I first smoked a Drew Estate Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Gran Consul Criollo Gordito in 1987. I bought it in Stillwater, OK,, at the recommendation of a tobacconist. I smoked it and returned. He asked me if I tasted the cinnamon, and we concluded that it took at least an hour to smoke .He asked if I tasted the smoked meat and roasted red pepper. I bought another. After a few more tries, I learned to appreciate the chicory overtones and spicy woodiness [Later, in about 1994, he sold me a Herrera Norteno].But only very recently did I distinctly discern the hickory, and via the Cigar Tour taste the green tobacco upon the cold draw. I remember said tobacconist commenting on the cold draw, but initially I was overwhelmed by the untold pleasure of the experience washing over me. I am told the the Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 is constructed entirely of Nicaraguan Ligero leaves. Bliss.

This is a great cigar for anyone who likes spicy smokes. Smooth, leathery, woodsy & peppery. It is a full bodied smoking experience. I always smoke these with a nice bourbon. As I write this, I have these in a humidor with some Perdomo Grad Cru 2006 5x60's. These two are my favorite smokes for any occasion. Don't let the size of the Gran Consul fool you, you will need an hour or more to smoke this puppy. I bought my first box of these back in 2002-2003, and I learned a hard lesson: let them rest in your humidor before you get into them! I couldn't wait and smoked one the day they arrived. My initial thought was, okay, decent smoke, but nothing to write home about. I put them in my humidor and went to smoking some other stuff, forgot about these and then came back to them about a month later and BAM! What a difference!

This cigar is fantastic. It may be a little too strong for some, but this is my go to cigar. I always have to have a box on hand. It's bold but not harsh. It tastes like a cigar should. When I golf it usually lasts me 12 - 14 holes.

Good value,will buy it again!!

Great quality, always fresh.

my favoriate go to smoke. can always count on it for consistent burn, taste, smoke, etc. dont let the size fool you. because it is so well packed and constructed it will last well over an hour. wouldnt necessarily say it is for the faint of heart.

This is a great smoke. It has a slow steady burn and great flavor.