Nestor Miranda Special Selection Lancero
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: Lancero (7.5 x 40)
Strength: Medium-Full
Nestor Miranda has recreated his Special Selection line of cigars with the help of Don Pepin. With the Don Pepin name behind the blend I was expecting to smoke a strong black pepper (I’m being a little extreme) but was quite surprised to find a complex cigar with a wide range of flavors.
The Nestor Miranda Special Selection line of cigars was said to be Miranda’s “personal” line. Or as it was explained, the cigar he would give out to family and friends.
With these two cigar giants at work together a great cigar was defiantly born.
Random Fact before the cigar review: The lancero cigar size is a very tricky cigar for rollers because it is so thin. If the cigar company doesn’t have high quality, super skilled, rollers the tobacco will end up being twisted (with the small rolling motion). Twisted tobacco is what gives your cigar a “plug“. This is why you will sometimes hear moan and groans when it comes to someone buying the lancero size. So just make sure you get a lancero from a company with a good reputation.
Construction: The first thing I noticed was that you could clearly see where the leaves of tobacco had been rolled over.Your eyes will then focus on the veins that run through the oily long stick. In my opinion the lancero looked really rough and tough. Nestor Miranda’s lancero passed the pinch test with flying colors.
Draw: Let me just come out and say that I have never had any plugs or draw issues with this lancero (knock on wood). Each effortless puff produced clouds of thick smoke that coated the pallet.
Burn: Nestor Miranda Special Selection Lancero had a slightly uneven burn. It never required me to touch up, pay attention, or even worry about the burn – but it was slightly uneven. The ash fell off every 1-1.5 inches in single thick chunks.
Taste: I think this is a complex lancero that gives my pallet a challenge when trying to distinguish what flavor profiles are becoming more dominate.
Generally speaking the first third of the cigar starts out very smooth and sweet. The sweetness is very prominent and a nice oak flavor pairs just as strong. I detect some undertones of leather and spice.
Body increases as you hit the 2/3 portion of the cigar and the sweet taste almost completely faded out of the picture. The taste profiles change as the draw opens up more and the smoke gets thicker. Oak is still a primary flavor but again, equally as strong, the leather comes into play and it takes turn playing with your pallet. The finish is a nice creamy spice. Nestor Miranda Special Selection cigar really put a smile on my face at this point.
In ending the cigar I have to mention that the aroma has really been pleasant through all the smoke sessions. The sweetness still lingers and compliments the oak, leather, and creamy spice all too well. Of course, the body has slightly increased to keep the cigar interesting.
* I would also like to note that I get a lot of earthy and coffee flavors that would fade in and out at different points in the cigar. It sure made this very interesting and fun to smoke.
Final Verdict: Purchase this cigar! At the retail level this cigar is just under $7.00. However, online I was able to buy the Nestor Miranda cigar for about $3.xx a stick. Not only is the price perfect, the blend is fabulous, and well… you can obtain this amazing smoke for just $3. Seriously, price aside, I really love everything about Nestor Miranda lancero and I know, if you can get over the size – you will love this cigar too.
Read what Cigar Command had to say about this great cigar.
Or see what A Cigar Smoker reviewed this stick.
Other Cigars: The only other lancero I have reviewed is the Oliva V. While the Oliva V makes a pretty darn good lancero – the Nestor Miranda Special Selection Lancero is much better.
Related Articles:
- National Nestor Miranda Cigar Day Miami, FL, 26 May 09…In a unique combination of celebration...
- Oliva Serie V Lancero Wrapper: Habano Sun Grown Filler: Jalapa Valley Ligero Size: Lancero...
- Cuban Crafters Cabinet Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Filler: Habano 2000 Size: Robusto (5 x...
- La Aurora Serie 107: La Aurora’s Magnum Opus There have been many sticks that have been lauded and...
- La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown Filler: Nicaragua Size: Corona (5.63 x...
Enjoyable review…haven’t tried this in the lancero size but you’re right, the price point alone makes this cigar something to pick up and try.
Great review. This is one I am not familiar with but it is something that I want check out, especially because of the price.
Nice review. I really enjoy these. I’ve been a little hesitant to try any of the other sizes though.
Very nice review. One of my favorite lanceros as well.
I think we should stop telling people how great this cigar is or we won’t be able to get them for $3+ a stick.
When in NYC, I stopped into Barclay Rex, the store owner pointed me in the direction of the Nestor Mirandas – very glad he did. They are quite tasty and go great with coffee in the morning. Thanks for pointing these beauties out . . .
Great review! This just happened to be my first cigar of 2009. I really enjoyed this cigar in the lancero size. I’ve since seen them on cigarbid and always consider pulling the trigger. I haven’t had one since January, but this review has got me craving a five pack.
Here’s a link to what I wrote about it… http://beezerscigarjournal.blogspot.com/search/label/Nestor%20Miranda%20Special%20Selection
Have a good one!
-Beezer