The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Vibrato, crafted entirely of 100% Cuban-seed Nicaraguan tobaccos, is a remarkable puro that carries a premium pedigree. Blended by Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez at his Nicaraguan factory for Altadis USA, this cigar earned the title of Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2019, and it’s easy to see why from this week’s STARS review.
The Vibrato boasts an impressive box-pressed construction. Its wrapper is dark brown, reminiscent of a well-worn leather saddle, exuding a slightly oily sheen. The texture is smooth, with no visible seams, indicating expert craftsmanship. It’s also solidly packed, hinting at the great burn and draw to come.
Upon lighting, a robust blast of pepper spice immediately captures your attention, but this quickly mellows, allowing other flavors to emerge. A malted chocolate milkshake sweetness, paired with notes of earthy rye toast, balances the initial spice. There’s a subtle woodsy undertone that adds depth early on.
As you move into the second third, the pepper spice fades to the background, making room for an intriguing root beer sweetness layered with bourbon and molasses. The richness of black coffee and espresso notes becomes more prominent, blending harmoniously with leather and picking up increasing cedar wood flavors. The complexity here is engaging without being overwhelming.
In the final stretch, the cigar returns to its earthy roots with a renewed spice. Cedar wood notes intensify alongside a dark chocolate sweetness. Leather and coffee continue to linger, providing a balanced conclusion. Notably, smoke output increases here, enhancing the overall experience.
The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Vibrato is a beautifully constructed cigar with a flavor profile that remains consistent, though it offers enough subtle transitions to keep things interesting. The quality of construction is top-notch, with an excellent burn and consistent draw throughout. For those who appreciate a rich, earthy smoke with touches of sweetness, it’s a must-add to any regular rotation.
Overall Score: 91.23 out of 100
Overall Strength Score : 5.75 out of 10
This blind review (Cigar #15-D) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising Tyler Ceola, Rick Galletta, JB Smith, Rob Brown, SamF, Jimmy the Boner, George Hillman, J. Dwayne Corn, Nicholas Peters, Bret Curry, Hassib Abou-Zaki – The Cigar Prophet and Mike Conklin
