Nub Sumatra 660 Review

Overview

The Nub Sumatra 660 is a cigar that exists in defiance of convention, and that defiance has made it something of a modern icon. When Oliva Cigar Co. introduced the Nub line in 2008, the premise was radical: abandon the traditional elongated format and deliver only the ‘sweet spot’ of the smoking experience in a compact, 4-inch by 60-ring gauge vitola. The smoking world was skeptical. But the concept resonated, and the brand has since become a staple for smokers who value efficiency without sacrificing substance. This particular expression, the Sumatra 660, is arguably the most balanced of the Nub family, wrapping its Nicaraguan long-filler core in an Indonesian Sumatra leaf that imparts a warm, medium-brown complexion with a subtle tooth and muted earthy sheen. The binder, also Nicaraguan, anchors the blend in the rich tobacco traditions of Estelí, where the cigar is hand-rolled at General Cigar’s NACSA factory. The result is a cigar that immediately announces itself with accessible notes of toasted bread, dry cocoa, and gentle earth. The large ring gauge opens the draw wide, making flavors approachable from the first light. As the smoke progresses, the profile deepens into roasted cashew and almond, woven with a caramel sweetness and light leather. The final third brings richer earth, dark molasses, and a more defined oak-and-cedar character, all while maintaining balance. The Nub Sumatra 660 is not a complexity showcase meant for ponderous contemplation. It is honest, consistent, and engineered to satisfy in roughly 45 to 55 minutes. In a market where larger cigars often burn unevenly or demand more time than a modern schedule allows, the Nub concept—skip the grassy first third, skip the harsh final inch—is not merely clever marketing. It is a practical solution that delivers on its promise. The Sumatra wrapper was the right choice for this format: its natural sweetness and medium body prevent the short, wide profile from turning harsh, making it an ideal everyday companion for the enthusiast who wants a dependable smoke without a 50-minute commitment to full strength.