What makes Wasabi different from other candela-wrapped cigars?

Wasabi pairs a green (candela) wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler and a Habano-tipped cap to deliver a much spicier, tobacco-forward profile than most candelas. Expect strong pepper on the retrohale and vegetal hay up front that settles into cedar, cream and a light char as the cigar progresses.

Which sizes/sizes does Wasabi come in?

Wasabi is most commonly cited as a box-pressed Robusto (5×52), with additional sizes including a 5×42 Corona and a 7½×38 Lancero; special runs and limited formats have appeared since its Backroom-Series debut.

How strong is the Wasabi?

Most reviews place Wasabi in the medium to medium-plus strength band: it has presence and peppery intensity up front but generally settles into a balanced, tobacco-driven medium strength by the second and final thirds.

Is Wasabi wrapped in candela?

Yes — reviewers and the brand describe Wasabi as a candela-wrapped cigar (the wrapper often presents a darker, rustic green rather than a bright lime), frequently finished with a contrasting Habano tip.

Where is Wasabi made and when was it released?

Wasabi is produced in Nicaragua (reviews and reporting point to La Zona factory) and saw a wider commercial release in 2018 after initial soft-launches in the Backroom Series beginning in 2016.

What are the common tasting notes for Wasabi?

Common notes reported by reviewers include grassy/vegetal candela character, black and white pepper, cedar and charred wood, cream, sweet hay and occasional minty or cabinet-spice accents on the finish.

Wasabi by Espinosa Cigars

Spicy Candela

Wasabi

Source: espinosacigars.com

Wasabi is a candela‑wrapped, medium‑plus Espinosa release—most commonly a 5×52 box‑pressed Robusto—described as a “spicy candela” that pairs vegetal candela notes with pronounced pepper, cedar, cream and mild sweetness, often capped with a Habano tip.

Sizes

ROBUSTO BP (5.0" x 52)
Corona (5.0" x 42)
Lancero (7.5" x 38)

Strength

Medium-Plus

Country of Origin

Nicaragua

Wrapper

Candela

Binder

Nicaraguan

Filler

Nicaraguan

Year Released

2018

Flavor Profile

Black/white pepper, grassy candela (hay/vegetal), cedar/charred wood, cream, sweet hay, subtle mint

Wasabi flips candela expectations by pairing a green‑leaning, rustic wrapper with a spicy Nicaraguan core and a contrasting Habano tip. Early draws favor white/black pepper and grassy hay, evolving into cedar, charred wood, cream and a touch of sweet hay that keeps the spice in check. The box‑pressed Robusto and other sizes offer a chewy smoke and steady burn; retrohales amplify the spice. It’s as much an experiment in contrast as it is a practical cigar—candela texture with the backbone and heat of a Nicaraguan blend.

Source: espinosacigars.com

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Source: espinosacigars.com

Articles & Reviews

Cigar Review: Espinosa Wasabi (Part of the Backroom Series) A thorough first-look tasting that focuses on the Wasabi’s unusual box-pressed candela presentation and how the peppery, vegetal notes develop into cream and wood. The review evaluates construction and provides scores that contextualize the cigar among other Backroom Series releases.

cigar-coop.com

Espinosa Wasabi (2018) Review A review that pairs release history—including the limited 2018 run—with tasting notes that track the cigar’s peppery opening and evolution toward wood and sweetness. It also critiques the simple packaging and highlights the box-press and Habano tip as defining visual and flavor elements.

cigardojo.com

Team Cigar Review: Espinosa Wasabi - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings A multi-smoker team review that walks through pre-light aromatics, cold draw and each third of the cigar—documenting a strong pepper start that tames into wood, cream and sweet hay. The write-up focuses on construction, strength progression and how retrohaling amplifies the spice.

developingpalates.com

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Espinosa Limited Editions Wasabi Cigar Review

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