Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Nicaragua Review

After having already covered several Ventura’s Psyko Seven cigars, it’s time to check out the Nicaragua, which was blended by Indian Ortez! Once again, thanks Roy Sommer of Davidoff UK for sending us a few samples.

In this article, you will discover the Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Nicaragua as we cover the following topics:

You can use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to learn more.

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Overview

  • Brand: Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven
  • Range: Nicaragua
  • Reviewed Vitolas: 5 x 50 Robusto
  • Wrapper: 2007 Nicaraguan Connecticut Claro
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Condega, Jalapa, Estelí
  • Factory: Agroindustrial Nicaragüense de Tabacos, Nicaragua
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Body: Mild-Medium
  • Estimated Smoking Time: 65  Minutes
  • Pricing: $8.50 / Single

Unlike the previous Psyko Seven instalments such as the Connecticut, the Nicaragua does not involve Henke Kelner or Davidoff’s production facilities. On this occasion, the blend was created by Indian Ortez and features her family’s own tobaccos, including an exciting 2007.

Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Look & Feel

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Psyko Seven Nicaragua Look & Feel

  • Wrapper Hue: Peanut
  • Rolling Consistency: Mostly Even
  • Spring: Hard
  • Aromas: Hazelnut, Malt, Butterscotch

In terms of the Nicaragua’s appearance, you can expect a very well-constructed, smooth cigar with even rolling consistency. It is a little bit firm, though. Indeed, it is very hard to press, and I didn’t want to pinch it too much, given that this is a fragile Connecticut wrapper.

Meanwhile, the sheen is quite oily and it has very refined veins. As for the aromas of the foot, they consist of hazelnut, a succulent malt cereal, and some creamy butterscotch.

Psyko Seven Nicaragua Review

Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Nicaragua First Third

As usual, the cigars were kept in a Boveda acrylic humidor for the last few weeks so that they’re fully acclimated in preparation for the review. They were stored using 69% Boveda packs, and closely monitored with a Boveda Butler.

Every cigar that we review is stored in this exact same way as a control step to ensure that the testing process is standardised.

Pre-Lighting Experience

  • Draw: Mild Resistance
  • Aromas: Golden Syrup, Lemon Curd, Cinnamon

Although the Nicaragua is quite hard in terms of spring, it has a pleasantly smooth draw without any resistance. Fortunately, it’s tightly packed without sacrificing the draw.

Furthermore, the flavours are quite rich on the dry draw. On this occasion, I experienced a touch of golden syrup, zesty lemon curd with a hint of creaminess, as well as some spicy cinnamon.

1st Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Smoked Sarriette, Cocoa, Red Pepper

In the first third, I experienced smoked sarriette, a herb also known as savoury, whose aroma had a slightly charred crispiness. Additionally, there was some dry cocoa, and piquant red pepper, which unveiled itself in the retrohale.

2nd Third Smoking Experience

Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Nicaraua Second Third

  • Notes: Suede Leather, Nutmeg, Grapefruit

Afterwards, the second third was founded upon an accord of suede leather as nutmeg performed as a transitional note. Meanwhile, its warm spiciness was nicely contrasted by bittersweet grapefruit.

Final Third Smoking Experience

  • Notes: Black Pepper, Charred Oak, Dried Earth

Once you get to the final third, you’ll probably experience butterscotch, which is similar to the mascarpone in the first third but is a little bit boozier. Added Birchwood offers a balsamic, cured woodiness while espresso coffee provides depth.

In terms of complexity, it evolves nicely through each third with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. There’s a balanced palate stimulation and dryness, as it focuses on all different parts of the tongue.

The overall lifecycle is quite developed and the aforementioned evolution still remains consistent throughout. Afterwards, the finish lingers well without overbearing the smoker.

Overall Burn

Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Nicaragua Final Third

  • Ash Backbone: Some Strength
  • Burn Angle: Straight
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Draw: Some Resistance
  • Final Smoking Time: 65 Minutes

With regards to the burn, it has a pleasant draw that remained consistent throughout the smoking experience. Similarly, it offers a cool and gentle smoke.

Furthermore, it offered a razor-sharp burn line, which remains straight all the way to the end of the second third. Occasionally, it showed minor signs of waviness but it was overall quite well constructed.

Finally, the ash backbone is impressively strong. It stayed on for the whole first third and then plopped off naturally once I started progressing well into the second third.

Ideal Pairings With An A Psyko Seven Nicaragua

Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Nicaragua & CognacYou could consider salty snacks like pretzels to accompany the Nicaraguan Psyko Seven. Meanwhile, a sweeter alternative would be dark chocolate. I would suggest something like Argencove. Indeed, Argencove is a great artisanal Nicaraguan chocolate brand from Granada, and you can buy it online.

Alternatively, consider Brazil nuts. These would be my first choice rather than another kind of nut because of their intense flavour.

As for beverages, perhaps consider a cognac, a well-blended and rounded Fine Champagne with a balanced profile would accord nicely with this cigar.

Otherwise, if you prefer whiskey, I would lean towards a Highland single malt expression that will have a full flavour that would be on the same level in terms of body. Alternatively, you can try to create a contrast by opting for a Speyside.

Finally, if you’re a coffee drinker, this is best paired with espresso. Usually, I would suggest a latte for a cigar with a creamy profile. However, the espresso’s flavours would pair better with this cigar’s character.

Overall Experience

Like the other Psyko Seven blends, I love the band. The large band is reminiscent of a prescription label on a medicine bottle. It gives you some details about how the cigar was made. Usually, it’s signed by Patrick Hurd. However, there’s Indiana Ortez’s signature on this occasion.

When it’s removed, it reveals a regular cigar band so you don’t have a blank cigar. The one adorning the Nicaragua is a departure from the previous design. Here, you’ll have a gold band with a blue stripe that references the box.

Ventura Cigars Psyko Seven Natural Box

Psyko Seven Natural Box

I don’t have the box for the Nicaragua. However, it’s similar to the Natural in the photo above except in a blue colour. As with the original, a label on the underside of the lid describes the tobacco varieties used to craft the blend.

Additionally, the value for money is excellent. At only $8.50 for a single, it’s a fabulous sub-$10 cigar. You can also find it for less if you know whether to look or prefer to buy a whole box.

As I stated in previous reviews, I wouldn’t consider this to be a formal cigar simply due to the presentation. The way it’s displayed isn’t suited to the context. However, it’s a great one to smoke with friends, at a social gathering, or even when chilling out alone.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, this the Psyko Seven Nicaragua a very pleasant cigar with a balanced profile and intriguing array of notes. It is certainly an interesting addition to the Psyko Seven line and gives you a unique alternative to the other blends.

If you’re somebody who enjoys the spiciness of a Nicaraguan cigar but would be curious to try something that is a little bit milder in body, the Psyko Seven Nicaragua is one that would probably suit you quite well.

"A surprisingly mild character with full flavours render the Psyko Seven Nicaragua an intriguing and tantalising blend."
Bespoke Unit Rating: ★★★★★

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading this cigar review, feel fry to check out more related content:

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