Today, we review the JR Pure Origin Terra de Andes. This is the second installment in JR Cigars’ limited edition Pure Origin line. For many years, JR Cigars has produced its own cigars under the JR name, most of which are valued-priced and bundled offerings. When JR Cigars celebrated its 50th anniversary a couple of years ago, it released the JR Ultimate 50th Anniversary, a more premium offering. Now, with JR Pure Origin, the company appears to be building on that concept. In addition to featuring more luxurious styled packages, the Pure Origin series also includes more premium and, in some cases, exotic tobaccos around a particular region.

The region of Terra de Andes is the Andes Mountains. The Andes Mountains stretch from north to south on the western side of South America. Ecuador and Peru are the two most notable tobacco-producing countries in the Andes region. Both countries are represented in the Terra de Andes blend. Terra de Andes follows up the 2021’s first JR Pure Origin line, Gran Vulcano. Gran Vulcano paid homage to Nicaragua and some volcanic regions that use tobacco.

Let’s break down the Terra de Andes Robusto without further ado and see what this cigar brings to the table.

JR Pure Origen Terra de Andes Robusto | Cigar Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

As mentioned, the “Andes” connection is the use of Ecuadorian and Peruvian tobacco. The cigar uses Ecuadorian tobacco for the wrapper (Habano) and binder (Sumatra). Peruvian tobacco is used in the filler, and this is complemented with Nicaraguan tobacco. Production comes from A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua. AJ Fernandez and Rafael Nodal developed the blend.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Peruvian, Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.

Vitolas Offered

The Terra de Andes is offered in three sizes. Each is presented in 10-count boxes.

Robusto: 5 x 50
Toro: 6 x 50
Toro Gordo: 6 x 56

Appearance (*)

The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper of the Terra de Andes Robusto was milk chocolate with a slight Colorado hue. The surface of the wrapper had a light coating of oil and some toothiness. Upon closer examination, some mottling could be seen on the surface. There were some visible veins and wrapper seams.

Close-up of the JR Pure Origin Terra de Andes

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw (*)

Before lighting up the Terra de Andes Robusto, a straight cut was used to commence the cigar experience. Once the cap was removed, it was time to begin with the pre-light draw experience. The cold draw delivered notes of earth and wood. Usually, these two notes are not my favorite – wood and earth. However, there was an underlying sweetness to this pre-light draw that made this pre-light draw satisfactory. At this point, it was time to toast up the Terra de Andes Robusto and see what the smoking experience would have in store.

Tasting Notes

The Terra de Andes Robusto opened up with bread, earth, wood, herbs, and chocolate notes. There was no dominant note early on, but the herb and chocolate notes soon moved to the forefront. By the midway point of the second third, the herb notes took over as the sole primary note, and as the first third came to a close, the bread notes joined the herb notes. As the cigar went out of the first third, the herb and bread notes were primary, while the chocolate, wood, and earth notes were secondary. Meanwhile, the retro-hale had a combination of herbs and subtle black pepper notes.

During the second third of the Terra de Andes Robusto, the bread notes took over as the primary notes. The herbal notes settled in the background with the wood, earth, and chocolate notes. In addition, some black pepper surfaced on the tongue. The chocolate notes seemed to diminish quite a bit.

The bread notes remained primary, heading into the final third. The herbal notes and black pepper increased. Some wood and earth notes remained, and the chocolate was pretty much gone. This is how the Terra de Andes Robusto came to a close. The resulting nub was soft to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn

Overall, the Terra de Andes Robusto scored nicely regarding its burn. Furthermore, this cigar maintained a straight burn path and burn line and did not require frequent touch-ups. The resulting ash was light gray and firm. As for the burn rate and burn temperature, both maintained ideal levels.

Draw

The Terra de Andes Robusto also scored nicely on the draw. This cigar had a touch of resistance to its draw, making it ideal in my book. At the same time, it was a low-maintenance cigar from which to derive flavor.

Strength and Body

In terms of strength, the Terra de Andes Robusto started out as a mild to medium cigar. The strength gradually increased, and by the second half, the cigar was in medium territory. While there was still an increase in strength, the cigar remained in the medium range for the duration of the smoke.

The flavors produced at the start of the Terra de Andes Robusto were medium-bodied. While there was a slight increase in intensity along the way, the flavors remained in the medium range for the duration of the smoking experience.

The body maintained a slight edge throughout the smoking experience in terms of strength versus body.

BANDING AND PACKAGING NOTES (*)

The yellow/green band color is unique to the Terra de Andes, and somehow, this works quite well. Much like the JR Puro Origin Gran Vulcano, the packaging is made from 100% recycled, sustainable materials. The box is quite nice, but like the Gran Vulcano, I didn’t like the cardboard insert used to keep the Terra de Andes cigars in place.

An open box of the JR Pure Origin Terra de Andes

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

Usually, I don’t gravitate toward Ecuadorian Sumatra or Peruvian tobacco. In this case, I give the Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez team credit because they found a way to make these tobaccos work well with the Terra de Andes Robusto. This was a flavorful and well-balanced blend. In addition to the fact that there is excellent construction and a good amount of complexity in the blend, the result is a winner. This is a cigar I would recommend to either a novice or an experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, this is a cigar I would buy and smoke again.

Summary

Key Flavors: Bread, Herb, Wood, Earth, Chocolate, Pepper
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium Plus
Strength: Mild to Medium (1st Half), Medium (2nd Half)
Body: Medium
Finish: Very Good