Description
Year of Hiss
Size: 6×54 Box Pressed
Vitola: Toro (Box Pressed)
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés AA+
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo (Estelí)
Fillers: Dominican Republic, Estelí, Colombia
Flavor Notes: Rich chocolate, espresso, cedar, leather, sweet cocoa, peppery spice
Pairing Notes: Espresso martini, peaty single malt scotch, dark chocolate truffles, or a full-bodied red wine
Manufacturer: AJ Fernández (Tabacalera Annex, Estelí, Nicaragua)
Privada Storytelling
The Year of Hiss is more than a cigar — it’s a playful nod to tradition with the Privada twist. While many companies approach zodiac-themed cigars with solemn reverence, LCA chose to celebrate with wit and personality. Imagine Pete the Dragon lounging in smoke, grinning as he puffs clouds into the night sky. That’s the energy behind this release: bold enough to honor heritage, but clever enough to make you smile while lighting up.
Two years of aging at AJ Fernández’s Tabacalera Annex in Estelí have mellowed this box-pressed toro into a perfectly balanced experience. Built on one of the world’s most celebrated wrappers, the Mexican San Andrés AA+, it captures both luxury and fun. This isn’t about following the crowd — it’s about creating your own legend.
Flavor Journey
From the first draw, dark chocolate and espresso dominate, laced with a peppery kick courtesy of the Estelí Corojo binder. The smoke quickly opens into cedar and leather, offering richness without harshness. By the midpoint, the Colombian and Dominican fillers reveal subtle sweetness — hints of cocoa dusted with spice. The final third is deep and resonant, delivering earthy tones, lingering espresso, and a satisfying balance of sweet and savory.
Why It Belongs in Privada
Privada cigars are curated to be memorable, collectible, and conversation-starting. Year of Hiss embodies that ethos by blending AJ Fernández’s mastery with LCA’s sense of humor and originality. It’s a limited, aged, boutique-crafted cigar designed for the smoker who doesn’t take themselves too seriously but still demands the very best.