Covenant by Esteban Carreras Cigars was unveiled at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show alongside the Chupacabra. Cloaked in a sumptuous Nicaraguan Habana Oscuro wrapper with a delightful reddish hue, this Nicaraguan puro is a smoke that immediately impresses the eye.
The Covenant is packed with long-filler tobaccos from the Estéli, Jalapa, and Ometepe regions of “the land of lakes and volcanoes.” To play on the covenant theme, cigars made with Nicaraguan tobacco pledge to be potent and hearty, with a subtle earthy twist because of their rich, fertile soils.
Going back to the look of Esteban Carreras Covenant Cigars, the sharp box-pressed shape is another tick in quality control. Completing its regal look is a closed foot and two bands — the main being a blue, silver, and black band that roars with the company’s lion logo. It sits above a white secondary band that contrasts beautifully with the oily, dark tan wrapper.
Manufactured in four different sizes, this Esteban Carreras Cigar review sees us burn our way through the Robusto Grande (5.5 x 54) vitola.
Brand overview
Handcrafted at their Tabacaleras Carreras factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, Esteban Carreras Cigars is a boutique brand named after an organizer who protested the takeover of tobacco fields during the Cuban revolution.
They have forged a reputation for producing vibrant Cuban-style stogies using premium Nicaraguan tobaccos. Other leading cigar makers lean on the expertise of Esteban Carreras to create some of their most popular smokes.
A brand that loves surprises, Esteban Carreras will often keep tight-lipped about new releases, only introducing them at the industry’s annual trade show. Let’s see if the Covenant will hold up its end of the bargain, or will it light up a surprise of its own?
Cigar specs
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium - Full
- Wrapper: Nicaragua Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua (Estéli, Jalapa, and Ometepe)
- Sizes Available:
- Covenant by Esteban Carreras Double Corona (7 x 54)
- Covenant by Esteban Carreras Robusto Grande (5.5 x 54)
- Covenant by Esteban Carreras Toro (6 x 54)
Cold draw
Putting the Covenant to my nose, I detected notes of cocoa and rich wood from the wrapper. The closed foot suppressed anything additional at the other end, except for a hint of spice. This spice seeped into the cold draw alongside an interesting medley of earth, fruity sweetness, and wood.
First third
Some connoisseurs like to light a closed foot in its original glory, and I decided to abide by this philosophy. This meant that, once lit, I could enjoy a tremendous burst of flavors due to the extra bit of extra wrapper covering the foot. A rich blend of earthy spice comprised the opening chapter, which told a compelling story of black pepper, earth, cocoa, and espresso.
Many of these flavors (especially the black pepper) are part of many classic Nicaraguan profiles. The draw is wide open, allowing me to experience the bold smoke with every puff.
Second third
The profile morphed into a woody haven of cedar, hay, and oak, backed by flourishes of toasted medium-bodied tobacco. While the pepper had gone into hibernation, I was still picking up plenty of earth and cocoa to keep me satisfied. The cocoa had taken a creamy turn, keeping my aspirations well-balanced between a bolder smoke and something a little more mellow.
Reaching the point where I had to peel off the lower band, some fascinating citrus notes began to rain down, bringing another great transaction to the table.
Final third
The spice picked back up in the final third as the trusty pepper jumped back into the profile. Thankfully, it didn’t leapfrog the creaminess that underpinned the blend in the final third. The woody elements of cedar, hay, and oak remained, with creamy malt notes and milk chocolate keeping everything delicious until the last puff.
Even the smoke is heavily creamy and easy on the palate. The strength continues to sit around the medium to full range, making it ideal for smokers will a little more experience under their belt.
Conclusion
With its perfectly-weighted combination of creamy and powerful tasting notes, the Covenant is a cigar well worth trying. Boasting signature Nicaraguan flavors at a very reasonable price, pick up your box of 24 Esteban Carreras Covenant Cigars from cigars.com today.