In July of 2020 J.C. Newman would introduce a cigar that would quickly release cult status. Yagua is the Elaphant Man of the cigar world, but yet it is sought after by smokers each time it is released.
Available in one size, a 6 x 54 Toro. The cigar is designed to based on the memory of a Cuban cigar from the 1940s. Lazaro Lopez, general manager of J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory created this to look like the farm rolled cigars his grandfather made on their tobacco farm utilizing unfermented tobacco.
After the cigars are rolled instead of being placed in molds they are placed still wet in Yagua palmiche palm leaf. The 20 cigars placed in the leaf then take on their own shape, creating a unique cigar.
We are smoking the first release of the 2024 edition of Yagua which is limited to 1,550 boxes.
Cigar Review: Yagua by JC Newman
Size: 6 x 54 (Toro)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Nicaragua
Factory: J.C. Newman PENSA
Release Date: July 2020
Box Count: 20
The Cigar: Ugly. These cigars come different shapes. I’ve seen some close to round, some that look oval, some square and some in the shape of a triangle. If you look through a box you can find some more normal than others. The Connecticut Broadleaf that adorns the cigar is mottled and won’t win any beauty contests The band is retro, and has an orient feel to it with its colors of red, white and gold. In the hand the cigar is very heavy for its size and surprisingly there are no voids of tobacco present.
The Taste: The cold draw has a slightly sour component with notes of green apples, raisins and paprika. The foot of the cigar is slightly musty with notes of cocoa and figs with a touch of earth.
After we toast and light the cigar some sour components remain with hints of green apples. As we slide into the first third notes of leather, oak and a sourdough bread begin to emerge. The retrohale offers up a bit of brown sugar and nutmeg.
As we enter the second third the sourness dissipates and notes of coffee, nutmeg and leather become the focal point of the cigar. Occasionally some mocha appears but it is fleeting and doesn’t take hold until we cross the half way point. The retrohale loses it sweetness as notes of white pepper begin to emerge that linger on the aroma.
The last their sees mocha sweetness with earth, green apples and a touch of oak. The cigar which continually got better as we progressed is best in its final third. There are subtle notes of sourdough that make a return engagement with a perfectly timed fines. The retrohale is earthy with elements of oak and white pepper.
Conclusion: I don’t know what happened over the last four years, but when the Yagua was released I despised it. The taste didn’t do it for me, the strength didn’t do it for and the shape definitely didn’t do it for me.
Today, I would smoke this cigar again. However, I would only smoke it when I have the time to focus on the cigar at hand. For some reason every Yagua I have smoked requires constant attention. A normal cigar you need to puff 2-3 times a minute for optimum combustion; the Yagua 4-5 puffs. If you’re not constantly puffing it goes out on you, and its not a humidity issue as in the summer I keep my humidor at 62%.
But when you can devote the time, it is definitely time well spent.
Score: 91
Price: $12.50 (Before any local or state taxes)
