Para Japon - Review

[SteveH]

Gents,
Like many here, I jumped at the chance to pick up these sticks based upon their intended purpose. Hats off again to Senior Leon and Co for putting their $$ where their mouths are.

Onto the Review:

Specifics
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Brazil, Cameroon, Dominican Republic
Price: ~$9.00

Looks & Prelight:The cigar is very nicely constructed, smooth wrapper with one tiny vein. Firm and nice deep color, slightly oily. Prelight draw is pure tobacco with a slight hint of sweetness.


First Third: Draw was a dream. I gotta say I had a real hard time picking out individual flavor profiles in this one at this point....But that shouldn't be taken as a bad thing. To me, it was an overall quality tobacco flavor with maybe some underlying sweetness. The aroma was pleasing and slightly sweet.


Second Third: Draw is still perfect. Some nice toast and some wood flavors coming out. Creates lots of smoke and the aroma is still sweet. The ash just hung in there...and hung in there. Again, not tons of complexity, but to be honest for an enjoyable cigar after a long weekend of work....It was actually appreciated. I decided to pair the cigar with some 2004 Joseph Phelps Napa Syrah at this point. The combo of the wine and cigar was absolutely perfect. Neither was overpowering each other. I was really enjoying myself at this point.


Last Third: The stick began to build and pour out creamy smoke. Still the favors were mellow; but some spice came out as well as a nutty profile. The wrapper began to separate slightly - but I think that was from my chomping on it more than anything.


Final Thoughts: Honestly the first stick I've had from La Aurora that I enjoyed to the very end. While I didn't find it complex; the flavors were nice and clean...And sometimes that's just what Im after. Im writing this review about 40mins since my last puff; and the after taste is still lingering. All in all if you have the chance on a beautiful Sunday night; this might just be your stick to relax with