My Weekend Cigar Review: Cunning by Joya de Nicaragua

A Crafty Move Boosts Cunning’s Groove

I’m now down to the third and final cigar in this Raza Rara (“Rare Breed”) cigar review series: the Cunning Connecticut Toro. Made exclusively for Famous Smoke Shop by Joya de Nicaragua, Cunning features a Connecticut Shade wrapper from Ecuador; and like the two previously reviewed Carnage San Andrés and Merciless Habano, Cunning’s binder and filler are Nicaraguan.

Moreover, since Famous’s Private Labels Purchasing Agent, Michael Klingerman, felt that all three blends “could use a little more refinement,” Cunning has also undergone a tweak to its core tobaccos. On the Cunning cigar band is the image of a fox, an animal with a reputation for being sly. If that makes you think this blend has a sneaky side, don’t draw any conclusions until you’ve read my review or smoked one for yourself.

Cigar Details:

Factory: Joya de Nicaragua
Size: 6x50
Body & Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Presented in bundles of 10

Cunning by Joya de Nicaragua Cigar Review

This cigar had an attractive and even blonde wrapper. The construction was spot-on and virtually seamless. The wrapper had that familiar barn straw aroma which was even stronger at the foot. I also liked the way the red band contrasted against the wrapper. The triple seam cap was textbook, and after cutting, the cold draw had a leathery flavor.

After lighting, the opening notes issued a sweet, smooth, and nutty flavor. The burn started evenly, and the cigar settled in quickly with a pleasant creaminess. As the first ash began to form, I noticed that it was quite firm and even started to form a cone shape. An early retrohale was smooth but lacked flavor.

Shortly beyond the first inch, the flavors had caramelized and were balanced. Smooth and medium in body, a leathery note emerged to accompany the sweetness. By inch two, there was no significant change in overall flavor profile, which I found quite pleasant to this point. A second retrohale proved a little more peppery this time, too.

At midway, the body seemed a little fuller, but the cigar did not get stronger. Baking spices arrived with nutmeg being the most evident flavor, but the sweetness had weakened.

In the last two inches, some Connecticut bitterness arrived. A couple of the spice notes hung in there, but the sweetness was gone and my Toro ended in a more piquant and earthier smoke.

Was Cunning Weekend Worthy?

As I was smoking the Cunning Connecticut Toro during my second round, I began to appreciate it a little more. Cunning reminded me of a movie sequel that’s as good or better than the first movie, which doesn’t happen very often. I’m pegging it as a very versatile cigar, too; a good first cigar of the day with coffee, a respectable golf cigar, yard gar, home project cigar. . .you get the idea. I give the blend an A for consistency, too, because I’ve also had the Cunning Robusto, and it has a similar profile.

If I could compare the Cunning Toro to some similar cigars, I’d say the Flor de Oliva Gold 6x50 or even the Romeo y Julieta Capulet Toro would be good contenders. And with that, I’d say this sequel’s new groove was a success.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.