In a recent and exciting collaboration, cigar retailer Mardo Cigars and Privada Cigar Club have teamed up to bring a special project to the market, utilizing a four-year-aged cigar that has been meticulously stored in the Privada warehouse with Boveda in their signature coolers, created by AJ Fernandez. Mardo Cigars owner Gerard Abidjian has been working with Privada as a retail partner for several years and, as such, was well aware of the vast collection of aged premium cigars in the Privada warehouse. Knowing that this was the best place to source his next outstanding project, Gerard went through the available inventory with Brian Desind of Privada Cigar Club to pick out the perfect blend. What they eventually settled on was something truly special, now known as “The Origin.”
First Impressions
The presentation is immediately striking. A five-pack of 6″x52 toros comes bound in black packaging paper with a label designed by Gerard himself. (The package does say 6″x54 in one place, but that is actualli incorrect!) Each individual cigar is wrapped candy-wrapper style in tissue paper, also featuring a theme and design crafted by Gerard. Beneath the tissue wrapping, the cigars remain unbanded but are undeniably attractive. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is a stunning rosado brown with very tight seams, some veins, and an overall near-perfect roll and pack. The underlying Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos complete the blend.
Opening Up of Flavors
Upon lighting, the draw is excellent, producing generous plumes of smooth and lightly oily medium-bodied smoke. A pleasant spicy tingle lingers on the tongue and palate. The first third offers flavors of dark pastry crust, cinnamon, cloves, musty wood, apple butter, coffee cake, and cherry licorice, with notes of cinnamon, charred cedar, and walnut on the retrohale. The burn remains nearly perfect, producing a light gray ash that holds well without premature dropping.
Through the Middle
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the flavor profile evolves while maintaining the core notes of baking spices and musty wood. Subtle hints of banana and plum fruit emerge, complemented by vanilla, cream, sweet baking spices, cherry pie filling, and moments of tamarind. The retrohale enhances the experience with spicy cinnamon, caramel, pecan, and cedar.
A Satisfying Close
This smoke proved ideal for a late afternoon into early evening session. It would pair beautifully with an espresso or a dark roast coffee, either black or with cream. A slice of coffee cake or another cinnamon pastry could further accentuate the experience. Dark rum, wheated bourbon on ice, or a single malt Highland Scotch stand out as potential alcohol pairings.
This blend stands as a testament to the genius of AJ Fernandez, showcasing the remarkable aging potential of Nicaraguan tobacco. The flavors are meticulously balanced, carrying the characteristic spice and strength that only Nicaraguan tobaccos seem to deliver. “The Origin” is a cigar that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on aficionados who appreciate aged complexity and refined craftsmanship.
Watch the video below to see how the blend was chosen, and if you have had a chance to experience The Origin, please share your experience in the comments below!