Following a trend established in the craft beer industry, Viaje has introduced an annual release in collaboration with another cigar manufacturer. The inaugural 2014 release is a notable choice, as Viaje partnered with Casa Fernandez—a logical collaboration given that much of Viaje’s tobacco originates from Casa Fernandez's AGANORSA growing operation in Nicaragua. This Nicaraguan puro features aged filler and binder tobaccos enveloped in a rich, mocha-hued Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper leaf.

Upon lighting, the cigar greets you with an enticing pre-light aroma of nuts and coffee, accented by a subtle oak-like woodsiness. Once lit, these initial notes give way to a delightful blend of spicy and earthy leather flavors. Despite its complex flavor profile, the cigar maintains a mild to medium body, with its intensity gradually building throughout each third of the smoke. The richness of flavor is noteworthy, offering a sophisticated taste experience that belies its moderate strength.

The first installment of the Viaje Collaboration series is a resounding success, and it will be exciting to see which other esteemed cigar makers Viaje partners with in future releases. This year’s blend is a versatile, mild to medium-bodied smoke perfect for any time of day, and it pairs beautifully with an afternoon cup of coffee. For those seeking a bolder option from Viaje, we recommend trying the Cache.