La Palina
 

The La Palina "Alison" (torpedo) is a new launch of a old cigar brand. I was fortunate enough to be able to try one.

Before I gave it a straight cut, I did the old pinch test which yielded a good amount of give to it. After I cut the cigar, I took a pre-light draw and was very pleased. The draw was perfect and the flavors that I got out of it was of a smooth tobacco taste.

Upon lighting, I was immediately struck by how good the aroma smelled. Lots of smoke was already coming off of the cigar and the first initial puffs were spicy. Retrohaling at this point wasn’t all that pleasant because the spice through the nose was overwhelming.

As I went into the second third of the cigar, I noticed that the frequency of the puffs I took affected the flavor. The more frequently I puffed, pepper notes were apparent. The slower I puffed the more of a smooth flavor it had with a slight vegetal taste with what tasted very faintly of raisin. This cigar was proving to have a complex flavor profile!

Going into the last third of the cigar, it still was very toasty and enjoyable with a great finish. The flavor started to change again because I was now getting a spiciness that was present at the beginning. The flavor profile was coming full circle. What was left was starting to become a bit spongy. Shortly thereafter, the taste had become bitter and the cigar was warm to the touch. That was the end of this cigar for me.

I give this cigar a 5 out of 5

My full review is here, thanks!

http://www.btcigars.com/Photos/Alison/Alison_001.jpg

http://www.btcigars.com/Photos/Alison/Alison_010.jpg

http://www.btcigars.com/Photos/Alison/Alison_013.jpg

http://www.btcigars.com/Photos/Alison/Alison_020.jpg

Re: La Palina
 

Great review!

I had this cigar at IPCPR with Bill (the owner). It was a great cigar, but kind of pricey. They start at around $16 if i'm not mistaken. It reminded me of a hgher end Uppercut for some reason... Good smoke, but was a little out of its price range in my eyes.

Re: La Palina
 

:tpd: Smoked a robusto that was given to me to try. Very good cigar and in line with most other Avelino Lara blends(Graycliff) but overpriced in my opinion.
Start at $20 with California taxes.

Re: La Palina
 

I was actually shocked that it was rolled at Graycliff's factory!!
I don't like much if anything from Graycliff.... But this smoke was pretty darn good!! But for the high cost, I can get a VSG and a V Lancero with change in hand.

Re: La Palina
 

I am not sure if they are rolled at Graycliff, but they are blended by Lara. The blend is somewhat mysterious by intention. I heard "Caribbean" tobacco with a Costa Rican binder.

Re: La Palina
 

Rolled and aged at Graycliff. I too was surprised when I learned this. Be sure to check out the current issue of Smoke (TI is on the ) because there is a nice article about the brand. Their brochure is also quite nice.

Thanks for the kind words, Shawn.

Re: La Palina
 

The family series is made by Graycliff, but stay tuned for info on the new release...

Re: La Palina
 

Im looking forward to it. The new stick is more affordable and was blended by Alec Bradley, if memory serves me correctly.

Re: La Palina
 

Great review...thanks!
That third pic is awesome!

Re: La Palina
 

Thanks I really appreciate it!

Re: La Palina
 

Nice review...did not realize these were that expensive.

Re: La Palina
 

The price does not make it a everyday cigar but if you get a chance to try one, do so! :)

Re: La Palina
 

Great review, thanks. Never heard of these, they look good.

Re: La Palina
 

Thanks for the review, I had a chance to smoke the Robusto the other day and it was very good. I hope to try the torpedo soon, much more full than I had expected from this cigar.

Re: La Palina
 

This cigar has been on my try list. Thanks for covering it!

Re: La Palina
 

Thanks for the great review... :tu