Time for another cigar from the Buenaventura sampler. Today, I’m sharing my impressions of the Curivari Buenaventura Picadores 52 – a stick that caught my attention from the first draw. Let’s dive in.
I have to admit – even though my journey with Curivari cigars has only just begun, the brand has already earned a place in my humidor and my anticipation. Each new stick brings genuine excitement, and this time was no different. I was truly looking forward to spending another evening with my trusted cigar companions and a new Buenaventura by my side.
The outdoor smoking season is in full swing, and the warm summer weather continues to set the perfect tone for our cigar meetups. A popular open-air spot in Rzeszów, a laid-back holiday atmosphere, a warm breeze, and great company – it was exactly the kind of evening I had been waiting for all day, checking the clock more often than I’d like to admit. Finally, the time came. With cigar in hand and a smile on my face, I made my way to our usual summer place.
Curivari Buenaventura Picadores 52
For my third cigar from the Buenaventura sampler, I picked the Curivari Buenaventura Picadores 52. Like the others, it’s a Nicaraguan puro, hand-rolled entirely with Nicaraguan tobacco. After the previous stick – the only one with a lighter wrapper in the sampler – I felt it was time to go to the darker end of the spectrum.
A quick side note: the name Picadores comes from Spanish and refers to the horse-mounted bullfighters who spear the bull with lances during traditional bullfighting events. It’s an unusual reference, and one that definitely stands out.
As far as I know, the Picadores line comes in two formats – Toro and Robusto, although the Robusto seems to be much harder to come by. At first, I assumed there was only one size, but some further digging led me to discover the smaller vitola.
A few tech specs
The cigar comes in a classic Toro format, measuring 6 inches in length (about 15.24 cm) with a 52 ring gauge. To my eye, this is as traditional a Toro as it gets. The wrapper is fairly dark — not quite Maduro, but definitely beyond the typical natural shade. I’d place it somewhere around EMS (English Market Selection), a term I once read that describes this kind of medium-dark tone. It has the rich, earthy color of cocoa powder, which seems like a fitting comparison. The wrapper feels a bit rough to the touch, adding to the rustic charm. One interesting feature of this cigar is its box-pressed construction – pressed on all sides, giving it a near-square shape in cross-section.
The Cut
Before cutting the cigar, I give it a good sniff – a little ritual to get my senses ready for what’s to come. And this cigar smells absolutely divine. The wrapper offers a sweet, floral aroma with hints of cream and just a touch of earth. The foot, on the other hand, leans drier and spicier – there’s wood, a dusty note of ground pepper, and a sharp edge that tickles the nose. It’s a bold introduction. I go for a straight cut using a classic guillotine cutter. Snip. The draw is very good – no resistance, just right. On the cold draw, I pick up notes of cocoa and coffee. A promising start.
The Light
I toast the foot thoroughly with a jet flame lighter, then ignite it with a few short, gentle puffs. After letting it rest for a moment, I dive into the smoking experience. The first flavors are earthy and mineral – a profile that immediately brings to mind the rich, volcanic soil of Nicaragua. The taste quickly shifts, becoming more layered, with cocoa notes emerging alongside a steady earthy backdrop. As the cigar progresses, I start to pick up bitter dark chocolate, grounded once again by that ever-present earthiness. Toward the final third, the profile becomes noticeably drier and more intense. The bitterness ramps up, with the earth notes deepening and gaining a more roasted edge. The finish delivers toasted nuts with a faint char, creating a dry complexity I truly enjoy.
Strength & Body
The strength of the cigar falls somewhere between medium and full. For the most part, it stays in the medium range, but towards the end I was glad I’d had a solid meal beforehand. The body is consistent, delivering a satisfying and layered experience without being overpowering.
Aroma & Smoke
The cigar produces a generous amount of smoke, which carries a rich aroma reminiscent of dark chocolate with a nose-tingling touch of black pepper. A very enjoyable and expressive combination.
Construction & Burn
Unfortunately, the burn wasn’t ideal. The cigar required several touch-ups with the lighter due to an uneven burn line that never quite corrected itself – despite applying a trick I once learned from a fellow aficionado. Still, the draw remained good throughout, which helped keep the experience enjoyable overall.
Final Thoughts on the Curivari Buenaventura Picadores 52
In my tasting notes, I wrote: “a very good cigar – Nicaraguan through and through.” And honestly, I think that sums it up perfectly. What stood out most was the flavor: bold, layered, and evolving in unexpected ways – just the way I like it. I can overlook the burn issues, especially since the draw was flawless from start to finish.
A cigar worth trying. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
This cigar 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
