Cigar Review: Ferio Tego Timeless TAA 2023
Introduction
When Ferio Tego unveiled the Timeless TAA 2023, it immediately caught my eye. Crafted exclusively for the Tobacconists’ Association of America, this limited release was rolled at Plasencia’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, and came dressed in a dark, oily Nicaraguan wrapper from Estelí itself — an inversion of the usual Jalapa-on-top formula. Only 800 bundles of 10 were produced, each in a classic 6 x 50 toro, making it as rare as it was striking. The branding was flawless: three bands featuring black-on-black, layered like armor, accented by a flash of gold for the Ferio Tego crest and a single red “2023.” Elegant yet bold, like a tuxedo with a red rose in the lapel. This was a cigar that promised both style and substance.
I first smoked this cigar when it was released in 2023 and remember being blown away by the experience. At that time, it struck me as one of the best cigars I had encountered, standing apart for its richness and strength. It was one of the many reasons I grew to love Nicaraguan puros. Revisiting it now, I can still see what impressed me on that first go-round, though I find myself appreciating it differently. The appeal remains, but my palate today asks for more than sheer strength — it looks for transitions and subtlety, qualities that play out in interesting ways here.
Pre-Light Impressions
Out of the cellophane, the aroma was assertive. Where many cigars whisper, this one announced itself with barnyard funk layered over a slight sweetness. The foot leaned fruity — red apple came to mind, though perhaps that impression was influenced by the cigar’s deep, rustic wrapper. The cold draw resistance was spot-on, hinting at a dense roll, and it carried that same fruity accent forward. Combined with the barnyard funk, the pre-light was as tantalizing as it was rustic, a strong prelude to what would follow.
The cigar itself was a pleasure to hold, though the three stacked bands created a “bulletproof vest” effect. Alternating between thick paper and ridges under my fingers felt distracting, so I stripped off the bottom two bands early on to let the tobacco speak for itself. Still, as far as visual presentation goes, Ferio Tego nailed it. Few brands match their sense of balance between luxury and restraint.
First Third
Lighting the cigar required patience. With its density of tobacco and oily wrapper, the flame had to work harder to bring it alive, but once lit the burn was even and true. From the first draws, the cigar revealed a hearty, unapologetic core. Black pepper led the charge, joined by baker’s spice warmth that softened its edges, all anchored by charred oak. The smoke was thick, oily, and substantial — not coating the palate like cream, but carrying weight and gravity.
The retrohale mirrored the palate, offering just as much spice and fullness. Many cigars favor one or the other, but here both channels worked together in tandem. It was a bold handshake of an introduction: no hesitation, no coyness, just strength delivered with structure.
Second Third
The middle portion held steady on the same triad of flavors: charred oak, earth, and spice. A fleeting salty sensation occasionally appeared, like a pinch of sea salt sprinkled across roasted meat. It didn’t dominate but added intrigue. The smoke production became impressive, filling the small space of my garage until three feet around me felt saturated in oily haze. The burn line wavered slightly but never demanded correction — rugged, much like the profile itself.
At this stage, the cigar reminded me of a meal built around umami and char: roasted mushrooms, seared steak edges, smoky oak. Deeply savory and satisfying without needing a sugary counterpoint. It was hearty, rustic, and elemental.
I couldn’t help but think back to my first encounter with this cigar. Then, it dazzled me with its sheer boldness. Now, I recognize it more as a steady performer — less surprising than I once thought, but still admirable for its strength and consistency. That’s not a judgment on either experience, just a reflection of how this cigar meets the smoker where they are.
Final Third
As the cigar entered its last act, leather emerged alongside the earth, while the spice wove itself into the background rather than standing in front. The effect was contemplative, like sitting on a porch after a long day, boots off, letting the weight settle. This moment of balance felt like a small reward — a change of pace that was more reflective than unrelenting.
Unfortunately, the closing inches flattened out. The wood faded, the burn grew less disciplined, and the complexity thinned. The leather remained, but without enough support to carry the cigar across the finish line with the same presence it had at the start. Pleasant, yes, but not as engaging as it could have been.
Conclusion
The Ferio Tego Timeless TAA 2023 is a hearty, unapologetic Nicaraguan puro. Built around oak, earth, spice, and leather, it produces thick, oily smoke that fills both palate and room with gravity. Its inverted blend architecture — Estelí wrapper over Jalapa binder and filler — pushes strength and darkness to the forefront, leaving Jalapa’s sweetness and nuance to flicker in brief moments rather than define the experience. The result is a cigar of presence and substance, one that rewards patience and delivers a satisfying savory core, but ultimately falls short in the transitions that would elevate it to greatness.
The Retrohale Score: B+ (89)
A flavorful and hearty cigar with excellent presentation and strength, but a little too static to break into the top tier.