The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño CT line was introduced in 2019 and is supposed to be a milder version of the classic Antaño 1970 line, which is known to be a full-bodied smoke.
The CT abbreviation refers to the wrapper used in the blend, an Ecuador Connecticut Shade. Binder and filler tobacco are all Nicaraguan. While the line belongs to the Antaño family, it only comes in four sizes, compared to the ten sizes of the classic Antaño line.
The Robusto size came in third in our 2019 Awards.
The wrapper is of a golden Claro color and is smooth to the touch. There are only a minimal amount of small veins present. Construction is flawless.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 50 x 152 mm (6″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $9.7 – € 7.7
Joya de Nicaragua Añtano CT Toro: the cold draw brings light hay notes to the palate, with some pepper hints in the back. Once lit, the cigar opens with smooth notes of hay, citrus, and wood.
Citrus and wood are the dominant flavors in the first third. A herbal component is also present, while the smoke is not quite as smooth as it was in the first couple of puffs. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
The second third sees a nutty note appear next to the wood and citrus aromas while the herbs have disappeared. There is a very faint spicy sensation appearing halfway through the second third. Strength is close to being medium (2.5/5).
The spices pick up in the last third and join the citrus and wood upfront. The herbal note returns, and the smoke becomes slightly bitter towards the end, although nothing too off-putting. Strength becomes medium (3/5).
Overall, the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño CT Toro is a well-balanced smoke with an interesting flavor profile, obviously different from the classic Antaño 1970 line. It may lack a bit in complexity and evolution, but it is still full in flavor with a contained strength level—a good smoke for any time of the day.