#25 2024 Cigar of the Year: Cavalier Genève BII Viso Jalapa Limited Release 2022

SPECIFICATIONS

Wrapper: Viso Jalapa
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Nicaragua
Country of Origin: Honduras
Factory: Fabrica Centroamericana de Tabaco S.A.
Limited Release 2022: 5 1/2 x 56
Price: $12.50

Sponsor: Yes
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: Cavalier Genève BII Viso Jalapa Limited Release 2022
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 1 (2024)

The Details

The #25 Cigar of the Year for 2024 is the Cavalier Genève BII Viso Jalapa Limited Release 2022. The BII Viso Jalapa was first introduced by Cavalier Genève in 2021 as the third regular production line branded with the Cavalier brand. A little over a year later, Cavalier would launch its “Limited Release” series. The Cavalier Limited Release Series consists of “one-and-done” releases derived from their core lines but in one size with what the company describes as “interesting twists.” BII Viso Jalapa Limited Release 2022 was the first installment. This is another late 2022 release that still fell in the two-year window on Cigar Coop, thus being eligible for the 2024 list.

As the name indicates, the BII Viso Jalapa line is highlighted by a Viso-priming wrapper grown in the Jalapa region of Nicaragua. The remainder of the tobaccos in the blend are from undisclosed areas of Nicaragua. Production comes from Danlí, Honduras, at Cavalier Genève’s Fabrica Centroamericana de Tabaco S.A. Facility. The Limited Release 2022 came in one size— a Robusto Gordo measuring 5 1/4 x 56. The cigar is highlighted by Cavalier’s signature 24-karat gold diamond affixed to the wrapper – and you can smoke through it.

Another interesting tidbit is that Cavalier produced 1,948 boxes of the Limited Release 2022, the temperature at which gold melts.

The BII Jalapa Limited Release 2022 delivered a very approachable flavor profile consisting of cherry, cream, wood, earth, and pepper notes. The strength and body start on the mild to medium side before progressing to medium in the second half.

This is the first time Cavalier Geneve has landed on the Countdown and the first time its factory, FCT, has landed on the Countdown. Meanwhile, after Nicaragua claimed the first four spots on the Countdown, Honduras has now claimed two spots on this year’s list.