Last week we reviewed the Rosadao; while today we take a look at the Oscuro.

Cigar: Nestor Miranda Collection Dominicano
Size: 4.5 x 50 (Coffee Break)
Wrapper: Dominican Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Twitter: @NestorMiranda

Appearance and Construction (20/20): Once again I had 4 samples to smoke and the wrapper was identical on all of them, flawless. The silky oscuro wrapper felt great to the touch and looked even better to the naked eye. The band of the cigar seems to pop more on the oscuro wrapper. Under close inspection the cigar has no soft spots and a well packed foot. A perfectly rolled beauty with perfect cap placement.

Flavor & Notes (26/30): On the prelight draw there is some mocha and spice present while the foot offered some earthy spice. As we smoke the first third of the cigar it is slightly bitter with some notes of leather and a slight black coffee. The second third continues with notes of leather and coffee but as we transition into the final third some notes of anise begin to emerge. The final third the anise really gets strong before giving way to some dark chocolate and coffee.

Smoking Characteristics (20/25): The cigar gave me a little bit of a hard time when it came to burning even. I had to touch it up twice. The draw was perfect, but as the I smoked this stick down it got a little bit soft and the cap got a little bit mushy. Now there is a word you don’t expect to use in a cigar review. The dark gray ash held on fairly well with no flake. The cigar produced a moderate amount of smoke.

Overall (22/25): I will be honest with you, that when I smoked the first 3 samples it was a total bust. In fact I kept putting off the review. However the last sample which I used for this review the second half of the stick was a total flavor bomb. It was so enjoyable with the rum that I was drinking it made me wish I had more. However, with that being said I can’t forget the first 3 that I smoked so I will have to hold off before making a final judgment. I will say this though, I enjoyed the rosado wrapper much better overall.

Rating: 88
Price: TBD

For some great prices on Nestor Miranda Special Selection Cigars check out Gotham Cigars

On a side note I want to take the time to thank Gary J Arzt who I have had the honor to hang out with now on a couple of occasions. He is the one that put me in the eye of Miami Cigar Company which led to them coming on board as an advertiser on this website. I can’t thank him enough for doing so.

Cigar: Nestor Miranda Collection Dominicano
Size: 4.5 x 50 (Coffee Break)
Wrapper: Dominican Rosado
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium

Appearance and Construction (17/20): I used 4 samples to formulate this review and all of the cigars were very similar in nature. The Rosado wrapper has some veins and creases but the roll is flawless. The Dominicano label is brown and beige with some gold borders. Nestor Miranda’s signature is in red. As for the stick itself, there was no soft spots and the foot is well packed with a slight sponginess. The coffee break is one of my favorite vitolas that Nestor produces and despite it’s size there is a nice weight here.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): Prior to igniting the tobacco there was some earth on the draw with a touch of sweetness while the foot of the cigar offered some earth and spices. Once the combustible act is performed the cigar offers some notes of earth and spices that meld together into a delicious combination. As we continue into the second third the cigar begins to take on notes of cinnamon and a sweetness similar to that of caramel. The final third the nutty notes that were faintly in the background prior really step up to the front here especially on the finish.

Smoking Characteristics (25/25): The cigar burned really well and extremely straight. The medium gray ash held  strong and I didn’t lose it until the half way point. The draw was superb and gave me no issues. I couple of times I put down one of my samples to answer the phone and it stayed lit despite a 12 minute phone call.

Overall (23/25): It was nice how the notes changed over the thirds with different top notes to keep you interested. However, I think it is important to have a beverage with this cigar due to the dryness you feel while smoking it. I had some nice rum that was gifted to me by my good friend Tony over at smokescore with my last sample of the Rosado and it made the experience better. This is a cigar that will grow on you so I implore those that decide to try it to smoke a few before making a decision whether it positive or negative.

Rating: 92
Price: TBD

For some great prices on Nestor Miranda Special Selection Cigars check out Gotham Cigars