Jericho Hill — Heritage & History

Jericho Hill is the rare brand that wears its contradictions openly: a Nicaraguan puro built around a Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, named for a biblical city of walls and trumpets, and blended by Willy Herrera, the man who made the name Drew Estate synonymous with bold, unapologetic flavor. Launched in 2014 at TABSA (Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A.) in Estelí, Nicaragua, the line was Herrera's first major post-Drew Estate project, and it immediately set a new benchmark for what a 'full-bodied' cigar could be—not just strength, but a layered, brooding complexity. The original Toro and Robusto, with their dark, oily Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrappers, became instant cult classics, praised for their balance of power and finesse. Over the years, the line has expanded to include a dozen vitolas, from the sharp Lancero to the compact Petit Corona, each maintaining the brand's signature intensity. What distinguishes Jericho Hill from its peers is its willingness to experiment with wrapper varietals—from the sun-grown stalk-cut Habano to the San Andrés-cured Rosado—while keeping the blend's core identity intact. It is a brand that rewards patience, and one that has earned its place in the modern canon.

Blending Philosophy

Jericho Hill's blending approach is defined by a relentless focus on the wrapper as the primary flavor driver, a philosophy that runs counter to the Nicaraguan norm of letting the filler lead. Herrera sources a rotating cast of wrappers—Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro, Nicaraguan Habano Rosado (San Andrés-cured), Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro—each chosen to interact with a core Nicaraguan binder and filler blend that is itself adjusted per vitola. The result is a lineup where the same 'Jericho Hill' name can yield a dark, earthy Maduro Robusto or a brighter, spicier Natural Toro, yet both share a common thread of bold, unapologetic character. Construction is handled at TABSA and Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, two factories known for their meticulous rolling standards, ensuring a consistent draw and burn even in the most demanding formats like the Lancero. The brand's willingness to age its tobaccos—particularly the stalk-cut Habano, which is sun-grown and harvested in a specific manner—adds a layer of depth that separates it from more straightforward full-bodied blends.

Flavor Profile

Across the Jericho Hill range, smokers can expect a core profile of dark cocoa, leather, and white pepper, with variations driven by the wrapper. The Maduro Robusto and Toro, wrapped in Pennsylvania Broadleaf, deliver a deep, earthy sweetness with notes of espresso and dried fig, while the Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro versions (Belicoso, Churchill, Gran Toro) add a charred oak and black cherry complexity. The Natural Toro, with its Ecuadorian Habano Natural wrapper, is noticeably brighter, offering cedar and red pepper alongside the signature leather. The Lancero, a favorite among purists, amplifies the wrapper's nuances, showcasing a creamy texture with hints of nutmeg and baking spice. Strength ranges from Medium-Full in the Corona and Petit Corona to Full in most other vitolas, but the brand's hallmark is its ability to deliver power without harshness—a balance achieved through careful fermentation and aging. Smokers often note a consistent finish of dark chocolate and toasted bread, regardless of the specific vitola.

Best for Beginners

For those new to Jericho Hill, the Corona (5.5 x 42) is the ideal entry point. At Medium-Full strength and a $10–$14 price point, it offers the brand's signature character without overwhelming the palate. Expect a smooth introduction to the line's core flavors: cedar, leather, and a touch of dark cocoa, with a gentle white pepper tingle on the retrohale. The smaller ring gauge allows the wrapper's nuances to shine, and the 45-minute smoke is perfect for a first exploration. It's a cigar that respects the novice while still satisfying the seasoned smoker.

Jericho Hill Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Jericho Hill cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Toro, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Full · $18–$22 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Full · $12–$16 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Medium-Full · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Full · $14–$18 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Full · $18–$24 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Full · $15–$19 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Jericho Hill cigars made?

Jericho Hill cigars are produced in Estelí, Nicaragua, at several factories, including TABSA (Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A.), Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua, the Wynwood Cigar Factory, the Oliva factory, and Tabacalera William Ventura (TWVC). The brand is blended by Willy Herrera, formerly of Drew Estate.

What is Jericho Hill known for?

Jericho Hill is known for its bold, full-bodied blends that showcase a variety of wrappers, particularly the Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro and Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro. The brand gained a cult following for its original Toro and Robusto, and is praised for its consistency and depth across a wide range of vitolas, from Lancero to Petit Corona.

Are Jericho Hill cigars strong?

Yes, most Jericho Hill cigars are full strength, with a few Medium-Full options like the Corona and Petit Corona. The strength is balanced by a complex flavor profile, so it's not just about nicotine punch—it's a layered experience that builds gradually.

What is the best Jericho Hill cigar for beginners?

The Jericho Hill Corona is the best choice for beginners. It's Medium-Full in strength, priced at $10–$14, and offers a more approachable introduction to the brand's signature flavors—cedar, leather, and dark cocoa—without the intensity of the larger, full-bodied vitolas. Its 45-minute smoke time is also manageable for those new to the hobby.

How much do Jericho Hill cigars cost?

Jericho Hill cigars range from $8–$12 for the Petit Corona to $18–$24 for the Toro. Most vitolas fall in the $14–$18 range, with the Lancero at $18–$22. Prices vary by retailer and region.

What wrapper does Jericho Hill use?

Jericho Hill uses a variety of wrappers, including Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro, Ecuadorian Habano (Stalk-Cut, Sun-Grown), Ecuadorian Habano, Nicaraguan Habano, Nicaraguan Habano Rosado (San Andrés-cured), Nicaraguan Habano Rosado, Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro, Ecuadorian Habano Natural, Nicaraguan Habano Colorado, and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. The specific wrapper varies by vitola.

Are Jericho Hill cigars Cuban?

No, Jericho Hill cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at several factories including TABSA, Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, the Wynwood Cigar Factory, the Oliva factory, and Tabacalera William Ventura. They use Nicaraguan and other non-Cuban tobaccos.

Where can I buy Jericho Hill cigars?

Jericho Hill cigars are available at many premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Given their price point and cult status, they are often found at specialty shops that carry boutique brands. Online retailers like Famous Smoke Shop, Cigar International, and Neptune Cigars typically stock the full lineup. Always check for authorized dealers to ensure authenticity.