Viaje Satori Returning This Month

The Viaje Satori, a release last seen in 2018, is returning to store shelves this month, according to social media posts from the company.

Viaje launched the Satori line in 2010 as an exclusive for retailers who attended the IPCPR Convention & Trade Show, the event now known as the PCA Convention & Trade Show. According to the company, satori is a Japanese term that means “sudden spiritual enlightenment,” while a search for the term turns up additional definitions of awakening, comprehension and understanding.

It started off as a Nicaraguan puro with a dark, oscuro wrapper, but the 2011 release saw the blend change to use a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, the first time the company used that leaf. The company has confirmed that this year’s release will continue to use that blend, and that the 2023 release of the Viaje Satori will include three sizes:

• Viaje Satori Karma (5 x 52)
• Viaje Satori Nirvana (6 x 50)
• Viaje Satori Zen (6 3/4 x 52)

Over the years, all of the sizes have been released in both round and box-pressed formats, and this year, the Karma and Nirvana are round while the Zen gets a box press. The Karma and Nirvana are parejo vitolas, while the Zen is a perfecto. The line is produced by AGANORSA Leaf at its Agricola Ganadera Norteña S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

This year’s release will not include the Arya, a 4 1/2 x 48 vitola that was added in 2014. In 2012, the Viaje Satori Zen Edición Limitada was released, a designation that indicates that the production numbers of a particular size is smaller than that of the other sizes in a particular release. Viaje has released Satori in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018.

The cigars are scheduled to begin shipping on Monday, Aug. 21.

Shortly after this article was published, Viaje announced a shipping date, the factory producing the line, and blend details, which have been added to the story.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.