Protocol
Protocol Blue
Protocol Blue is a medium strength cigar made in Nicaragua at La Zona Cigar Factory. It pairs Ecuadorian Habano wrapper; Nicaraguan Habano binder; Nicaraguan (Jalapa and Estelí) filler. The catalog lists 4 sizes, from 5⅝ × 46 to 7½ × 38.
- Maker
- Protocol
- Wrapper
- Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder
- Nicaraguan Habano
- Filler
- Nicaraguan (Jalapa and Estelí)
- Country
- Nicaragua
- Factory
- La Zona Cigar Factory
- Strength
- medium
- Sizes
- 4 · 5⅝ × 46 to 7½ × 38
Blend details are claims from manufacturer and trade sources. Blends can change between releases.
What it tastes like
what the wrapper usually bringsProtocol Blue uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Habano-seed wrappers tend toward pepper, cedar, leather and baking spice. That is the leaf's general character, not a tasting note for this cigar.
How to smoke it
rules of thumb- Time: plan on about 1 hour to 1 h 30 min for a 6-inch size.
- When: Medium strength suits most of the day, including an afternoon with a drink.
- Pair with: bourbon, rye whiskey, or a black coffee.
- Pace: about a puff a minute keeps it cool and lets the flavors change from third to third. Do not inhale.
- Before lighting: cut just above the cap line, toast the foot evenly, and take a cold draw to check it.
Sizes
4 in the catalogWhat to try next
matched on wrapper, strength, origin, factoryProtocol Blue questions
What does Protocol Blue taste like?
Protocol Blue uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Habano-seed wrappers tend toward pepper, cedar, leather and baking spice. That is the leaf's general character, not a tasting note for this cigar; log a smoke in CigarMind to record your own.
How strong is Protocol Blue?
Protocol Blue is listed as medium strength. Medium strength suits most of the day, including an afternoon with a drink.
Is Protocol Blue good for beginners?
Usually, yes. Medium strength is manageable for most newer smokers who smoke slowly after eating. Smoke it slowly, a puff a minute or so, and do not inhale.
Where is Protocol Blue made?
Protocol Blue is made in Nicaragua at La Zona Cigar Factory, according to manufacturer and trade sources.
What wrapper does Protocol Blue use?
Protocol Blue uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over a Nicaraguan Habano binder, with Nicaraguan (Jalapa and Estelí) filler. Blends can change between releases, so check the band year if it matters to you.
What sizes does Protocol Blue come in?
The CigarMind catalog lists 4 sizes: Lancero (7½ × 38), Corona Gorda (5⅝ × 46), Toro (6 × 52) and Gordo (6 × 60). Each size has its own page with the full blend.
How long does it take to smoke Protocol Blue?
For a 6-inch size, plan on about 1 hour to 1 h 30 min. That is a rule of thumb of 10 to 15 minutes per inch at a relaxed pace, a puff about once a minute.
What drink goes with Protocol Blue?
With a habano wrapper, common pairings are bourbon, rye whiskey, or a black coffee. Match the drink's weight to the cigar's: lighter drinks for milder cigars, darker spirits for fuller ones.
What cigars are similar to Protocol Blue?
Cigars with a similar build include Espinosa Habano, 601 by Espinosa Green Label and Tatuaje El Triunfador. They share habano wrapper, medium strength, made in Nicaragua, same factory. Similarity here is by wrapper, strength, origin and factory, not by a tasting panel.