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I’m settled in my study, the oak shelves heavy with books and the faint glow of the desk lamp casting shadows. A box of cigars arrived for review, and tonight I’m sparking up the Curivari Buenaventura Favoritos Natural, a 5-inch Nicaraguan robusto with a tan wrapper that feels honest, like an old friend’s handshake. Rolled with Nicaraguan tobacco, it’s a budget stick that promises a lot for a little. The calendar says 2016, and as I light it, the first puff swirls like a memory. Let’s see if this one’s got a story worth telling.

Time to find out what this cigar can do.

The Roots

Hailing from Nicaragua, the Curivari Buenaventura Favoritos Natural is crafted by Curivari Cigars, a boutique crew that keeps things real with quality smokes that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Its Nicaraguan wrapper and filler, grown in volcanic soil, deliver an earthy vibe, like the scent of an old leather journal. This cigar’s for folks who want a solid smoke without the fuss, and it showed up in my review box ready to prove its worth.

It’s a regular-production stick, always around when you need it. Let’s step back to 2016, when this cigar hit the scene and the world was spinning its own tale.

A Moment in Time: 2016

In 2016, when the Buenaventura Favoritos Natural rolled out, the world was a whirlwind. The Chicago Cubs snapped a 108-year curse to win the World Series, sparking celebrations that echoed throughout the world. Pokémon GO had people chasing digital critters down the street. David Bowie and Prince left us, their music lingering in the air. Brexit shook things up, and the U.S. election kept everyone on edge.

This cigar landed in a year of triumphs and farewells, and tonight, it’s my companion in reflection.

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Impressions

This 5-inch, 50-ring-gauge Buenaventura Favoritos Natural feels sturdy, like a well-bound book. Its Nicaraguan wrapper is a warm tan, slightly oily, with fine veins and a clean cap. The seams are tight, and it’s got a nice give when pressed. Pre-light, I catch cedar, hay, and a hint of sweet bread, likely from the aged tobacco. The cold draw’s smooth, offering leather and a faint pepper tickle.

It’s a promising start. Let’s light it and see where it takes us.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey

The first third opens with cedar and creamy cashew, softened by a sweet bread note from the well-aged Nicaraguan filler. A mild white pepper, thanks to the wrapper’s fermentation, adds a spark. The smoke’s thick and smooth, the burn’s even, and the light gray ash holds firm, like ink on a page. It’s a cozy start, perfect for the study’s quiet.

In the middle third, leather joins the cedar and nuts, while a toasty graham cracker sweetness emerges, likely from the binder’s long aging. The pepper fades, and a touch of hay keeps it grounded. The ash stays solid, the smoke creamy, and the draw’s effortless, letting the flavors unfold like a good book. It’s simple but engaging.

The final third leans into cedar and leather, with a subtle coffee note rounding it out. A mineral edge, like wet stone, adds depth, and the sweet bread bows out. The burn’s steady, the smoke stays cool, and it finishes clean after about an hour, leaving a satisfying close, like shutting a novel you didn’t want to end.

Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship

Curivari’s craftsmanship shows here. The wrapper’s smooth, with a slight sheen, and the roll’s tight but not stiff. The cap’s clean, seams nearly invisible, and it feels balanced, like a pen that writes just right. For a budget cigar, it’s got a polish that stands out.

The burn’s even, with a light gray ash that holds for an inch. The draw’s spot-on, offering a touch of resistance, and the smoke’s creamy, carrying flavors without overheating. It’s a no-drama smoke that lets the study’s calm take center stage.

Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking

This Buenaventura plays a straightforward but soulful tune. It kicks off with cedar and creamy cashew, sweetened by a bread-like note from the aged Nicaraguan tobacco. A light pepper keeps it lively, like a sharp thought. Midway, leather and toasty graham cracker step in, with hay and a mineral hint adding an earthy layer. The final act brings cedar, leather, and coffee, closing with a clean, mineral finish that lingers like a well-turned phrase.

Strength & Body: The Power Within

Medium in strength, this cigar offers a gentle buzz that builds slowly, ideal for a quiet evening in the study. The cedar and pepper give it a slight kick, but it’s approachable for most smokers.

The body’s medium, with creamy smoke and flavors—cedar, nuts, leather—that feel substantial but not heavy. The sweet bread and hay keep it light, making it a versatile smoke that fits any mood.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience

A bourbon with caramel notes complements the sweet bread, while black coffee highlights the nutty depth. A crisp lager cuts through the cedar and leather, and aged gouda or roasted almonds pair with the creamy smoke. It’s a cigar that elevates a study session.

Value: Worth the Price?

At $5-$6 a stick, the Buenaventura Favoritos Natural is a bargain. Its creamy draw, solid construction, and flavors—cedar, nuts, leather—deliver more than you’d expect. This review box standout is perfect for daily smoking or sharing with friends.

Our Rating:

The Curivari Buenaventura Favoritos Natural earns a Refined, its cedar, nutty, and leather notes glowing in the study’s lamplight. At $5-$6, this cigar offers creamy smoke and honest craft. It’s a humble stick that doesn’t try to be fancy, yet it holds its own with a steady burn. You could do a lot worse for the price, and this one’s got a charm that sneaks up on you.

Final Thoughts

As the lamp dims in my study, the Curivari Buenaventura Favoritos Natural keeps the moment alive with cedar, nuts, and leather, wrapped in creamy smoke that feels like a steal at $5-$6. It’s a budget cigar with enough soul to make a quiet night memorable. It’s not loud, but it speaks volumes.

This one’s a study staple.

Own the Smoke: Make It Yours

The Buenaventura Favoritos Natural suits newbies and veterans alike, with medium strength and a 60-minute burn that’s perfect for most sessions. Its regular production makes it a reliable choice for the regular smoker. Light it up, sink into your chair, and let the smoke tell its story.

Enjoy every moment.

Catch you on the next one.