daniela54
@daniela54
’ll be the first to admit, I was a Cuban cigar snob for the longest time. I believed that nothing could compare to the allure and taste of a true Havana. A good friend of mine kept insisting I try a handmade nicaraguan cigar, specifically one from the Jalapa Valley, known for its more elegant and nuanced tobacco. He handed me a "Jalapa Valley Reserve" and I reluctantly accepted, fully expecting to be underwhelmed. The cigar itself was beautiful, with a reddish-hued wrapper that was smooth to the touch. The aroma at cold was surprisingly sweet, with hints of cedar and cinnamon. I was still skeptical, but I proceeded with the ritual of cutting and lighting. The initial puffs were a revelation. Instead of the powerhouse pepper I was expecting from a Nicaraguan, I was greeted with a sophisticated and incredibly smooth profile. There were notes of cedar, sweet cream, and a gentle baking spice that danced on the palate.