The Joya Copper was an exclusive release to Cigar International brick and mortar stores in November of last year. It then became available on their website in January of 2020.
I received a media pack from Joya de Nicaragua that contained one of each vitola and some literature. For this review, I have averaged my notes from all 4 sizes.
Specifics
The Joya Copper is a Nicaraguan Puro and is available in the following vitolas:
- 4 ½ x 52 Consul (MSRP $6.60)
- 5 x 46 Corona Gorda (MSRP $6.30)
- 5 ½ x 52 Robusto (MSRP $7.10)
- 6 x 50 Toro (MSRP $7.80)
Have you ever tasted a penny before? Wouldn’t it be crazy if the Joya Copper tasted like a penny? Psych, it doesn’t.
The wrapper is a mottled Colorado Maduro on the color scale. It has very fine veins and you can barely see the seams. There is a rich, earthy tobacco scent coming off of the wrapper.
The double cap is smoothly applied and pleasing to the eye. The finished foot has an aroma of sweet hay.
The cigar has an average weight for the various sizes and are very firm to the touch.
The Experience
Pre-light
I used a straight cut on all of the samples. The draw varied greatly from tight to very easy. There was a pleasant savory tobacco flavor from all of the cigars.
1st Third
The cigar starts off with some very mild notes on my palate and a medium strength sensation on the retrohale. There is a good medium finish on the exhale.
2nd Third
The strength of this cigar increases going into this 2nd third. I find very strong tobacco flavor coating my tongue and a stronger sensation on the retrohale
Final Third
As I wind down with these cigars, there is another increase of strength in the retrohale but, no noticeable flavor changes on my palate.
Combustion
I was disappointed with the burn on these cigars. I needed to work at keeping this cigar smoking. They couldn’t be left alone for too long. I found that they required many relights and needed attention frequently or they would start to go out.
While smoking, the draw was very firm and very tight. I needed to massage cigar frequently to get any decent draw out of them.
I also had burn issues. The burn ranged anywhere from uneven and slightly wavy to tunneling. The ash was flakey, whitish in color and “alligatored” quite a bit.
On the plus side, the cigars did produce a good amount of smoke that I found satisfying.
[su_box title=”Summary” style=”glass” box_color=”#e1dddd”]Out of all the samples I tried, the Toro vitola saved the day. I felt it was the best tasting and best performing cigar out of the bunch. I put this cigar in the medium strength, medium body class and it was just an OK experience overall.
At the end, I rate this cigar an 88. [/su_box]
Have you smoked the Joya Copper? What are your thoughts or experiences? Let me know in the comments. Stay safe and enjoy a great cigar!
With all the burn related issues I’m wondering if they could have used some more humi time to even things out. As I smoke the toro now with a deep V cut the draw is ideal. It’s early yet, but the flavors and strength are pretty much as advertised. I generally like Nicaraguan tobacco so I’ve have a good feeling about this one.
You bring up a good point. More time may have made a difference.