AshMap
Overview
The Nub Torpedo represents a fascinating evolution within the Nub lineup — a brand that once defined itself by defying convention now demonstrates its maturity by embracing tradition. Launched under the General Cigar umbrella and handcrafted at the NACSA factory in Estelí, this cigar takes the core Nub philosophy of engineering the smoking experience to begin in the ‘sweet spot’ and stretches it into a longer, tapered vitola. The result is a paradox: a Nub that offers a genuine progression arc, something the brand’s short-and-fat originals deliberately rejected.
Dressed in a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper of Colorado shade — a medium-dark reddish-brown with a silky, slightly toothy texture — the Torpedo immediately signals a more nuanced approach. Underneath lies a Nicaraguan binder and a long-filler blend sourced primarily from the Jalapa and Estelí valleys, tobaccos aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling. The construction is consistently solid: an even, slow burn, a firm yet effortless draw, and ash that holds in generous columns before dropping cleanly. The torpedo head itself is a masterstroke of engineering, focusing the draw to concentrate smoke density in a way that a parejo simply cannot match.
Flavor-wise, this is a cigar of deliberate architecture. The first third opens with sharp cedar and toasted almond, underpinned by black pepper on the retrohale, before transitioning into leather and roasted coffee. The second third introduces dark cocoa and a damp clay earthiness, while Nicaraguan spice intensifies and a caramel sweetness adds welcome complexity. The final third tightens into a richer, fuller body: espresso, dark chocolate, and a lingering peppery finish. The torpedo taper manages heat effectively, allowing char and wood notes to emerge only very close to the nub.
Priced between $10 and $14 per cigar, the Nub Torpedo occupies the everyday tier, but it smokes well above its station. It is the most balanced offering in the Nub portfolio — a legitimately enjoyable medium-full Nicaraguan that proves the brand’s quirky marketing conceit can coexist with genuine craftsmanship. For the aficionado willing to look past the gimmick, there is a well-made, satisfying cigar here, one that pairs the immediacy of Nub’s philosophy with the pacing of a more traditional format.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos, primarily from Jalapa and Estelí valleys |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 2 years prior to rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a sharp cedar and toasted almond note, underpinned by black pepper on the retrohale. The draw delivers immediate medium-bodied smoke density that transitions quickly into leather and roasted coffee.
Second Third
The transition zone introduces dark cocoa and a subtle earthiness reminiscent of damp clay. Nicaraguan spice intensifies on the retrohale while a caramel sweetness balances the profile, adding complexity.
Final Third
The final third tightens into a richer, fuller body with espresso, dark chocolate, and a lingering peppery finish. Some char and wood notes emerge close to the nub, but the torpedo's taper helps manage heat effectively.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently solid with an even, slow burn and a firm but effortless draw. Ash holds in generous columns of approximately an inch before dropping cleanly; the torpedo head produces a concentrated, focused draw that enhances smoke density.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year, or a mid-shelf bourbon like Elijah Craig Small Batch — the vanilla and oak complement the cocoa and cedar notes well.
Wine
A Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina — the dark fruit and earthiness mirror the cigar's core profile without overwhelming it.
Non-Alcoholic
A dark roast single-origin Ethiopian or Colombian coffee, black — the bright acidity cuts through the spice while amplifying the cocoa and almond notes.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Nub Torpedo is for the experienced smoker who appreciates a medium-full profile with genuine complexity, but also respects value. It suits the enthusiast who wants a substantial 60–75 minute smoke — substantial enough to be an event, approachable enough for a weeknight. Beginners will find the strength manageable if they take it slowly, but the cigar rewards a palate that can parse the transitions from cedar and almond through cocoa and espresso. It is ideal for the evening patio or a relaxed post-dinner sit, paired with an aged rum or a mid-shelf bourbon. Those who dismissed Nub as a novelty should give this vitola a second look; it may well change their mind.
Bottom Line
The Nub Torpedo is the brand’s most balanced and accomplished offering — a medium-full Nicaraguan that delivers genuine flavor progression at a price that undercuts its quality. Don’t let the quirky marketing fool you; this is a thoughtfully constructed cigar that earns its place in any humidor.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Nub cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nub Torpedo by Nub a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5). The strength builds progressively, with the final third tightening into a richer, fuller body, but it never becomes harsh or overwhelming. It is approachable for most experienced smokers.
What does Nub Torpedo by Nub taste like?
The flavor profile opens with sharp cedar and toasted almond, transitions through dark cocoa and damp clay earthiness, and finishes with espresso, dark chocolate, and lingering pepper. A caramel sweetness appears in the second third to add complexity.
How long does Nub Torpedo by Nub take to smoke?
Expect a 60–75 minute smoke depending on pace. The torpedo head concentrates the draw, and the construction burns evenly and slowly, giving you a full session without rushing.
What is the best pairing for Nub Torpedo by Nub?
Aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 12 Year or a mid-shelf bourbon like Elijah Craig Small Batch complement the cocoa and cedar notes. A Mendoza Malbec or a black Ethiopian coffee also pair beautifully.
Is Nub Torpedo by Nub good for beginners?
It is better suited to intermediate or experienced smokers due to its medium-full strength and layered flavor transitions. Beginners can enjoy it if they smoke slowly and have a palate open to spice and earth.
Where can I buy Nub Torpedo by Nub?
Nub Torpedo is widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, online cigar retailers, and through General Cigar’s distributor network. Check premium cigar shops or trusted e-commerce platforms.
What is the price of Nub Torpedo by Nub?
It retails between $10 and $14 per cigar, placing it in the everyday tier. This represents strong value for a hand-rolled, long-filler Nicaraguan with two-year-aged tobaccos.
Is Nub Torpedo by Nub worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of two years prior to rolling, so the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional aging of 6–12 months may soften the pepper and meld the flavors further, but it is not necessary.
What wrapper does Nub Torpedo by Nub use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper in Colorado shade — a medium-dark reddish-brown leaf with a silky, slightly toothy texture. This wrapper contributes the cedar, pepper, and cocoa notes central to the profile.
Where is Nub Torpedo by Nub made?
It is hand-rolled at the NACSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, under the General Cigar umbrella. All tobaccos are Nicaraguan, sourced primarily from the Jalapa and Estelí valleys.