“This cigar is the total package – flavor, complexity, and construction. There is no doubt whatever tobacco (Fred) Rewey uncovered in Nicaragua had something really special going for it.”

#13 – Nomad LE Esteli Lot 1386

Coming in at #13 on the 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown is the Nomad LE Esteli Lot 1386.  This cigar became the first limited release, and second line released overall by Fred Rewey’s Nomad Cigar Company.  It also was the first cigar that Rewey made in Nicaragua.

The Nomad LE Esteli Lot 1386 becomes Nomad Cigar Company’s first appearance on the Cigar of the Year countdown.  This continues what has been a strong year for Ecuadorian Habano wrappers as this is the sixth cigar on the countdown with this wrapper.  This also gives Gary Griffith’s House of Emilio (the company that distributes Nomad Cigar Company), a third cigar on the countdown – leading the way at this point in terms of distribution arms of what has been announced on the countdown.

I found the Nomad LE Esteli Lot 1386 to deliver a highly complex flavor profile.  Along the way it delivers a variety of notes that can include: cocoa, natural tobacco, cherry, caramel, earth, and baker’s spice.  There also was a nice creamy note in the background which I felt gave this cigar a unique edge.  The flavors are full-bodied. The strength builds slowly on this cigar – starting out as at medium strength.  By the end of this cigar, this cigar progressed to full strength.

Click here for our assessment of the Nomad LE Esteli Lot 1386.

Blend Profile


Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas Available

The Nomad LE Esteli Lot 1386 has been released in a single vitola – a 6 x 52 toro.


Score: 94 (8/20/13)
Assessment Rating: 4.0 Box Worthy

For more information on our vision and criteria for the 2013 Cigar of the Year countdown, see our December 2013 Editor’s Corner.