I finally sat down with a nub nuance triple roast the other day, and honestly, it's exactly what I needed for a mid-afternoon break. If you're someone who constantly oscillates between wanting a caffeine fix and a relaxing smoke, this thing is basically the answer to your prayers. It isn't just a cigar; it's more like a concentrated burst of coffee and cocoa that doesn't take three hours to finish.
For those who aren't familiar with the backstory, the "Triple Roast" used to be called the Nub Espresso. Oliva (the folks behind Nub) decided to rebrand the Nuance line to make it a bit more descriptive of the actual flavor profiles. Triple Roast is the "darkest" of the bunch, sitting right alongside the Single Roast (formerly Cappuccino) and the Double Roast (formerly Macchiato).
What Makes This Little Guy Tick?
The first thing you notice about any Nub is the shape. They're short, squat, and look almost comical if you're used to long, elegant Churchill sizes. But the philosophy behind it is actually pretty cool. The idea is that a regular cigar takes a while to reach its "sweet spot"—that point where the flavors are perfectly balanced. The Nub is designed to hit that sweet spot the second you light it up.
With the nub nuance triple roast, you're getting a 4-inch cigar with a massive 60-ring gauge. It feels heavy in the hand, which I personally like. The wrapper is a dark, oily Sumatra leaf that looks almost like a chocolate bar. It's toothy, rich, and gives off an aroma that will literally make people around you ask, "Is someone brewing coffee?" Even before you light it, the cold draw is like sticking your nose into a bag of fresh espresso beans.
Diving Into the Flavor Profile
When you get into the actual smoking experience, the Triple Roast doesn't hold back. Usually, infused cigars can be a bit polarizing. Some people find them way too sugary or "fake" tasting. But what Oliva does with the Nuance line is a bit more sophisticated. They use a process that infuses the tobacco without making it taste like you're smoking a piece of candy.
The initial puffs are heavy on the dark chocolate. It's not a milky, sweet chocolate, but more of that 80% cacao bitterness that pairs perfectly with the tobacco. As it settles in, the coffee notes really start to shine. It's a deep, roasted flavor—hence the name. You get a bit of creaminess on the finish, which keeps the darker notes from becoming too overwhelming or harsh.
What's interesting about the nub nuance triple roast is that it actually has some strength to it. A lot of flavored sticks are very mild, almost like smoking air. This one has a solid medium body. You can feel the quality of the Dominican fillers underneath the infusion. It's a real cigar first, and a flavored experience second.
The Construction and the Burn
One thing I've always appreciated about the Nub line is the construction. Because it's an Oliva product, the quality control is usually top-tier. I've rarely had a Nub that didn't have a perfect draw. Even though it's thick, it doesn't feel like you're trying to suck a milkshake through a straw. It's effortless.
The burn on the nub nuance triple roast is typically slow and even. Because of that 60-ring gauge, it stays cool. You don't get that hot, acrid taste toward the end that you might get with smaller ring gauges. And the ash? It's legendary. You can usually get a solid two inches of ash to stay on the cigar before it even thinks about falling off. It's a fun little challenge for anyone who likes to play "don't break the ash" while they smoke.
I usually find that this cigar lasts me about 45 to 50 minutes. That's the beauty of it. It's a big smoke packed into a small frame, making it perfect for when you want a "real" cigar experience but don't have the time to commit to a full afternoon on the patio.
Why the Triple Roast Stands Out
You might wonder why you'd go for the Triple Roast over the Single or Double. It really comes down to how you like your coffee. If you're a "black coffee and dark chocolate" type of person, the Triple Roast is your soulmate. The Double Roast is much sweeter and creamier (more like a latte), and the Single Roast is very mellow and light.
The nub nuance triple roast has an edge to it. It's bold. There's a slight spicy note that pops up every now and then, which I think comes from that Sumatra wrapper. It provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the infusion. It's a complex little smoke for something that looks so simple.
Pairing Suggestions for the Best Experience
Obviously, pairing this with coffee is a no-brainer. I had mine with a strong French press, and it was incredible. The heat of the coffee seems to open up the cocoa notes in the tobacco even more. But don't feel limited to the morning hours.
I've actually found that the nub nuance triple roast goes surprisingly well with a stout or a porter. If you have a beer with chocolate or coffee undertones, it creates this amazing synergy. If you're more of a spirit person, a dark rum or a sweet bourbon works wonders. The caramel notes in a good bourbon play off the roasted coffee flavors in a way that feels very "dessert-like" without being cloying.
Who Is This Cigar For?
I think there's a misconception that "serious" cigar smokers shouldn't touch infused sticks. I used to be a bit of a purist myself, but the nub nuance triple roast changed my mind. It's great for:
- The Morning Smoker: Someone who wants to start their day with a punch of flavor.
- The Time-Crunched Enthusiast: If you only have 45 minutes but want a 60-ring gauge experience.
- The "Social" Smoker: Since the aroma is so pleasant, it's a great cigar to smoke at a party or a gathering where people might normally complain about the smell of tobacco.
- The Beginner: It's approachable. The flavors are easy to identify, and it isn't overly complex in a way that would confuse a newcomer.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
At the end of the day, the nub nuance triple roast is just fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously, yet it's built with the craftsmanship of a premium cigar. It's consistent, flavorful, and smells like a dream.
Every time I light one up, I'm reminded that smoking a cigar is supposed to be an enjoyable, sensory experience. Sometimes you want the earthy, barnyard notes of a traditional Habano, and sometimes you just want to feel like you're smoking a piece of dark chocolate dipped in espresso.
If you haven't tried one yet, I'd say it's definitely worth a spot in your humidor. Even if you're a die-hard purist, keep one or two around for those days when you just want something different. You might be surprised at how often you find yourself reaching for that short, fat, coffee-scented stick when the 4:00 PM slump hits. It's a reliable classic that has earned its reputation for a reason. Just make sure you have a cutter that can handle a 60-ring gauge, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and enjoy the ride.