Cigar Stats
Brand Owner: Tobaccos Puros de Nicaragua, S.A.
Model/Vitola: Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 – Robusto Grande (box-pressed)
Size: 5.50 x 52
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Criollo
Binder: Nicaragua Habana
Filler: Nicaragua Habana
Other sizes available
- Consul 4.50 x 52 (robusto)
- Machito 4.75 x 42 (petit corona)
- Gran Consul 4.75 x 60 (torpedo)
- Belicoso 6.00 x 54 (torpedo)
- Magnum 6.00 x 60 (toro)
- Perfecto 6.25 x 58
- Churchill 6.875 x 48
- Lancero 7.50 x 38 (long panatela)
Tobacco farm at Esteli, Nicaragua
Joya de Nicaragua (The Jewel of Nicaragua) was created in Nicaragua’s first cigar factory, which opened in 1964 in the city of Esteli. In the glory days of the 1970s, the brand was arguably the finest in the world, smoked in the White House and prized for its rich flavor. After war decimated Nicaragua and the original factory burned to the ground, Joya de Nicaragua struggled to regain its former glory. Prior to 2000, the brand had taken on a mild, easygoing flavor. Responding to the trend toward full-flavored cigars and looking at its own heritage as a producer of powerful smokes, the brand’s makers created a version called Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970. This was one of the first “high octane” powerful cigars to hit the market back in the early 2000’s. It was one of the hits of the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America trade show in 2002. This cigar features an extremely powerful, heavy, thick smoke highlighted by a rich, oily, almost wet-looking Maduro wrapper. This is the type of cigar that the old Cubans use to make for themselves after quitting time in the Cuban factories.
Bottom line up front …..
“All Muscle, all the time,” is the slogan for the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 and this cigar certainly flexes its muscles. Antaño is the cigar directly responsible for reviving the struggling Joya line, and after smokng one there is no wonder as to why. It has received high ratings, a 91 in Cigar Insider and 92 in Cigar Afficianado, and was in the top 5 of Robb Report’s 2003 annual Best of the Best. Antaño, a Nicaraguan puro, is a powerhouse full of flavor; leathery and slightly earthy, this cigar is rich and spicy. The draw is excellent and the thick, dark wrapper burns well. A true treat for those who enjoy a complex and very full-bodied smoke at a very reasonable price.
Pre-light
A couple large veins on this dark rusty brown colored wrap but no ill effect on the burn. The head is finished with a rounded cap. No tooth is evident over the smooth oily wrap. Construction is solid with no soft spots to the light squeeze. It is well balanced in the hand and the pre-light draw is firm. Although this cigar is advertised as box-pressed, it is barely evident by looking at it. A very subtle aroma of earth and aged tobacco from the wrap. The band is good looking and took a little effort to remove but without effect on the cigar. I used my Xikar cutter for a clean clip.
The Smoking Experience
The foot toasted and lit but with some effort. The wrap is very thick and it took a couple torch blasts to get everything going but, once lit, no burn issues at all. Draw was firm but not too firm and eased just a little over the length of the cigar. Burn line got a little bumpy but always self-corrected. The ash was dark gray with small black striations and held on well to about two inches each time. This cigar puts out allot of smoke and stayed nice and cool all the way to the nub. The smoke seemed to increase in volume past the half way point.
Full bodied and full flavored this cigar leaves nothing to the imagination. Flavors hit the palate like a freight train. Starts with a surge of dark earth and pepper which quickly gives way to a core of sweet earthy flavors with subtle notes of cocoa and espresso. The nose has quite a “twang” to it. The last half ushers in more pepper and spice but not overpowering.
Definitely a strong full-bodied smoke but well balanced. I did not experience any harshness. Not the cigar for morning coffee IMO and should follow something to eat. I had both cigars for this review with McClannan 25 single malt scotch which really complimented the cigar. I’m thinking a nice cold Guiness Stout would work too.
My take …..
Being a fan of stronger cigars, I really enjoyed the Joya De Nicaragua Antaño 1970. I bet these are just fantastic with a year or more to age. I’m curious about the Gran Reserva as well. That’s on my list of cigars to try.
MSRP comes in at $5.00 per stick. I received mine in a trade so I’m not sure exactly what they cost originally but my local B&M has them for $6.25 a stick. Online they run $3.50 per stick if you buy a box (20) and $3.70 if you get a 5ver. Very good price point for a such a flavorful well-made cigar.
Like it … Yes
Buy it again … Absolutely, maybe stock some boxes
Recommend it … Yes, to those who like potent cigars
What others are saying about the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 …..
25 March 2006
Cigarfan of Keepers of the Flame
Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Robusto Grande
28 August 2006
Patrick A of The Stogie Guys
Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Consul
30 May 2007
Dickie Dingleheimer
Review of Joya de Nicaragua Antano Cigars
Rated 4.60/5
Publications
… lucky7
“It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep,
and never to refrain when awake.” (Mark Twain)
Cigarfan.net 
Truly a heavy weight contender. Anyone who loves rich flavor and a good kick in the behind will appreciate this smoke.
I’m looking forward to your review of the Gran Reserva. Holt’s says “they pack a husky, tank-like flavor.” They don’t say what kind of tank. Your mission, should you choose to accept it! 🙂
About a half an hour ago, I received the nicest phone call from a retail customer that bought a Box of Joya De Nicaragua “ Antano 1970 “ cigars. He was concurring with all the reviews and reiterating what the lovers of full bodied cigars were and are saying about the cigar since the cigar was created. However he heard that Drew Estate, our USA distributor was changing the band of the cigar to “Casa Magna “.
After a good laugh and a staunch explanation of how disinformation effects Brands etc. , he seemed relieved.
Now, I find that your are erroneously stating that Manuel Quesada is the manufacturer of Antano. This is completely false. He never made the cigar. He was only a distributor. The cigar is made by Joya De Nicaragua SA in Estili, Nicaragua.
On a serious note, I suggest you post a retraction and leave it on site for at least as long as you have had the erroneous information on your web site. Please do a fact check before posting any information about our brand.
Sincerely,
Norman Luger
JOYA DE NICARAGUA , SA
Since the cigar is no longer distributed by Manuel Quesada, that phrase has simply been removed, and your comment will stand as a retraction. Thanks for the correction.
Mr. Luger,
Condescending posts on blogs praising your product also hurt branding. I will be spending my money allocated for box purchases with your competition. Cheers.
nice review. also great paired with a nice 18 year bottle of Flor de Cana!