I will preface this review by reiterating something I will yell from the rooftops to any BOTL within earshot. I love Lanceros! I just don't understand why this size does not get more market attention. I know that big ring is the thing, but these delicate masterpieces deliver more flavor and depth than any big ring gauge could ever dream of. The reason? The wrapper my friends. In smaller ring cigars the wrapper is more prominent, and thus you get more wrapper flavor. In all cigars the wrapper is the premium leaf and I don't understand why you would pass the chance to savor the premium tobacco in a smoke by gumming it up with 50+ rings of filler and binder. The silver lining to my dark cloud of disappointment is that I can always find Lanceros because no one smokes them....so I guess you should pay no attention to what I have said above. I don't want a run on Lanceros that creates a void for me. These aren't the droids you are looking for....
Anyway, Jedi mind tricks aside, this cigar presents beautifully. The cigar is majestic and the wrapper is leathery and oily with very few veins. An inspection reveals nary an issue and I am becoming enticed by this smoke. The pre light aroma is of cinnamon and leather. The pre light draw shows some nutty sweetness.
The cigar opens with a profile that is surprisingly complex for so early in a smoke. There are some hints of cinnamon, leather and nuts in the front of the profile and I am immediately on notice. At the back of the palate there is a satisfying melange of light earth, wood and spice. The draw is excellent and my one complaint about small ring cigars is usually draw. The burn is also on the money at this point. I settle in for the rest of the experience and revel in the early complexity that was so unexpected.
The first half of the cigar continues to develop and shows layers of depth and complexity that continues to catch me off guard. The core profile shows excellent flavors of cinnamon, leather and has a sweet nutty complexity that ties it all together. At the back of the palate some of the tones have thinned, but there are still some nice layers of earth and wood. The draw continues to perform well and the burn is sharp with a solid ash.
The final half of the cigar shows some small losses in depth and complexity, but still rates well. The main profile weakens into a showing of leather and nuts, but the layers of depth just aren't here anymore. At the back of the palate there are still some nice notes of earth and wood, but again that prior layers of depth have disappeared, there is also the introduction of a white pepper here that seems disjointed from the rest of the experience. The draw and burn remain excellent throughout.
The finish has a nutty quality, but shows some interesting notes of pepper as well. I would recommend this to all enthusiasts. Get ready to pay the $10+ price though.
Appearance- 92 a very attractive smoke
Taste- 91 some deterioration in the back of the smoke hurt the overall impression
Construction- 97 a nearly flawless performance here
Strength- 93 a very excellent medium
Overall- 93.5 an excellent experience
Showing posts with label La Aurora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Aurora. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
La Aurora 1495 Series Brazil Robusto (5x50)
I reviewed this cigar nearly a year ago after I bought the rest of the inventory from my local B&M during a huge closeout. The results of the previous review were disastrous as the cigar performed so poorly that I could not finish the smoke. I am hoping for some different experiences after these cigars have rested peacefully in my humidor since I smoked the last one.
I immediately notice that the oils have diminished and the wrapper, while still holding a nice sheen, has taken on a hue that has less gleam than before. There is now a toothy quality to the wrapper that is interesting. I inspect the cigar closely and I can't find any reason to believe that there will be any issues. The pre light draw is a bit thin, but shows strong notes of earth. The pre light aroma is sweet and has some essence of coffee bean.
The cigar lights nicely and opens with a profile that is replete with earthy textures and flavors. The palate is coated with a dusty, thick coat of smoke that lingers in an attempt to convince the brain that there is a savory experience taking place. At the back of the palate there are some sour notes, but there are some essences of dark wood that are nice and smooth. The draw is a bit tight for me, but it imparts acceptable amounts of smoke up to this point. The burn is slightly off, but I am not seeing any issues that will cause a relight.
The first half of the cigar settles in to show some interesting flavor impressions. There are notes of earth and rich tobacco flavors that are straightforward and missing some depth and complexity. At the back of the palate there are some tones of dark wood and coffee, but there is a sour undertone that takes away from the impression. The draw opens slightly, but still remains just a bit too tight for me. The burn is still slightly off, but it is holding on and will not require a relight.
The final half of the cigar continues to disappoint from the standpoint of depth and complexity, but there are still some redeeming qualities. The core profile continues to be of earth and tobacco, but those flavors are not refined in a way that makes them notable. At the back of the palate there is a developing cocoa flavor that adds to the experience, but does not do enough to make the cigar anything more than average. The draw and burn stay the same as noted throughout the smoke.
The finish is long and sweet with notes of cocoa and rich tobacco.
Appearance- 86 a ruddy presentation
Taste- 86 slightly above average, but lacking in depth and complexity
Construction- 87 again above average, but the tightness in the draw was a drawback
Strength- 85 a very average medium
Overall- 86.25 a pedestrian offering that was better this time around
I immediately notice that the oils have diminished and the wrapper, while still holding a nice sheen, has taken on a hue that has less gleam than before. There is now a toothy quality to the wrapper that is interesting. I inspect the cigar closely and I can't find any reason to believe that there will be any issues. The pre light draw is a bit thin, but shows strong notes of earth. The pre light aroma is sweet and has some essence of coffee bean.
The cigar lights nicely and opens with a profile that is replete with earthy textures and flavors. The palate is coated with a dusty, thick coat of smoke that lingers in an attempt to convince the brain that there is a savory experience taking place. At the back of the palate there are some sour notes, but there are some essences of dark wood that are nice and smooth. The draw is a bit tight for me, but it imparts acceptable amounts of smoke up to this point. The burn is slightly off, but I am not seeing any issues that will cause a relight.
The first half of the cigar settles in to show some interesting flavor impressions. There are notes of earth and rich tobacco flavors that are straightforward and missing some depth and complexity. At the back of the palate there are some tones of dark wood and coffee, but there is a sour undertone that takes away from the impression. The draw opens slightly, but still remains just a bit too tight for me. The burn is still slightly off, but it is holding on and will not require a relight.
The final half of the cigar continues to disappoint from the standpoint of depth and complexity, but there are still some redeeming qualities. The core profile continues to be of earth and tobacco, but those flavors are not refined in a way that makes them notable. At the back of the palate there is a developing cocoa flavor that adds to the experience, but does not do enough to make the cigar anything more than average. The draw and burn stay the same as noted throughout the smoke.
The finish is long and sweet with notes of cocoa and rich tobacco.
Appearance- 86 a ruddy presentation
Taste- 86 slightly above average, but lacking in depth and complexity
Construction- 87 again above average, but the tightness in the draw was a drawback
Strength- 85 a very average medium
Overall- 86.25 a pedestrian offering that was better this time around
Friday, April 30, 2010
La Aurora 107 Robusto
This is a brand new smoke from La Aurora and it is available at your favorite brick and mortar for free this week. When I heard about this I was very interested and went right in today to get one. The cigar is dark with a reddish hued wrapper that has some prominent veins. The smoke seems a bit tight to me, but I don't anticipate any issues. The pre light aroma has strong essences of pepper and spice. The pre light draw also shows some strong notes of pepper.
The cigar opens with a robust profile of pepper and clove notes. The depth of the flavors is interesting, but the complexity is not there. At the back of the palate there are some strange floral notes and light hints of wood. The draw is a little tight, but it is not causing me any undue stress. The burn is even and produces a nice white ash. I am reminded of the recently discontinued La Aurora Barrel Aged early in this cigar.
The first half of the cigar continues to show strong notes of clove, but there are some hints of cinnamon and pepper in the core profile as well. At the back of the palate some nicotine tingle appears and shows some hidden strength in the smoke. There are also notes of wood and there are still some floral essences that are interesting, but out of place in the profile. The draw remains tighter than I would like, but that is a personal preference. The burn is still even and performing well.
The final half of the cigar shows no further development and I am still looking for complexity that is not there. The core profile transitions into a presentation of wood and tobacco flavors, but loses some of the nice cinnamon and clove notes from earlier in the smoke. At the back of the palate a slight bitterness coalesces, but it still shows some floral notes. The burn and draw are consistent throughout.
The finish is long and sharp, with notes of cedar and spice.
Appearance- 87 veining hurts the score
Taste- 88 some more complexity and more flavor in the last half would have been helpful
Construction- 89 a nice performance despite the tighter draw
Strength- 87 a nice medium smoke
Overall- 88 a solid smoke that may have some interesting aging potential
The cigar opens with a robust profile of pepper and clove notes. The depth of the flavors is interesting, but the complexity is not there. At the back of the palate there are some strange floral notes and light hints of wood. The draw is a little tight, but it is not causing me any undue stress. The burn is even and produces a nice white ash. I am reminded of the recently discontinued La Aurora Barrel Aged early in this cigar.
The first half of the cigar continues to show strong notes of clove, but there are some hints of cinnamon and pepper in the core profile as well. At the back of the palate some nicotine tingle appears and shows some hidden strength in the smoke. There are also notes of wood and there are still some floral essences that are interesting, but out of place in the profile. The draw remains tighter than I would like, but that is a personal preference. The burn is still even and performing well.
The final half of the cigar shows no further development and I am still looking for complexity that is not there. The core profile transitions into a presentation of wood and tobacco flavors, but loses some of the nice cinnamon and clove notes from earlier in the smoke. At the back of the palate a slight bitterness coalesces, but it still shows some floral notes. The burn and draw are consistent throughout.
The finish is long and sharp, with notes of cedar and spice.
Appearance- 87 veining hurts the score
Taste- 88 some more complexity and more flavor in the last half would have been helpful
Construction- 89 a nice performance despite the tighter draw
Strength- 87 a nice medium smoke
Overall- 88 a solid smoke that may have some interesting aging potential
Friday, February 12, 2010
La Aurora Barrel Aged No.4
After a long hiatus due to a pretty severe illness I am back on the cigar wagon with a trail of smoke drifting behind me. I begin with this dark, rich offering from La Aurora. I smoked this and gave it a 90+ rating last year, I was curious to see how it would stand up against the last review. The cigar presents with a very dark oscuro wrapper, there are some prominent veins that cause me some measure of concern. An inspection shows a cigar that may be a bit too firm and I am worried about draw issues. The pre light aroma shows a strong tobacco character. The pre light draw shows rich tobacco notes and some nice earthy tones.
The cigar opens with a profile that has a strong tobacco core. There are some slightly floral notes intermingled amongst the strong waves of tobacco flavors. At the back of the palate there is an interesting blend of rich coffee flavor with some earthy undertones. The draw is a bit thin, but I am not finding too much issue with it. The burn is sharp and produces a bright white ash.
The first half of the smoke continues to show rich tobacco flavors, the floral notes have given way to a sweetness that is reminiscent of molasses. At the back of the palate coffee and earth continue to show through. The draw remains thin, but it is still not too much of an issue. The burn has become lopsided and is threatening to canoe.
The final half of the cigar maintains a core profile of rich tobacco, but I am also detecting some notes of cocoa, earth and molasses in the presentation. The depth of flavors is nice, but the profile could use more complexity. At the back of the palate strong coffee flavors dominate. The draw stays tight throughout the smoke, but does not hurt the performance that much. The burn continues to be lopsided, and I let the cigar go with an inch or so left to avoid a relight.
The finish is long and sharp showing notes of tobacco, coffee and earth.
Appearance- 87 some prominent veins hurt the score
Taste- 91 a nice profile that could use more complexity
Construction- 83 the burn and draw issues lead to this score
Strength- 88 a nice medium to full presentation
Overall- 87.25 a slightly above average experience
The cigar opens with a profile that has a strong tobacco core. There are some slightly floral notes intermingled amongst the strong waves of tobacco flavors. At the back of the palate there is an interesting blend of rich coffee flavor with some earthy undertones. The draw is a bit thin, but I am not finding too much issue with it. The burn is sharp and produces a bright white ash.
The first half of the smoke continues to show rich tobacco flavors, the floral notes have given way to a sweetness that is reminiscent of molasses. At the back of the palate coffee and earth continue to show through. The draw remains thin, but it is still not too much of an issue. The burn has become lopsided and is threatening to canoe.
The final half of the cigar maintains a core profile of rich tobacco, but I am also detecting some notes of cocoa, earth and molasses in the presentation. The depth of flavors is nice, but the profile could use more complexity. At the back of the palate strong coffee flavors dominate. The draw stays tight throughout the smoke, but does not hurt the performance that much. The burn continues to be lopsided, and I let the cigar go with an inch or so left to avoid a relight.
The finish is long and sharp showing notes of tobacco, coffee and earth.
Appearance- 87 some prominent veins hurt the score
Taste- 91 a nice profile that could use more complexity
Construction- 83 the burn and draw issues lead to this score
Strength- 88 a nice medium to full presentation
Overall- 87.25 a slightly above average experience
Monday, September 21, 2009
La Aurora South Beach
This is a limited edition release for the Florida market. I have smoked several in the past and always found them to be consistent. It presents in a torpedo vitola with a nice chestnut hue to the wrapper. There are some prominent veins, but the cigar seems to be constructed well as I detect no firm or soft areas. The pre light aroma is light and has hints of hard wood. The pre light draw is not remarkable, but I detect a lightly floral essence with notes of cedar.
The cigar begins with a profile of light tobacco and some hints of leather, there is a sweet cedar note at the back of the palate. The draw is superb, I am impressed with such a nice draw from a torpedo as I usually experience issues with this shape. The burn is sharp at the start and produces a crisp white/gray ash.
Just past a third of the way into the cigar it picks up a bit of steam in the strength department. There is a lacing nicotine note that becomes evident. The profile has a nice leathery core and there are still undertones of tobacco and cedar that are an interesting offset to the leather notes. I have encountered some issues with the burn at this point and there is a runner threatening to canoe up one side of the smoke. I am able to smoke through it without an issue and the cigar evens out a bit. The draw is still excellent.
The final half of the cigar continues to show leathery notes, there are cedary undertones and a light peppery spice at the back of the palate. There is another burn issue in the second half that requires a re-light, this is always disappointing late in a cigar because a re-light presents flavor profile problems for several minutes. I barely touch the cigar and lightly toast out the imperfection, the profile is not hindered badly by the experience.
The finish is a bit short and there are some bitter notes present, but there are leathery notes present.
Appearance- 88 an attractive cigar
Taste- 87 this was not bad, but lacked depth and complexity
Construction- 83 hurt by two construction issues
Strength- 85 a full offering, but it is not complimentary of the profile
Overall- 85.75 more depth and complexity would have helped. Construction issues hurt the score.
The cigar begins with a profile of light tobacco and some hints of leather, there is a sweet cedar note at the back of the palate. The draw is superb, I am impressed with such a nice draw from a torpedo as I usually experience issues with this shape. The burn is sharp at the start and produces a crisp white/gray ash.
Just past a third of the way into the cigar it picks up a bit of steam in the strength department. There is a lacing nicotine note that becomes evident. The profile has a nice leathery core and there are still undertones of tobacco and cedar that are an interesting offset to the leather notes. I have encountered some issues with the burn at this point and there is a runner threatening to canoe up one side of the smoke. I am able to smoke through it without an issue and the cigar evens out a bit. The draw is still excellent.
The final half of the cigar continues to show leathery notes, there are cedary undertones and a light peppery spice at the back of the palate. There is another burn issue in the second half that requires a re-light, this is always disappointing late in a cigar because a re-light presents flavor profile problems for several minutes. I barely touch the cigar and lightly toast out the imperfection, the profile is not hindered badly by the experience.
The finish is a bit short and there are some bitter notes present, but there are leathery notes present.
Appearance- 88 an attractive cigar
Taste- 87 this was not bad, but lacked depth and complexity
Construction- 83 hurt by two construction issues
Strength- 85 a full offering, but it is not complimentary of the profile
Overall- 85.75 more depth and complexity would have helped. Construction issues hurt the score.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
La Aurora 1495 Series Brazil Robusto
This cigar presents with a very dark wrapper the hue of rich coffee. There is some prominent veining and the cigar is firm. Physical inspection does not lead me to conclude that there will be any issues. The pre light aroma is of cedar and tobacco. The pre light draw is slightly bitter, but shows floral notes.
The cigar lights well, the draw is a bit tight, with flavors of earth and rich tobacco. There is an undertone of vegetation and some bitterness that detracts from the opening experience. The ash is a dirty white/gray and starts out a bit lopsided. The first third of this cigar stays much the same, except the bitterness intensifies slightly.
At just past the one third point I encounter a serious burn flaw and the cigar begins to canoe. There is also a serious tightening of the draw. Set on smoking through it I persevere for several minutes. The canoe grows for about an inch and I decide to touch it up with a little bit of flame. The cigar recovers well and resumes with flavors of rich tobacco and earth, there is still a note of bitterness at the back of the palate.
Again at the half way point another canoe begins to develop. As is my wont I try to smoke through this annoyance. Yet again the cigar fails to even out and I must go back to the lighter for a third time, two times too many for me. The cigar continues to hold a core of tobacco and earth, but the bitterness has turned to a very disappointing sourness at the back of the palate.
Just before the end of the cigar, another canoe develops. I give up and let it go without further struggle.
The finish was short with sour notes.
Appearance- 80 veining and rough looking construction hurt the score
Taste- 77 not complex and the smoke lacks depth
Construction- 70 no choice but the worst possible score here
Strength- 80 an unremarkable smoke
Overall- 76.75 I expected much, much more
The cigar lights well, the draw is a bit tight, with flavors of earth and rich tobacco. There is an undertone of vegetation and some bitterness that detracts from the opening experience. The ash is a dirty white/gray and starts out a bit lopsided. The first third of this cigar stays much the same, except the bitterness intensifies slightly.
At just past the one third point I encounter a serious burn flaw and the cigar begins to canoe. There is also a serious tightening of the draw. Set on smoking through it I persevere for several minutes. The canoe grows for about an inch and I decide to touch it up with a little bit of flame. The cigar recovers well and resumes with flavors of rich tobacco and earth, there is still a note of bitterness at the back of the palate.
Again at the half way point another canoe begins to develop. As is my wont I try to smoke through this annoyance. Yet again the cigar fails to even out and I must go back to the lighter for a third time, two times too many for me. The cigar continues to hold a core of tobacco and earth, but the bitterness has turned to a very disappointing sourness at the back of the palate.
Just before the end of the cigar, another canoe develops. I give up and let it go without further struggle.
The finish was short with sour notes.
Appearance- 80 veining and rough looking construction hurt the score
Taste- 77 not complex and the smoke lacks depth
Construction- 70 no choice but the worst possible score here
Strength- 80 an unremarkable smoke
Overall- 76.75 I expected much, much more
Thursday, August 13, 2009
La Aurora Barrel Aged No. 4
This corona sized cigar presents with a dark, rich oscuro wrapper. The wrapper is flawless and has little veining. The pre light aroma has notes of cocoa and earth. The pre light draw is sweet and has notes of light tobacco. The construction appears to be excellent and the cigar is supple and appropriately firm.
The cigar opens with a deep, rich tobacco character with hints of cocoa at the back of the palate. The cigar produces acceptable amounts of smoke and the burn is sharp and the ash is a bright white color.
At the halfway point the cigar develops an even richer tobacco character that cloys some of the other notes that are present. However, through the nose I still experience some fine characteristics of cocoa and earth. The burn has stayed consistant and the ash is firm.
In the last half of the cigar I note the maintenance of strong tobacco character, but there are undertones of earth and spice beginning to show on the palate as well. I encounter a minor burn flaw, but it is of no real issue. There is also an oaky flavor developing that adds to the complexity of this cigar.
The finish of this smoke is an intense array of strong tobacco and earth. There is a slightly acidic note that fouls some of the profile.
Appearance- 94 a beautiful cigar with a nearly flawless visual presentation
Taste- 87 this score is hurt by the muddled character in the middle of the cigar and the acidic note on the finish
Construction- 89 one minor burn flaw
Strength- 92 a fine example of a full bodied smoke when measured against the other characteristics creates a fine smoking experience
Overall- 90.5
The cigar opens with a deep, rich tobacco character with hints of cocoa at the back of the palate. The cigar produces acceptable amounts of smoke and the burn is sharp and the ash is a bright white color.
At the halfway point the cigar develops an even richer tobacco character that cloys some of the other notes that are present. However, through the nose I still experience some fine characteristics of cocoa and earth. The burn has stayed consistant and the ash is firm.
In the last half of the cigar I note the maintenance of strong tobacco character, but there are undertones of earth and spice beginning to show on the palate as well. I encounter a minor burn flaw, but it is of no real issue. There is also an oaky flavor developing that adds to the complexity of this cigar.
The finish of this smoke is an intense array of strong tobacco and earth. There is a slightly acidic note that fouls some of the profile.
Appearance- 94 a beautiful cigar with a nearly flawless visual presentation
Taste- 87 this score is hurt by the muddled character in the middle of the cigar and the acidic note on the finish
Construction- 89 one minor burn flaw
Strength- 92 a fine example of a full bodied smoke when measured against the other characteristics creates a fine smoking experience
Overall- 90.5
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