Cigar Review – Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Gran Consul

A few years ago, I read an interview with Ron Perlman talking about his favorite cigars. Big and bold fits his personality and outlook on life. The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Gran Consul (short) one was his any-excuse-to-smoke cigar. It was the perfect size for any time of day. Sounds right up my alley.

So, I headed to my local brick and mortar to find me one. The cigar keeper at the shop told me that these cigars were smoked at the White House after a bill or something important like that was signed. Man, I was getting pumped up for this cigar.

I almost expected someone to say “So, you’ve decided to light up the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Gran Consul? Buckle up, because this short, chubby belicoso doesn’t mess around—it’s like a tiny, leathery wrecking ball of flavor coming straight for your taste buds.”

Now I can say they would have been right.

It’s unlike any cigar I’ve had, and I’d say it’s my favorite. My first time with it was at an overnight camping bon fire to raise money for kids without coats. It was the perfect night to light it up. And it brought the magic. The cigar took me right back to that time when I smoked my first cigar (Royal Jamaican) and loved it. The aroma, profile taste, and everything was perfect. The only thing that would have been more perfect was if I bought more than one. After that cigar, I had to have others that night, and they didn’t compare.

The Antaño 1970 Gran Consul has that unique cigar smell that brings you right back to a different moment in time. 

Appearance & Construction

Imagine a sumo wrestler in a tuxedo—short, stout, and surprisingly elegant. This cigar is densely packed, with a dark, slightly menacing Nicaraguan Criollo wrapper that practically dares you to light it up. It’s well-constructed, firm to the touch, and feels like it could survive a minor apocalypse (or at least an accidental drop onto concrete).

Draw & Burn

The draw is effortless, like sipping a milkshake through a perfectly sized straw—no frustration, just satisfaction. The burn is even, with a crisp white ash that clings to the cigar like it’s holding on for dear life. It produces thick clouds of smoke, making you feel like an old-timey gangster or a villain from a noir film.

Flavor Profile

From the first puff, it smacks you with bold, earthy leather—like getting hit in the face with Indiana Jones’ well-worn satchel. But before you start questioning your life choices, the cigar mellows out into a symphony of hazelnut, dark chocolate, honey, and rich wood. It’s like a fancy dessert that also happens to punch you in the throat (in a good way).

Finish

The finish is long—like, “I just gave a dramatic monologue and dropped the mic” long. The sweetness lingers, the woodiness deepens, and the spice gives you a little playful slap on the way out. It’s bold, unapologetic, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Final Thoughts

This cigar isn’t here to make friends—it’s here to make a statement. It’s strong, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a smoke that packs a punch without resorting to cheap tricks. Pair it with an espresso, a dark rum, or just the satisfaction of knowing you can handle a cigar that means business.