Brand Overview

Greek mythology has never laid claim to a god or goddess of cigars, but in Andreas Throuvala, a cigar retailer based in Greece and the founder of Curivari Cigars, we may have found the closest thing to a stogie deity.

This boutique company was initially launched in Europe back in 2003, before expanding its distribution to the States in 2010. Two years later came the launch of the line that stands before me today – the Buenaventura.

With style reminiscent of old-school Cuban cigars, Curivari’s smokes are exclusively Nicaraguan Puros made with 100% Cuban seed Nicaraguan tobacco.

Designed to be a flavorful yet wallet-friendly cigar, the Buenaventura (meaning “good luck”) features tobaccos from Jalapa, Esteli, and Condega. There’s a lovely sheen to the dark caramel wrapper, which is oily and slightly toothy, but what I’m really drawn to is the simple yet refined packaging.

It’s a real throwback to Cuba’s cigar heritage, with its metallic gold banding draped in dark burgundy, with white lettering bearing the ‘Buenaventura’ name.

Along with the look of their cigars, the concept behind the brand is to make non-Cuban cigars that taste like current Cuban cigars. Would the flavors of the Buenaventura match those of their Cuban counterparts?

Cigar Specs

• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Smoke Time: 140 minutes
• Sizes Available:
  • BV 500 (5.25 x 50)
  • BV 554 (5.62 x 54)
  • BCV 560 (5.5 x 56)
  • BV 600 (6 x 60)
  • BV 654 (6.25 x 54)
  • D7 (5.5 x 52)
  • Mini BV (3.5 x 50)
  • Petit BV (4.25 x 54)
  • Picadores 52 (6 x 52)

Cold draw

The stick offered a bit of giving when squeezed. Off came the expertly applied triple cap (another nod to Cuban smokes), and I swiftly began with the pre-light ritual. I picked up sweet vanilla, wood, and earth, along with some faint notes of dry pretzel.

Flavor profile: first third

Once lit, the Buenaventura came racing out the traps. The first few puffs had a strong cedar flavor, but there was also a floral pepperiness that grabbed my attention.

This soft spice continued to linger throughout my smoking odyssey, but I especially enjoyed in this phase how it played off against the tangy wood note to stop it from becoming overwhelming.

Flavor profile: second third

The cigar took a buttery turn as I progressed towards the midway point. There was creaminess aplenty, along with some roasted peanuts and cocoa.

The light pepper was still courageously clinging to my palate, but it delivered far greater potency to the nose.

Flavor profile: final third

In the last third, the cream and nuts averted to a supporting role. However, it remained a delightful creamy smoke with a chalky subtle sweetness.

A touch of leather drifted into the profile as the burn came to an earthy end, but like the previous two-thirds, the cigar did a terrific job of showcasing the mellower side of Nicaraguan tobacco.

Conclusion

I’m a big fan of the 10-count box format that Curivari Cigars have adopted. It feels like a consumer-friendly decision that makes financial sense, as well as giving a healthy level of confidence that you’ll enjoy the brand’s cigars.

No smoke of luck can be attributed to Buenaventura's classic presentation and flawless build quality. As a lover of Nicaraguan leaf, it’s a cigar that I felt very fortunate to experience.

It wasn’t the most complex stogie I’d ever clasped my lips around, but you will find it hard to locate another Nicaraguan Puro that delivers such great flavors at an even better value.