Nestor Miranda is responsible for some very good cigars, and the 1989 was released to continue the trend; it also fits into the budget cigar category, weighing in at just under five bucks a stick (that’s $80.00 per box of twenty!) The name 1989 refers to the year that the Miami Cigar Company was founded. Additionally, it’s being produced by Jamie & Don Pepin Garcia through the My Father Cigar Company, responsible this year for the wonderful La Reloba, as well as the less-successful Jamie Garcia Especial. It comes in both a rosado and a oscuro format, the rosado being closer to medium and the oscuro packing a bit more punch. Today, I’m lighting up the robusto (5×50) size of the rosado wrapper.

The cigar is incredibly light for a rosado, and has a lot of vein action which can (and sort of does) lead to some burn issues later on. Torching the foot, I’m immediately greeted by a great black pepper flavor that isn’t overpowering or harsh, along with notes of licorice, bell pepper, and chili pepper on the finish. The aforementioned odd burn comes in right around now, with a line being burnt a tiny bit down the veins, but it isn’t too major. The black pepper flavor is very well constructed, in that it’s wet and very savory. There is a fair amount of strength through the nose but it remains a solid medium body. My only complaint is that this is just a bit too much on the spice flavors. A bit more sweetness or soft flavors to balance out the cigar would make this an instant winner. It’s still a great cigar, especially for the price.

In the second third my prayers are answered, and the sweetness slowly builds up to complement a core of wet black pepper and a wet, almost rare steak flavor. This is truly an excellent cigar for the price, and I feel like the 1989 really hits it’s stride throughout the second third. A light cream builds in the finish and there are hints of wood, maybe maple. The ash finally breaks half-way through. It ends with a bit more of a smoky flavor, but I fear that the best part of the cigar has passed.

While my assumption is correct, the next third starts off with a bit of a vegetal kick and some cedar and pepper notes. It maintains this profile, still a medium body with plenty of smoke and a good draw, down to the last inch. Finally, the 1989 gets a bit harsh, and I find myself considering putting it down, holding out only because a faint vanilla flavor drifts in and out. Finally, the 1989 seems to want to die as it starts to go out on it’s own, and I take this as a sign to lay it to rest.

Verdict: An excellent smoke on its own, but the price makes it even sweeter. The second third is absolutely fantastic. It’ll be interesting to see what age does to them, but I look forward to smoking many more.

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