Pfeffikon, Lucerne).
Running the Villiger 1888 Nicaragua I was greeted with nut and chocolate aromas off the foot though there was not much along the barrel.
I used my CigarMedics Baller cutter to open the cap perfectly and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that offered natural tabacco sweetness, peppery spice and a slight umami note. Tasty pre-light indeed. Go ahead and cold puff some more on this one before you light it up, I certainly did.
Using my double flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of peppery smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Peppery notes kick off the journey quickly opening the nasals
- Fruit and nut components quickly add to the profile with an overlay of cream that balances it out
- The burn is a bit jagged as a light grey ash forms
- A pleasant nut aroma wafts off the foot
- The ash fell in a decent chunk, revealing a decent burn cone
- Burnt honey notes evolve, moving into the second third with some milk chocolate nuances
- Continued sweet nut aroma
- Mild spice notes appear midway through
- Continued honey notes take center stage at this point with a slight increase in chocolate down to the nub
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 35 minutes
Final Analysis
After an initial burst of pepper that opens the nasals, the Villiger 1888 Nicaragua brims with lively fruit and nut elements that swiftly meld into the composition, crowned by a velvety cream layer that harmonizes the flavors. A delightful essence of nut wafts off the foot, captivating the senses. Gradually, the profile transitions to toasted honey facets, gracefully evolving as it enters the second third, where delicate hints of milk chocolate emerge, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the experience. Throughout, an enchanting undercurrent of sweet nuttiness lingers, infusing the air with its alluring aroma. A gentle surge of mild spice makes its entrance at the midpoint, injecting a subtle zing into the profile. As the final segment of the journey unfolds, the spotlight turns towards the honey notes once more, captivating the palate intertwining with a slightly heightened essence of chocolate, culminating in a finale that leaves a lasting impression. This is one of the best that Villiger has offered and shows what a great collaboration they forged with Joya de Nicaragua. I say this is a box buy. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Jagged burn;
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy
