That’s the motto of Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989 by Nestor Miranda and his wife Mariana. Together, they built the brand from the ground up, living the American Dream and carving out a legacy in the cigar industry. Nestor’s passion for cigars began in Holguín, Cuba, where he first developed his appreciation for the craft. Before dedicating himself fully to cigars, he worked with Southern Wine & Spirits, gaining valuable experience in the liquor business that would later help him navigate into the world of premium cigars.
Reflecting on his journey, Nestor once said: “My greatest accomplishment was being able to come from Cuba to the United States with limited education and zero English and live the American Dream.” Now, as Miami Cigar & Co. celebrates its 30th anniversary, they’re honoring their roots by reintroducing the cigar that put Nestor’s name on the map: the Nestor Miranda Special Selection Connecticut Toro (2022)
Pre-light Photo:
Beginning Notes and Observations:
This Connecticut wrapped version of the Nestor Miranda Special Selection is offering a more refined and milder take. Blended at My Father Cigars, it features a silky Connecticut wrapper with the actual filler and binder not revealed. The band is striking and elegant, featuring the name Nestor Miranda written in a burnt orange color. It has a handwritten-style script that adds a personal touch as if signed with pride. The lettering is framed by a shimmery copper outline that catches the light beautifully, giving the band a luxurious feel. Additional colors of dark sage green and crisp white create a sophisticated contrast that draws the eye.
The wrapper has a classic light brown hue, reminiscent of over-creamed coffee. It has a delicate, almost silky appearance with a thin texture that’s both visually inviting and soft. Despite its gentle touch, the cigar feels well-packed and firm. There’s a subtle aroma of cedar, earth and fresh, sun-cured tobacco. The wrapper displays minimally raised veins, and the seams are clean with several pebble-like bumps when I look closely. The cap is neatly applied and appears to be symmetrical and blends seamlessly into the overall presentation. I applied a straight cut. The cold draw has a nutty and sweet taste that leaves me with a mouthwatering aftertaste.
Under the Lid:
- Wrapper: Connecticut
- Binder: Undisclosed
- Fillers: Undisclosed
- Factory: My Father Cigars Estelí Nicaragua
- Vitola: 5 1/2 x 54 Toro
- Released Date: May of 2022
- Production: Regular Production
- MSRP: $8.25 / Box of 20 $165.00
First Third:
After toasting the foot with a two torch lighter, the flavors open with a smidge of spice. It is a pleasant sensation that gives me a gentle tingle at the tip of my tongue. It stimulates my taste buds without overwhelming it. What really stands out after the first few minutes are the rich, creamy, almost buttery sensation similar to a Lindt white chocolate truffle. My palate gets awakened and reintroduced by earth and cedar notes I encountered in the dry draw. It develops beautifully and pairs well delivering a well-rounded, deeply enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Second Third:
As I transitioned to the second third, the Connecticut wrapper has delivered a smooth and mellow introduction with notes of light cedar, a touch of earth, light pepper and a creamy buttery sensation. It’s elegant without being bland—an ideal representation of what a well-made Connecticut wrapper should be, but It’s the not knowing what type of Connecticut wrapper that keeps it interesting. As I retro-haled, an almond-like nuttiness creeps in alongside a white pepper tingle giving it just enough complexity to keep my attention. The nuttiness recalls the taste of a toasted almond biscotti paired with the perfect coffee. The smoke output is thick and satisfying and the construction is solid with a razor-sharp burn and a firm ash that has been more than two inches long on all three cigars reviewed. Midway through, the continuous buttery richness is balanced well by the subtle almond nuttiness and the whisper of white pepper. It’s a flavor profile that remains approachable yet refined—perfect for a morning smoke with coffee or an easygoing afternoon session.
Final Third:
The final third offers a bit more depth. The cedar and pepper notes return, slightly bolder now, while the creaminess mellows into a dry, toasty finish. I know as cigar smokers we tend to shy away from Connecticut wrappers, often writing them off as too mild or complaining that they are thin and flaky but let me be a testament of what I just experienced. This rich, creamy, buttery smoothness really set the tone for me. It is not a power bomb. The experience is making it a perfect choice for a gentle, relaxing morning indulgence. It’s a guessing game of what could be in the filler, binder or what origin the Connecticut wrapper represents. I’ve always believed you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and this stick is a great example of why. The flavors came together in a way that was both unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable. If there were any minor drawbacks, it would be the cover band. Its removal posed a challenge, unfortunately damaging the delicate wrapper on all three cigars. Whether due to excess glue or a band applied too tightly, it proved a frustrating interruption in an otherwise pleasant experience.
- Core Flavors: White Pepper, Almonds, Cedar, Earth, Creamy butter, white chocolate
- Strength: Mild to Medium
- Body: Medium
- Complexity: Medium
Smoking Experience:
The Nestor Miranda Special Selection Connecticut Toro is a reminder that a Connecticut-wrapped cigar can be both enticing and enjoyable without overwhelming the palate. It’s a cigar that tells a story—of tradition, of revival, and of a man who turned a dream into a lasting legacy. Whether you’re new to cigars or a seasoned afficionado, this cigar deserves a spot in your rotation. Although Nestor Miranda’s Special Selection Connecticut is as close as possible to the original blend, it did not disclose the components of the new version, but mentioned it is pretty close to the original.
Smoking Recommendation: Box Buy
Cigars Smoked: Three
Average Smoking Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
