The Paradiso line (San Cristobal in the USA) is owned by Ashton Cigars and it is manufactured in cooperation with the Garcia family in Esteli’, Nicaragua. It is a Nicaraguan puro, and a standard size Minuto, which means 42 x 110 mm (4.3″).
▪ Country of Origin: Nicaragua
▪ Size: 42 x 110 mm (4.3″)
▪ Capa: Nicaragua
▪ Capote: Nicaragua
▪ Tripa: Nicaragua
▪ Price: 6.5 €
The cigar is very well crafted, featuring a slightly flat head, and a rough, thick, goldish capa oscura, with a correct filling. It is slightly box-pressed. The retro-styled anilla, representing a sepia-colored nautical chart, with a bright colors parrot in evidence, is probably one of the most beautiful currently available.
Paradiso Minuto: before lighting the cigar up, it offers to the nose cocoa notes. In the opening it delivers a light mineral character, together with earthy notes and black pepper hints which are however quickly disappearing. The smoke amount is quite surprising for such a short format.
In the first tercio walnut and earth notes are present, not without confirming the light mineral character perceived in the opening, which is quite pleasant. Moving on in the fruition earthy note continues being a protagonist, even though the black pepper aroma is back in evidence, sometimes obscuring the remarkable background spices. Strength is high (4/5).
Moving into the second tercio the slightly salty taste changes into a slightly sweeter base, with a nice evolution, especially considering the short dimensions format. Some intense chili pepper notes reaches the palate, then changing into a toasty character on an earthy base, which is step by step stronger reaching the end of the smoke. In this segment strength increases and reaches an almost full body (4.5/5). Finish is earthy and full-bodied.
Globally a very good cigar, in particular when taking into account the small dimensions, which is a direct sign that a very large ring is not a necessity to please the aficionado. A great deal of respect has to be recognized to this (only by name and dimensions) Minuto, which is proposing a full-bodied performance, but also a very interesting aromatic palette. The only limitations are to be found in the harmony and elegance, even though these seem conscious decisions, to favor a more intense fruition. Persistency is remarkable.
Rating: 88