If you've moved past your first few cigars and want something with more depth, Nicaragua is where a lot of smokers end up. Two family names come up again and again: Oliva and My Father. This guide explains what sets each one apart, how the lines differ in strength and size, and which stick to pick for your next evening on the patio.
Why Nicaraguan cigars?
Nicaragua's tobacco valleys - mainly Estelí and Jalapa - grow rich, peppery leaf with plenty of natural sweetness. Many Cuban cigar families rebuilt their craft there, so you get old-school rolling with bolder, spicier blends than most Dominican cigars. If you like coffee, cocoa, leather and black pepper notes, this is your lane. New to sizes and wrappers? Start with our cigar basics guide, then come back here.
Oliva: from easy Nubs to the full Serie V
The Oliva family has grown tobacco for generations and rolls its cigars in Estelí. Their range runs from smooth and approachable to rich and full, which makes Oliva a great brand to work your way through.
Nub - short, thick and quick to hit flavour
Nubs are short, wide cigars built to reach the full-flavour core fast. The Oliva Nub Connecticut wears a creamy Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and is a gentle way into Nicaraguan tobacco. The Oliva Nub Cameroon steps up to medium-full with a leathery, aromatic Cameroon wrapper.
Serie V - bold, full-bodied and balanced
Serie V is Oliva's full-bodied line, built around aged Jalapa ligero under a sun-grown Habano wrapper. Expect dark chocolate, espresso and spice. The Oliva Serie V Double Robusto (5 x 54) is the shorter smoke, while the Oliva Serie V Double Toro (6 x 60) gives you a longer, cooler draw.
Serie V Melanio - Oliva's top shelf
Named after Melanio Oliva, this line uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper for a smoother, more refined take on the Serie V profile. Try the box-pressed Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado or the big Oliva Serie V Melanio 6x60. If you like it darker and sweeter, the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Figurado swaps in a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper.
My Father: the García family's Nicaraguan puros
My Father Cigars is run by the García family, Cuban cigar makers who now grow and roll in Nicaragua. Their cigars are often box-pressed, with an even burn and lots of spice.
Flor de Las Antillas - the everyday favourite
A medium-to-full, box-pressed Nicaraguan puro with a sun-grown wrapper - a good first My Father. Pick the My Father Flor de Las Antillas Robusto for about an hour's smoke, or the My Father Flor de Las Antillas Toro for a longer sit. The Flor de Las Antillas Toro Maduro adds a dark Habano Oscuro wrapper for extra sweetness and depth.
The Judge and Le Bijou - for full-bodied fans
The My Father The Judge Grand Robusto is a 5 x 60 box-pressed cigar with a dark Sumatra Oscuro wrapper and a double binder - rich and powerful but well balanced. The My Father Le Bijou Torpedo is part of the Le Bijou 1922 line, named for the year Don Pepín García was born. It's a full-bodied Nicaraguan puro with an oily Habano Oscuro wrapper and a tapered head that focuses the smoke.
Other Nicaraguan cigars worth a try
Want to explore beyond these two? The Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Medio Siglo Toro comes from one of Nicaragua's most storied factories and has a Habano Criollo wrapper with gentle spice. For an earthy, rustic smoke, the Nica Rustica Short Robusto pairs a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper with Estelí filler.
How to pick your first one
- Mild to medium: start with the Nub Connecticut or Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Medio Siglo.
- Medium to full: Flor de Las Antillas or the Nub Cameroon.
- Full-bodied: Serie V, The Judge or Le Bijou - best after a meal.
- Short on time: a Nub or a robusto. Got 90 minutes or more? Go toro or 6 x 60.
- Smoke slowly - about one puff a minute keeps strong cigars smooth and cool.
Keep them fresh
Our cigars live in a walk-in humidor until they go home with you. Once they do, store them at a steady humidity and keep them away from heat and sunlight. Our cigar storage guide walks you through it.
Shop Nicaraguan cigars in Vancouver
Browse every stick in our cigar collection, or visit Tobacconist & Vape, a franchised Express News store at 140 - 2741 E Hastings St, Vancouver. Order before 5 PM for same-day delivery between 6 PM and 7 PM to Vancouver, Burnaby and parts of North Vancouver. You must be 19+, and ID is checked at pickup and delivery.