The Timeless Panamericana was originally released by Nat Sherman as an exclusive to the Nat Sherman Townhouse in the fall of 2014. In 2015 the cigar would be made available to TAA Members. When Nat Sherman would be sold, Panamericana would be one of the brand names acquired by Ferio Tego.
Who is Ferio Tego? Ferio Tego, LLC launched in 2021 by Michael Herklots and Brendon Scott both whom had ties to Nat Sherman. While Brandon Scott is lesser known, Michael Herklots is one of the best people in the cigar industry. Having started in Massachusetts at Gloucester Street Cigars & The Humidor he would go on to Davidoff where he would rise through the rank running their retail operations. He would leave Davidoff to become the VP of Nat Sherman and today he owns Ferio Tego.
Today we review the Ferio Tego Timeless Panamericana which is no longer a TAA Exclusive.
Cigar Review: Timeless Panamericana by Ferio Tego
Size: 5 x 50 (Epicure)
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua
Release Date: November 2021 (Ferio Tego Launch)
Box Count: 10
The Cigar: The original release featured a darker Sumatra wrapper then the lighter version that adorns the current release. While color can change over the years this one comes off considerably lighter than what I remember. The color is mottled and there is a network of thin veins within the wrapper visible. In the hand the cigar is heavy, but unbalanced as it feels heavier at the cap end versus the foot. While the cigar has a secondary band that says Ferio Tego I can’t tell you how many times I typed Nat Sherman out of habit.
The Taste: The cold raw of the Timeless Panamericana reminds me of the powdery substance on a piece of Bazooka Joe bubblegum. Yes, I know you are rolling your eyes but the cold draw takes me back to that and the aroma of Bazooka Joe. Additionally there are notes of prunes and cookie dough. The aroma from the foot of the cigars offers up more classic components such as cedar, hay and a subtle leather.
Once the cigar is lit there is a lot of spices present but none of them overpower the senses. There is red pepper, chili pepper and cayenne present. Is there background there is a lingering sweetness of toasted caramel. As we come toward the close of the first third the spice pulls back as the cigar becomes creamy with notes of cocoa and caramel while some spice and wood linger on the retrohale.
In the second third the Timeless Panamericana by Ferio Tego develops notes of nuts, cedar and earth while there is a freshly baked bread component that becomes the focal point around the half-way mark. The cigar is remarkably complex being full in flavor and medium in terms of perceived strength. The retrohale offers up notes of earth and pepper and take away from the sweetness so I find myself doing then less than I normally do.
The final third sees the developed of dark chocolate and strong espresso creating a different mouthfeel that is an enjoyable change of pace. In the background there are notes of lychee nuts and cashews over a canvas of earth that sings one the finish. The retrohale continues to serve up an abundance of earth and a touch of nutmeg. The cigar has a perceived medium-full strength by the time we put it down.
Conclusion: I’ve been very vocal about not liking the Dominican releases of the Ferio Tego portfolio. While admiring his loyalty to the Quesada family the cigars just didn’t do it for me. Walking through Twins Smoke Shop here in New Hampshire I lifted the box Timeless Panamericana by Ferio Tego and saw it was made in Nicaragua so I grabbed a couple and boy am I glad I did. It’s supposedly the same blend as the original release, but these feel more refined than those. It is extremely balanced and rich in flavor. Definitely one of my favorite releases from the company.
Score: 93
Price: $13.00 (Before any local or state taxes)
