JC Newman

June 16, 2024

JOYA Cabinetta Lancero (7 x 38)





Video review HERE.


(Description provided by Drew Estate)

"At every cigar event, the question pops up: 'What about the Cabinetta Lancero?' We get it; there's a certain charm to the elegance and rich experience of a great Lancero, but let's face it – it's a niche favorite. So, 'by popular demand', here it is the Cabinetta Lancero Limited Edition for 2024… and trust us, it's better than ever!" - Juan Martínez

In 2016, Joya de Nicaragua's branding was getting a facelift. The "Cabinetta Serie" morphed into "JOYA Cabinetta" under the JOYA family, together with the likes of JOYA Red, JOYA Black, and the later addition, JOYA Silver. The aim was to cater to both the traditional and contemporary cigar smoker, satisfying cravings for flavorful yet not overpoweringly strong experiences. However, in the 2016 revamp, we waved goodbye to the Lancero. But good news – in 2024, it's back, albeit in a limited run of just 1,000 boxes globally.

JOYA Cabinetta is all about connections, seamlessly blending our rich heritage with modern innovation. It's a bridge from time-honored tradition to modern-day versatility, designed to delight cigar smokers across the spectrum. From the curious to the seasoned aficionado. This blend's magic lies in its milder binders and fillers, beautifully complemented by the spicy kick of its dual wrappers – a top-grade Ecuadorian Shade CT caressing its length, capped off with a Nicaraguan H. Criollo head for that extra richness. This unique combination ensures a creamy, silky, and smooth smoke, with a spicy twist in the final third.

"Forget the usual 'barber pole' cigars that are all about looks. This dual- wrapper approach is not just for show – it's a game-changer in flavor and aroma," explains Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, the mastermind behind the 2007 blend.

JOYA Cabinetta is globally available in three vitolas: Corona Gorda (5 1/4 x 46), Robusto (5 x 50) and Toro (6 x 52).

JOYA Cabinetta in the Lancero format was re-introduced at the PCA 2024 Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas this March as a Limited Edition. The MSRP will be $9.95 a cigar and $199 a Box. Its return in this much-loved vitola is set to stir up excitement among lancero enthusiasts and JDN devotees alike. 


The cigar is nicely made with the 2 different wrappers and has an average feel in the hand.




The test draw after cutting the cap was a bit firm but I decided to go with it. The initial flavors at light up were pear, brown sugar, and black coffee with hints of sweet cream. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.



At the first third (20 minutes) there are more pear notes and they are sweet. There is also brown sugar and a little underlying sweet cream. The black coffee is now earthy. The finish is pear with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The cigar is fairly balanced. I rated the first third 94.




As I moved through the second third (41 minutes) the only thing that changed is the earthy black coffee rose and the nice sweet notes decreased a little. The cigar is still medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 93.




The cigar lasted 1 hour 12 minutes. In this section the criollo wrapper came into play and the burn of the cigar slowed significantly. The cigar is also quite rich. There are light pear notes but a lot of rich brown sugar and a full bodied black coffee. The cigar is now medium to full bodied. The finish is light pear, rich brown sugar, and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar took off in the final third. I would love to have this cigar is an all Criollo wrapper. It would be great! I rated the final third 95. These are back for a limited time so be sure to grab a few.




Overall Score: 94

No comments: