21.09.2022
The new cigar star from VILLIGER in Nicaragua
How everything started...
In September 2008, Heinrich Villiger’s Swiss-German tobacco company celebrated a big party in Switzerland, the 120th anniversary of the company his grandmother had founded in 1888. For this special occasion, the company launched its first premium cigar bearing the name VILLIGER 1888. The cigar was produced in the Dominican Republic from tobaccos matured to absolute perfection in collaboration with the patron Heinrich Villiger, who was responsible for the composition of the blend. The result was a medium-bodied cigar with a rich bouquet.
Fourteen years later – the year is 2022, VILLIGER 1888 Dom. Rep. has long since established itself in Germany and internationally as a premium cigar brand; the company is launching a new VILLIGER 1888 line: the VILLIGER 1888 Nicaragua.
Some insider information: Since October 2021, VILLIGER has been operating its state-of-the-art handmade cigar factory in Estelí, the Mecca of Nicaragua’s cigar industry.
Nicaragua has evolved significantly in the production of handmade cigars over the last century. Around the turn of the century, this progress was accompanied by the increasing expansion of tobacco plantations growing on excellent soils and thriving in ideal climatic conditions. Thus, Estelí increasingly became the Mecca of Nicaragua’s cigar industry and an ideal location for Heinrich Villiger’s expansion plans. The proximity to the world’s most critical handmade cigar market, the USA, also affected those plans.
Thus, it seemed a logical step to develop a second VILLIGER 1888 line, especially since VILLIGER could now control and monitor the entire production process (from raw tobacco purchasing to rolling). The most critical element in the conception of a new brand or line is the composition of the tobaccos, which ultimately determines the strength, aroma, course of the smoke, burn rate, and taste. This required the experts from VILLIGER DE NICARAGUA and VILLIGER Söhne Germany. The selection of quality tobaccos from Nicaragua is extensive. Condega Seco is rather medium-bodied with coffee aromas. Jalapa Viso is medium-bodied with bread aromas and soft smoke. Estelí Ligero is somewhat strong with peppery aromas.
After putting together various tobaccos and holding extensive smokers panels in Germany with up to 70 individual test results, the final product turned out to be a fascinating blend of tobaccos:
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Seco Jalapa, Viso Jalapa, Ligero Condega, Pennsylvania
Once the blend was decided, it was time to determine the formats and sizes. The VILLIGER 1888 Nicaragua will start with three well-known formats:
Coronita: 133 mm / Ring gauge 43
The dimensions of the Coronita are decent. Thanks to the excellent artistry, you can enjoy it to the fullest for up to an hour.
Robusto: 127 mm / Ring gauge 52
The Robusto is common and one of the most popular cigar formats in the world.
Toro: 152 mm / Ring gauge 50
All well-known manufacturers offer Torros. Toro cigars are slightly longer than Robustos. Our Toro offers about one hour of smoking time.
Strength, character, and taste:
Strength: medium (3½ sheets) = medium plus
Character: medium-bodied tobaccos that provide a pleasant aromatic smoking experience without becoming too spicy or peppery
Taste: cool and luscious, with hints of chocolate and honey
The Villiger 1888 Nicaragua comes in a lovely dark blue cabinet box of 20.