At Artesano Del Tobacco, we take immense pride in our heritage and our unwavering commitment to quality. Our Viva La Vida line has been a beacon of our dedication to crafting cigars that are rich in tradition, flavor, and innovation. To commemorate the 5th anniversary of this celebrated blend, we proudly introduce the Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester Flat Round Belicoso—a cigar that embodies our passion, expertise, and creative evolution.

For a detailed look at this exceptional release, check out the comprehensive review on Stogie Press.

A Heritage of Innovation

Our journey began with a singular vision: to craft cigars that transcend time while staying true to the art of tobacco blending. Over the past five years, the Viva La Vida line has grown from a humble idea into a celebrated series of cigars that garner admiration from aficionados worldwide. This anniversary release is not just a new vitola—it is a tribute to the legacy and success of our signature blend.

A Collaborative Effort

The new Jester Flat Round Belicoso is the result of a passionate collaboration between the Brothers Fakih—Billy and Gus, the visionary forces behind Artesano Del Tobacco—and the renowned A.J. Fernandez. Together, we sought to create an extension of the Viva La Vida family that would honor our past while embracing innovation. As noted in the review by Stogie Press, these efforts were unveiled at the prestigious PCA trade show, marking a significant milestone for our brand.

Crafting the Anniversary Release

A New Twist on a Timeless Blend

In our quest for excellence, we made a bold decision for this special edition: changing the wrapper. For the Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester Flat Round Belicoso, we selected a Habano Connecticut Maduro wrapper grown right here in Connecticut, USA. This choice not only celebrates local cultivation but also introduces a fresh dimension to our established blend. The fillers and binder remain true to our roots—100% Nicaraguan—ensuring that the cigar retains the robust and balanced characteristics that our customers have come to love.

The Vitola: Jester Flat Round Belicoso

Measuring at 5.5 x 56, the Jester Flat Round Belicoso is a unique vitola that speaks to our innovative spirit. Its flat head and round shape distinguish it from our classic formats, offering a fresh visual appeal and a smoking experience that is both refined and engaging. Packaged in our signature 10-count boxes, this release is set at an MSRP of $19.00 per cigar, reflecting our commitment to quality and value.

The Art of Pre-Light Inspection

Before even lighting up, the Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester commands attention. Upon first inspection, its dark reddish-brown Habano Connecticut Maduro wrapper displays elegant marbling with minimal, subtle veins. The matte finish, paired with a delicate toothiness, hints at the complexity that lies within. Our master torcedores ensure that each cigar is expertly rolled, resulting in a firm yet refined construction—a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship.

First Impressions

At Artesano Del Tobacco, we believe that the pre-light examination is as crucial as the smoking experience itself. Running your fingers along the cigar reveals its meticulous construction, and the dual bands—the iconic Viva La Vida band and the distinctive “JESTER by Artesano Del Tobacco” secondary band—announce its special status. This attention to detail is what sets our anniversary release apart and elevates it into the realm of collectible cigars.

A Symphony of Flavors

The Aroma and Initial Draw

The sensory journey begins long before the first puff. As you run the Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester along your nose, you’re greeted with enticing aromas: a delicate bouquet of sweet floral notes, reminiscent of honeysuckle, mingles with hints of cocoa and nuttiness. These initial scents foreshadow the intricate flavor profile that unfolds with every draw.

After a clean, precise cut—one that opens up the cigar perfectly—the initial draw reveals a well-balanced resistance, ensuring that the smoke is delivered evenly throughout the cigar. Early puffs introduce a medley of peppery spice and light cocoa, setting the stage for the evolving complexity.

The Smoking Experience

Lighting the cigar with a dual-flame torch and carefully toasting the foot brings the true magic to life. The early notes of dry cocoa powder and peppery spice create a robust and palate-filling smoke. Though the cut may seem a touch narrow at first, a slight adjustment reveals a fuller, more generous draw that unleashes the true potential of the blend.

As the cigar progresses, the flavor profile deepens and evolves:

  • Dry Cocoa and Pepper: The opening flavors remain anchored by a hint of dry cocoa, complemented by an initial burst of peppery spice.
  • Lemon Rind and Cedar: A refreshing twist appears as lemon rind notes brighten the profile, while subtle cedar adds a touch of earthiness.
  • Dark Chocolate Evolution: The initial cocoa gracefully transitions into a richer, darker chocolate sensation that becomes the core of the experience.
  • Toasted Honey: In the cigar’s second third, delicate toasted honey notes emerge in the background, adding a layer of sweetness that perfectly balances the spice.
  • Fruit Nuances and Final Flourishes: As the cigar nears its conclusion, a gentle resurgence of peppery spice, accompanied by soft fruit nuances, rounds off the experience.

Throughout the smoking session—which spans approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes—the build-up of flavors remains consistently mouth-watering. The evolution from bright, citrusy hints to deep, chocolatey undertones ensures that each puff is a discovery, a celebration of taste and balance.

Visual Cues: The Burn and Ash

A well-constructed cigar should not only taste exceptional but also burn evenly. The Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester showcases a solid white ash that evolves into a firm chunk, indicative of its quality. Although there is a slight wave in the burn, it remains centered and consistent—a minor deduction in an otherwise flawless performance. These visual cues affirm the care and precision that go into every cigar we produce.

Reflections and Final Thoughts

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Artesano Del Tobacco, every release is a testament to our continuous pursuit of perfection. The Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester Flat Round Belicoso, rated a solid 95 by our trusted reviewers, stands as a tribute to our legacy and our willingness to innovate. By embracing a new wrapper and a fresh vitola format, we celebrate not only the longevity of the Viva La Vida line but also our ongoing evolution as cigar makers.

Celebrating Milestones with Our Community

This anniversary release is more than just a new cigar—it’s a celebration of a journey, a milestone achieved through dedication, innovation, and passion. We invite our loyal aficionados and newcomers alike to join us in experiencing this exceptional cigar. Whether you savor it during a quiet evening of contemplation or share it at one of our exclusive tasting events, the Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester promises to deliver a memorable and satisfying experience.

Looking Ahead

While we honor our heritage with this special edition, our eyes remain fixed on the future. We continue to explore new blends, formats, and techniques that push the boundaries of what a fine cigar can be. Our commitment is to bring you products that are not only steeped in tradition but also infused with the spirit of innovation.

In Conclusion

The Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester Flat Round Belicoso encapsulates everything that Artesano Del Tobacco stands for—quality, tradition, and a fearless embrace of innovation. From its carefully selected Habano Connecticut Maduro wrapper to its masterfully crafted vitola and evolving flavor profile, every aspect of this cigar has been designed to offer an unparalleled smoking experience.

For those interested in a deeper dive into this release, I encourage you to read the full review on Stogie Press, which provides an extensive breakdown of the tasting notes and technical details. We at Artesano Del Tobacco remain proud of our accomplishments and are excited to share our passion with you.

Join us in celebrating the legacy and future of our Viva La Vida line. Every cigar we create is a chapter in our ongoing story—a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here’s to many more years of exceptional cigars.