AshMap
Overview
There is a particular kind of quiet confidence in a cigar that knows exactly what it is and refuses to apologize for it. The Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo is that cigar. It arrives in the hand with a pale golden wrapper that feels like polished silk, a visual promise of the cream-laden smoke to come. This is not the stubby, punchy Nub that Steve Saka and Cary Rosenblum made famous; the 660 designation stretches the format to a full six inches, granting the blend a longer runway for its gentle evolution. It is the Connecticut line's most ambitious expression, a deliberate pacing of the classic Nub philosophy—maximizing the sweet spot—into a format that allows for a slower, more contemplative burn. The pre-light draw offers a whisper of sweet hay and soft cedar, a preview of the unassuming elegance that defines the next hour.
The first light is a study in restraint. A wave of thick, pillowy cream washes over the palate, immediately followed by the unmistakable flavor of toasted white bread—the kind of golden, crusty edge that comes from a perfect griddle. Soft cedar weaves through the smoke, not as a dominant spice but as a structural note, giving the creaminess a frame. A delicate sweetness, reminiscent of fresh-cut hay and a drop of vanilla extract, coats the tongue without ever becoming cloying. When I retrohale, a faint tingle of white pepper announces itself, a brief, polite spark that dissipates as quickly as it arrives, leaving the nasal passages clean and ready for the next draw. The burn is already razor-sharp, the ash a firm, light grey column that holds with surprising tenacity for a Connecticut Shade.
As the second third begins, the narrative deepens without losing its core identity. The creaminess remains the anchor, but now it carries the weight of toasted almonds and a lighter, more delicate cashew note. This is where the blend's construction—the Indonesian binder and the Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers—reveals its subtle genius. Just as the palate settles into this nutty comfort, a whisper of dried apricot emerges, its gentle tartness cutting through the richness. Alongside it, a faint floral note, like honeysuckle on a warm breeze, lifts the profile, preventing the smoke from becoming monotonous. The pepper has faded entirely, replaced by a smooth, integrated mouthfeel that makes each draw feel effortless. The 60-ring gauge, often a source of bloat or heat in lesser cigars, here produces a cool, voluminous smoke that feels almost weightless on the tongue.
The final third is a masterclass in graceful conclusion. The cream holds firm, but a gentle woodsy earthiness begins to rise from the base, grounding the experience. The toasted nut character deepens into a roasted quality, like the skin of a freshly roasted almond. The sweetness, which was so present in the opening, begins to taper off, replaced by a faint, clean mineral note that cleanses the palate. There is no harshness, no bitter intrusion of heat, no need to set the cigar down prematurely. It simply ends, leaving behind a memory of soft, creamy smoke and a palate that feels satisfied, not fatigued. This is the hallmark of a well-blended, well-constructed cigar—one that knows its limits and operates beautifully within them. It is an honest, unpretentious smoke that delivers exactly what it promises, from the first light to the final, gentle exhale.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Shade — grown in the Connecticut River Valley, USA — Natural |
|---|---|
| Binder | Indonesian |
| Filler | Dominican and Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (Oliva Cigar Co. / General Cigar facilities) |
| Vitola / Shape | Gordo |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Standard production aging; no extended vintage aging noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light immediately opens with cream, toasted white bread, and soft cedar. A delicate sweetness — reminiscent of fresh hay and light vanilla — coats the palate without aggression. Retrohaling reveals a mild white pepper tingle that dissipates quickly.
Second Third
The profile deepens slightly into toasted almond and light cashew, with a sustained creaminess that is the hallmark of well-cultivated Connecticut Shade. Subtle notes of dried apricot and a whisper of floral honeysuckle emerge at mid-smoke, keeping the blend lively without overpowering the palate.
Final Third
The final third remains remarkably consistent — the cream holds, though a gentle woodsy earthiness and mild roasted nut quality develops. Sweetness begins to taper and a faint mineral note closes the smoke. No harshness or heat intrudes, which is characteristic of this well-blended construction.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliable and consistent — the draw is open to medium-resistance, producing generous, pillowy smoke output. The ash holds in firm, light grey columns for one to two inches, and the burn line stays even with minimal touchups required.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light, approachable single malt Scotch such as Glenfiddich 12 or Auchentoshan American Oak; alternatively, a Chamomile-infused bourbon like Widow Jane 10 Year works beautifully with the creamy sweetness
Wine
A Viognier from Condrieu or a well-chilled Pinot Gris from Alsace — both mirror the floral, stone-fruit, and cream notes in the cigar
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over or a chamomile and honey tea — both complement the delicate sweetness without overwhelming the mild profile
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for Daniel, the 34-year-old who has been smoking for two years but still feels a little intimidated by the heavy-hitting maduros his friends always reach for. He is on his back porch on a Saturday morning, the sun is warm, and he has a cup of black coffee in hand. He wants something that will last through the first half of a football game or a long conversation with his neighbor, but he does not want to wrestle with a cigar that demands his full attention. He has enjoyed the creamy profile of an Ashton Cabinet in the past but found it too short. This Nub gives him the familiar, approachable Connecticut Shade character he loves, but in a format that feels substantial and unhurried. It will not challenge his palate or knock him back, but it will offer a consistent, comforting companion that makes him feel like he has made a smart, discerning choice. It is the cigar he reaches for when he wants to smoke, not to analyze.
Bottom Line
The Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo is a beautifully executed, honest Connecticut Shade that delivers a creamy, consistent experience from first light to final ash. It will not challenge your palate, but it will reward your patience with a flawless burn and a dignified, satisfying conclusion. For its price, it is a benchmark of approachable quality.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Nub Connecticut cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo a strong cigar?
No, it is rated at Mild-Medium (2/5) on the strength scale. This means the nicotine delivery is gentle and will not cause a head rush or nausea, even for those with a low tolerance. The body is more about creamy texture and flavor than power, making it a safe choice for a morning smoke or for someone who prefers a lighter physical effect.
What does Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo taste like?
The flavor profile is centered on a dominant creaminess. In the first third, you will find toasted white bread, soft cedar, and a sweet hay/vanilla note. The second third introduces toasted almonds, cashews, dried apricot, and a floral honeysuckle hint. The final third brings a gentle woodsy earthiness and a roasted nut quality, with the sweetness tapering into a faint mineral note.
How long does Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo take to smoke?
Given its Gordo vitola and 6 x 60 dimensions, you should expect a smoke time of approximately 60 to 75 minutes. The large ring gauge and dense filler require a slow, steady pace to avoid overheating, which naturally extends the session compared to a thinner cigar.
What is the best pairing for Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo?
A light, approachable single malt Scotch like Glenfiddich 12 is an excellent choice. Its soft, fruity notes of pear and apple complement the cigar's delicate sweetness and creamy texture without overpowering the mild profile. Alternatively, a chamomile and honey tea works beautifully, as the floral and sweet characteristics mirror the cigar's own subtle honeysuckle and vanilla notes.
Is Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo good for beginners?
Yes, it is an ideal cigar for a newcomer. The Mild-Medium strength is forgiving, and the flavor profile is approachable and easy to identify—cream, bread, nuts—without any harsh or challenging notes. The price point of $10–$14 is a reasonable investment for a premium handmade cigar, and the excellent construction ensures a frustration-free burn, which is crucial for a beginner's experience.
Where can I buy Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo?
As a widely available everyday-tier cigar, you can find the Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo at most well-stocked local tobacconists and cigar shops. It is also commonly available for purchase online from major cigar retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Holt's, where you can often find singles or boxes at a discount.
What is the price of Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo?
The expected retail price is between $10 and $14 per cigar. This places it in the 'Everyday' tier, making it a solid value for a hand-rolled, premium cigar with a Connecticut Shade wrapper. Prices may vary slightly depending on your local taxes and the specific retailer.
Is Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo worth aging?
No, this cigar is not a candidate for long-term aging. It is made with standard production aging and no extended vintage aging is noted. Connecticut Shade wrappers are delicate and their subtle flavors can fade or become muted with too much time in a humidor. It is best enjoyed within the first year or two of purchase, when its creamy and sweet characteristics are at their peak.
What wrapper does Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo use?
It uses a Connecticut Shade wrapper grown in the Connecticut River Valley, USA. This wrapper is known for its pale golden color, silky texture, and minimal veining. It is the primary source of the cigar's signature creaminess, delicate sweetness, and mild, elegant character, providing a smooth contrast to the more robust fillers.
Where is Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo made?
The Nub Connecticut 660 Gordo is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the Oliva Cigar Co. / General Cigar facilities. This is significant because Estelí is renowned as a premier cigar manufacturing hub, and the Oliva family's expertise in growing and rolling premium tobacco ensures the high level of construction quality and consistency that this cigar is known for.