Nub Habano Cigar Review

To start off – I’m not a huge fan of Nubs. The blends are great, but the ring gauge is just a little too big for me.  However, this blog is driven by our customers, and customer Maurice asked for a review of the Nub Habano! Plus, Sam Leccia, the Nub’s creator, is a great BOTL, devoted blender, and he consistently makes fantastic products for the modern palate. So here it is:

Manufacturer: Oliva

Size: 4×60

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium-Full

Price per stick: $3.73 (in a box of 24)

Construction: This Nub Habano had excellent construction. The wrapper is a consistent color with a nice, subtle, yet noticeable oily sheen.  The cigar was smooth, with very faint, almost unnoticeable wrapping and vein characteristics.

Burn: The cigar burned very evenly throughout, after an initial imbalance caused by some lazy toasting.  Although it’s only 4 inches in length, this cigar lasted over an hour and a half. I’ve heard others say that this cigar last even longer.  The massive ring gauge and accompanying surface area keeps it burning long.

Taste: The flavors of the cigar were characteristic of Nicaraguan tobacco. A fair amount of spice with a peppery finish on the palate went fantastically with the scotch I was drinking.  It had a slightly nutty profile which I could only relate to cashews. The aroma was pleasantly earthy.  There was a nice cedary note which complimented the oakiness of my scotch very well.  The bold Nicaraguan flavors I’d expect were clearly present and the strength was very satisfying.

Strength: Kicks but doesn’t kill. I’d classify it as a medium-full bodied cigar. Newer cigar smokers may find it a bit too strong for their taste, as the strength can mask the great flavors. If you’re relatively new to cigars, smoke it slowly. Let the smoke hit all the parts of your tongue and blow out slightly through your nose to get the full flavor.  Sam Leccia is famous for his strong blends, but don’t be deterred and really take some time to ponder the subtleties of this cigar.

Draw: I was frankly astonished by how well the cigar drew.  There was a slight tug in the first third of the cigar, but it was an almost effortless smoke afterwards. Given the ring gauge of this bad boy, I was very pleased to see this.

Perfect pair: I was a big fan of how this cigar paired with the Glenlivet 15 year scotch.  A beer such as Yuengling or a lighter red wine (without a strong berry or fruit flavor) will pair nicely as well.  I’d avoid something sweet, fruity, or peaty with this cigar. Instead, focus on something with an oaky or caramel or nutty or spicy kick to it to compliment the natural flavors of this cigar.

Conclusion: I love the blend. I’m a big fan of a good, fuller-bodied, spicy, peppery cigar and the Nub Habano hit the perfect spot.  I’d recommend that you give this cigar a try. The price-per-stick is fantastic when you get a box – almost shockingly so. I don’t know the store retail price for this cigar, but I’d imagine it’s in the $7-$8 range (that’s what I’d pay and be happy with it).

Recommendation: If you like a good, medium-full bodied stick with a spicy, peppery kick, then buy this cigar. At $3.73 each in a box of 24, you really can’t go wrong.

Caveats: I know some cigar reviewing “purists” will give me crap for having a strong drink during this review, but I review cigars like I smoke them – and that’s with a good drink and great company.  The great thing about cigars is that it’s all about personal taste. You and I could smoke the same cigars and each come up with a very different review. If you disagree with my review, or if you have a different opinion, comment below or let us know on our Facebook or Twitter pages and we’ll be happy to post your review as well!

Note to Sam Leccia: I know the Nub size has done well for you, but can I get this in a 45-50 ring gauge? The blend and flavor were fantastic, but the ring gauge is just too large for this humble cigar smoker.

Review by Sam Mallikarjunan, CheapHumidors.com’s Chief Cigar Smoking Officer