On a typical Friday afternoon, I leave work and head over to Kensington Tobacconist for a cigar before picking my daughter up from our babysitter. This week the shop was closed while the owner took a much needed vacation. With nowhere close to enjoy a cigar, I made arrangements for my mother in-law to pick up my daughter so that I had a bit more time to myself.

My first trip was to visit Tim from Sir Stogies, which was followed up by a ride to Skippack to see Jim Cronin of Top Shelf Cigar Co. After arriving at Top Shelf, Jim asked if I ever heard of the Curivari brand. I told him no, at which point he explained that he hadn’t either but they sent him a rather large supple of samples to try (at this point he gestured to the six 10 count boxes on a nearby table). Jim went through each box and handed me two of each to try (Thanks again Jim!).

On Sunday I decided to light up the first of six Curivari varieties I had to smoke. For no real rhyme or reason, I reached for the Curivari Reserva Limitada Classica in an Epicure vitola. A quick web search lead me to the Curivari website and a bit of information which gives me the impression that their cigars are made up of all Nicaraguan tobacco.

Before setting the cigar aflame, I gave it a quick once-over. I was pleased with the quality construction and firm feel. A quick clip with my Palio gave way to a free draw with a slight leather taste. Once lit, the cigar produced plenty of dense smoke which didn’t stop until I was finished with it. The flavors throughout were on the dry side and consisted of leather and cocoa. Pepper and spice were easily distinguished through the sinus.

When it came time to toss my Curivari Reserva Limitada – Classica Epiicure into the ashtray, I was genuinely impressed and eager to light up the remainder of my samples. With a price point of roughly $6.00 (or $60.00 per box of 10), I think this is a great bang for your buck cigar. Up until I was given samples, I hadn’t even known the brand existed. I’m unsure of where they can be purchased, but I would definitely suggest giving them a try if you come across them.