Description
From Chico – Aged 5 Years
Size: 6×50 Toro
Vitola: Toro
Wrapper: Hybrid Criollo (Dominican)
Binder: Viso (Dominican)
Fillers: Dominican Republic, Jalapa (Nicaragua), Peru
Flavor Notes: Sweet umami cream, florals, black pepper, cedar, light earth, subtle spice
Pairing Notes: Black coffee, jasmine tea, sake, oaked Chardonnay, white rum, honey-drizzled almonds, cream pastries, fresh sourdough bread
Manufacturer: Chico Rivas (Dominican Republic)
Privada Storytelling
Few names in the Dominican Republic carry the underground reverence of Chico Rivas. A master blender known for his experimentation and artistry, Chico has long crafted cigars that push the boundaries of flavor without ever sacrificing tradition. This toro, released originally through the LCA in September 2021, became an instant favorite for its balance of sweetness, cream, and floral complexity.
Now, after five years of Privada aging, the cigar has transformed into something remarkable. The hybrid Criollo wrapper softens into a silkier texture, the binder and fillers fuse into seamless harmony, and the retrohale develops into a floral-pepper signature that has become Chico’s calling card. This is not just a cigar—it’s a study in patience, a demonstration of how time refines bold creativity into elegance.
Flavor Journey
First Third: Opens with a creamy umami sweetness, accented by light cedar and delicate florals. Retrohale brings a burst of black pepper that sharpens the contrast beautifully.
Second Third: Cream evolves into a richer texture, layered with honeyed nuts and soft earth. Florals expand while pepper subsides into balance. A gentle spiced bread character begins to emerge.
Final Third: The cigar finishes with cedar, dried herbs, and a creamy, savory sweetness. Florals linger faintly, while black pepper returns in wisps on the retrohale, closing the experience with refinement.
Why It Belongs in Privada
Privada thrives on uncovering rare voices in the cigar world, and Chico Rivas represents the artistry of the Dominican underground at its finest. His blending style is bold yet nuanced, and with five years of aging under Privada’s care, this cigar exemplifies how collaboration and patience elevate tobacco to unforgettable heights. This toro is not just an aged cigar—it’s a preserved chapter in the story of modern Dominican craft.
