Reviver 2021 by Cigar Dojo and Aganorsa Leaf (6 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from cigardojo.com website)

ReviveR first launched in the summer of 2018 with a limited run of 3,000 cigars. The blend was developed by Max Fernández, tailored to Cigar Dojo’s tastes through the selection of Corojo and Criollo leaves primarily from Aganorsa’s farms of Jalapa, Nicaragua. This region is known for producing a sweeter smoking character, in comparison to the more fiery tendencies when heading south to Estelí. With ReviveR, the two combine to offer a zesty profile through the retrohale, followed by a clean, sugarcane-like finish.

“I’ve had the privilege of working on several Cigar Dojo collaborations at two different companies, and it’s always a rewarding experience,” commented Terence Reilly, Aganorsa Leaf vice president of sales & marketing. “That said, ReviveR has a special place in my heart, as it’s the blend that put Aganorsa on the map for a lot of consumers when it debuted in 2018. ReviveR is a perfect expression of Aganorsa’s unique flavor and aroma, and I’m excited we brought it back for another release.”

For 2021, the cigar returns in its original 6″ x 50 toro format and blend, with slightly refreshed packaging to distinguish this release from the original run. This includes the use of a raw Aganorsa tobacco leaf within each slide-lid box, allowing cigar hobbyists the chance to experience its aromas before the rolling process, as is done on tours to the Aganorsa Leaf factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Additionally, ReviveR’s bands have been updated to emphasize the cigar’s palindrome-inspired logo and profile, which is intended to revive even the most hardened of palates.

Eric Guttormson, owner of Cigar Dojo, commented, “If ever there was a Dojo collaboration that needed to come back, it’s this one. I have made no secret about the ReviveR being one of my favorite Dojo releases, and I couldn’t be more excited about its return. We wanted to refine the branding a bit this time around, but the cigar itself is identical to the 2018 version, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

As with the original release, ReviveR (2021) will be sold exclusively through online retailer Atlantic Cigar Co. Production has been increased from 300 to 500 boxes for 2021. 

Wrapper: Corojo ’99 (Jalapa, Nicaragua)

Binder: Criollo ’98 (Estelí, Nicaragua)

Filler: Criollo ’98 | Corojo ’99 (Jalapa, Nicaragua)

Factory: Aganorsa Leaf (Nicaragua)

Production: Limited Edition (500 boxes of 10 cigars)

Packaging: 10-ct Boxes

Vitola: 6″ x 50 (Toro)

Price: $110.00 ($11/cigar MSRP) | $89.10 ($8.91 Dojo discount)

Release: Oct. 8, 2021

Retailer: Atlantic Cigar Co.

The cigar is very well made and has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors at light up were very Aganorsa-like; citrus, citrus peel, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, nougat, and black coffee. There was very good black pepper rated at 8. A very good start.

At the first third (50 minutes) and yes, that time is correct, the flavors are much like they started but with one difference. The nutmeg has an Aganorsa-like flavor of a sour-type vegetable. The other notes are still in play. The cigar continues to be very sweet but the sour nutmeg is a slight negative. The finish is nutmeg and brown sugar with good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The cigar has dropped a point from the initial light up but still very good. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 26 minutes) the sour-type nutmeg really toned down. The black coffee came out a little more. The citrus notes now taste more like a cedar. The citrus peel doesn't seem to be there anymore but there is plenty of brown sugar and cinnamon. The nutmeg is a regular type and there is a nice black coffee base. The cigar is still medium to full bodied. The finish is still nutmeg and brown sugar with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar went through some changes but the net score change is unchanged. I maintained the score of 94 for the second third.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 50 minutes. The cigar continued to change a little. Now there are fairly light cedar notes with a lot of brown sugar and cinnamon. There seem to be caramel notes in the mix too. There is light nutmeg and plenty of black coffee. The black pepper is still very good. The finish is unchanged. The cigar is still medium to full bodied. There have been some changes in this cigar but it's been good from start to finish. I held the score of 94 for the final third. Seek these out. They are good.

Overall Score: 94