Joya de Nicaragua Numero Uno L'Ambassador

In diplomacy, there’s a time for strong words and actions. There are also times when a softer touch is the better course. Knowing how to recognize which situation is which is one of the skills that mark a successful diplomat from one who will do more harm than good.

Cigars are a classic gift in diplomatic circles. Visiting dignitaries and heads of state are often presented with fine cigars, and a number of cigar lines trace their history to this specific use. In the 1970s, when Joya de Nicaragua was the Official Cigar of the White House, it certainly was offered as a luxury to be shared with visitors. Nicaraguan ambassadors, of course, had access to Joya’s best modern stock, sharing it around the world on their missions and at their meetings with world leaders.

Now, the Número Uno L'Ambassadeur gives us all the chance to enjoy some of Joya’s most precious premium tobacco in one of the best cigars in 2020. It earned 95 points with the Cigar Aficionado judges, not because of its potency, but instead because of its masterful restraint. This is a subtle work by cigar artisans who know how to craft a blend that is relaxing to smoke and that offers subtle flavors that share the stage with each other.

Draw on the Número Uno and you’ll get creamy and toasty smoke that has hidden flavors of vanilla, nuts, and cinnamon. It’s like an honest sugar cookie out of the oven from a grandmother who’s been baking them for five or so decades, and who has utterly perfected a treat created for enjoyable simplicity.

The Número Uno L'Ambassadeur is built around a Nicaraguan tobacco binder and filler. On the outside, it’s an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper that sets the tone for a mellow smoke. Of course, “mellow” doesn’t have to mean weak or boring. This is a mild-medium strength entrant to the top cigars 2020 list, and a wealth of flavors are definitely there if you’re open to them. Perhaps no pairing is needed with this cigar, to give it room to express itself.

Cream, toast, vanilla, cinnamon aromas

44 ring gauge

168mm length