And so we’ve reached the end of our little Buenaventura sampler journey. In this final installment, I’ll share my impressions of the Buenaventura BV560 – a cigar that promises to close the series with character. Let’s dive in.
It wasn’t until I checked the date in my notes that I realized just how much time had passed since I smoked the previous cigar from this sampler. I still remember opening that small wooden box and deciding to save today’s cigar for last. Sometimes it just happens — you see a cigar and get the feeling it’s going to be the one. Of course, you never really know. It’s pure intuition.
By the way, the earlier reviews from this mini-series are currently available only in Polish. Let me translate some information about the brand itself.
A few words about Curivari Buenaventura brand
Curivari is what you’d call a boutique cigar brand. I’ve always liked that term – especially when it comes to cigars. Considering how niche the cigar world already is, a “boutique cigar brand” sounds like a niche within a niche.
It’s a bit surprising that the brand isn’t present in Poland, given that it’s actually European. Curivari was founded in 2003 by Andreas Throuvalas, a Greek entrepreneur and cigar retailer who, one day, decided to create his own line. Andreas also happens to be the brand’s master blender. Can it be done? Apparently, yes.
The brand draws inspiration from the cradle of cigar culture. The seeds used for its tobacco come from Cuba, though they’re grown in Nicaragua’s fertile soils – primarily in the Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega regions. The philosophy behind Curivari combines European aesthetics with Nicaraguan craftsmanship.
The Buenaventura line came later, in 2012 – most likely after the brand’s 2010 entry into the U.S. market. And that timing makes sense. American cigar culture loves to trace connections, however symbolic, to Cuban heritage – especially since Cuban cigars remain off-limits there. Just look at My Father’s acquisition of the Fonseca brand, or the countless family-history references that thrive in U.S. marketing.
What caught my eye – and what I really appreciate – are the names of Curivari’s other lines, like Achilles and Socrates. They nod directly to the founder’s Greek roots. It’s a subtle, genuine way of leaving a personal imprint on the brand’s identity – and I like that a lot.
Curivari Buenaventura BV560
The cigar was first introduced at the 2012 IPCPR trade show in Orlando and hit retail shelves that October. It’s a Nicaraguan puro, rolled entirely from tobaccos grown in Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega. A true treat for those who appreciate the rich, distinctive character of Nicaraguan leaf.
A few technical specs
The cigar comes in a Robusto/Gordo format, measuring 5 ½ inches in length (about 14 cm) with a 56 ring gauge. A substantial cigar by any standard — big enough that I struggled to classify it, hence the “Robusto/Gordo” label. Visually, it leans toward the darker side, with an oily sheen to the wrapper. The band is simple and understated, its minimalist design reminiscent of classic Cuban rings.
The Cut
Before cutting, I take a moment to really get the aroma – a ritual to prepare the senses. The wrapper gives off a sweet, floral scent with a touch of cedar. I went with a straight cut for this one. The cold draw? Well… tight. Flavor-wise, there’s some earth and wood right away. I can only hope the draw magically opens up once lit – though, truth be told, that’s probably wishful thinking rather than genuine optimism.
The Smoke
I carefully toasted the foot with a jet flame, then lit it up with a few short, gentle puffs. After letting it rest for a moment, I took the first draw – greeted by notes of coffee and cocoa. As the smoke developed, the profile leaned further into chocolate, before that sweetness gradually gave way to a drier, earthier tone. The finish? A firm hit of dark chocolate.
Strength & Body
Strength sits somewhere in the medium range – in terms of both, strength and body.
Aroma & Smoke
The cigar produces a moderate amount of smoke – definitely more on the modest side. The aroma carries gentle hints of coffee and sweetness, pleasant but understated.
Construction & Burn
As for construction, I knew from the very start it might be a challenge. The draw never really improved — if anything, it seemed to tighten as I went. Add to that an uneven burn that kept my lighter permanently on standby, and it became a bit of a maintenance session.
This time, my intuition let me down. Definitely the weakest cigar from the sampler. I’m willing to accept that I might’ve just gotten an unlucky stick – after all, I only smoked one. But it’ll be a while before I revisit it, and I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to hunt one down abroad.
The bitter tone probably comes from disappointment. I’d been looking forward to this cigar, convinced by the previous ones that this “saved for last” stick would be the cherry on top. Instead, it spoiled the ending. Maybe I’ll try it again someday. Maybe. Someday.
If I were to rank the Curivari Buenaventura cigars from the sampler – best to worst, in my personal opinion – it would look like this:
- Curivari Buenaventura Pralines P554,
- Curivari Buenaventura Picadores 52,
- Curivari Buenaventura D7,
- Curivari Buenaventura Cremas C300,
- Curivari Buenaventura BV560.
The cigar reviewed here was purchased with my own funds.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
