My Father Le Bijou 1922 Review

The My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo Box Pressed is one of the most decorated Nicaraguan cigars of the past decade. It is dark, strong and surprisingly clear in flavour. This review checks its specifications, sets out the profile most smokers report and explains why its strength is both its appeal and its limit.

The My Father Le Bijou at a glance

My Father is the García family’s company in Estelí, Nicaragua. José “Pepín” García started as a roller in Cuba, moved to Miami and opened a small rolling gallery in Little Havana. Later, the family expanded into Nicaragua. Jaime García created the original My Father brand to honour Pepín. A year later, Pepín honoured his own father, José, born in 1922, with Le Bijou 1922.

The Torpedo Box Pressed measures 6 1/8 inches by a 52 ring gauge, or 156 mm. It is the only pressed size in the line, and it arrived in 2011. It is a Nicaraguan puro with a dark Habano oscuro wrapper. In 2015, Cigar Aficionado named it Cigar of the Year with 97 points. Our Nicaraguan cigars guide explains the tobacco behind it.

Construction and draw

Expect a handsome cigar. The wrapper is dark and leathery, with a little oil, and the press is crisp. The pointed head lets you adjust the draw by where you cut.

Most reports describe a tight pack, an even draw and a steady burn. A few veins are common on this dark leaf, but they rarely cause problems. Overall, construction is a strength.

First third

Expect a smooth, mellow start that does not last long. Most smokers report a thick nutty note, then pepper that builds quickly on the tongue and in the throat. Behind the pepper, there is wood, chocolate and leather.

Second third

Next, the profile turns richer. Dark chocolate, raisin-like sweetness and savoury leather are the notes most often reported. Meanwhile, the strength climbs. The sweet-and-salty finish that critics praised usually appears here.

Final third

Finally, the cigar reaches full strength. Espresso, earth and black pepper lead, with the chocolate still present. Many smokers find the flavours stay distinct even as the power builds. However, a fast pace can make it overwhelming.

How it compares

The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo is another pressed Nicaraguan puro. It is rounder and more cocoa-led. By contrast, Le Bijou is spicier, stronger and darker.

The Liga Privada No. 9 is a similar bold choice, but its Connecticut broadleaf wrapper gives it more earth and espresso. Le Bijou has more pepper and a brighter sweetness.

Within its own family, the original My Father line wears an Ecuadorian wrapper. As a result, it is lighter and less dark in flavour. If Le Bijou feels too strong, that line is a gentler way to try the García style.

Smoking it in Malaysia

A full cigar in hot weather can hit hard. Smoke it in a cool, shaded spot, eat beforehand and drink water alongside. Keep it stored at about 65–69% RH and below 24°C. Our cigar humidity guide explains how.

For pairing, its chocolate and pepper suit a strong kopi-o, a dark rum or a sherried whisky. Also, check our guide on where to smoke cigars in Malaysia, since Act 852 bans smoking in many public places.

Verdict

The My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo Box Pressed delivers power with rare clarity. Its chocolate, leather and pepper stay distinct, its construction is excellent, and the box-pressed torpedo shape suits the blend.

Its main weakness is strength. The pepper can be relentless, and newcomers may feel unwell. It suits experienced smokers who enjoy full-bodied cigars. As always, any cigar carries real health risks.