I’ve been a fanboy of the Black Swan line ever since Cigar Page released the Oliva Black Swan. Since then, I’ve had the EP Carillo and Rocky Patel versions. The Oliva still stands head-and-shoulders above the others. And even though it wasn’t made for aging like the EP Carrillo, its flavor profile is right in my wheelhouse.
Enter the Joya de Nicaragua Black Swan. These have just been released and there are no reviews on them yet. But I just ordered a 5er yesterday.
For JDN’s take on Black Swan, they’ve draped a Cuban-seed Ecuadorian Criollo wrapper — dark and rustic in appearance — over a Nicaraguan Habano binder and long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí. The result? A 5/5 full-bodied smoke that delivers earth and spice while staying smooth and balanced from start to finish.
That’s doesn’t sound that unique. Ecuadorian Criollo wrapper? Been there, done that. But according to CigarPage, “The Black Swan concept is simple: uncover rare, small-batch tobaccos tucked away in factory bodegas, often too limited for a full-time blend but too exceptional to ignore.” In the case of the Oliva Black Swan, it’s CT Broadleaf wrapper that’s rare. I’m not sure what the rare tobacco is in the JDN, but the important thing for me will be how the blend actually tastes.
The Oliva Black Swan was unique. But the EPC and RP versions weren’t anything special. I’m hoping the JDN will live up to the Oliva.
I got my 5er and just wrote a review on it. Check it out here.
Unco B's Stogie Diary 