Artesano Del Tobacco Viva La Vida

Let’s talk about that jester, joker-looking cigar. Released initially as a one-off, the Artesano Del Tobacco Viva La Vida has always been an absolute favorite of mine. Originally it was distributed by AJ Fernandez and could not be purchased online. However, as Artesano Del Tobacco has grown, certain avenues have opened up! Now, the company has added to its portfolio the Artesano Del Tobacco El Pulpo, and they have taken on their own distribution. Unlike the new addition, the Viva La Vida Cigar uses a rich Habano Osucro wrapper.

Released in various sizes, my favorites are probably the 6×56 Toro, the interesting looking Daidemas Finas figurado, wrapped in an artfully presented sleeve, and the 6×60 box press Club 500. All the cigars are rolled at AJ Fernandez’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The owners, Billy and Gus Fakih, bring an absolute treat to smoke with this cigar, using that high priming Habano 2000 wrapper over a Criollo 98 binder and fillers from Nicaragua.

In terms of flavor notes, the Viva La Vida Cigar is deceiving in presentation. I say this because when I first saw it, I assumed it was going to be a pepper bomb and wear out the palate. This is not the case. While there is a decent measure of spice up front, that mellows into a toasted pie crust, sandlewood, creamy, cocoa powder flavor. Sweetness is definitely there, but perhaps more in the back seat. Strength would be in that sweet spot of medium, leaning toward medium full. I would definitely recommend an Old Forester 1910 pairing or perhaps Whistle Pig 10. The flavors and dynamic range of those spirits mixed with the spice, sweetness, and nuance of Viva La Vida is *French kiss* a match made in heaven.