La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial #5

02-07-2009, 05:09 PM

Filler: Nic
Binder: Nic
Wrapper: Ecuador SG
Size: 5.5x52 Belicoso
Origin: DPG factory Nicaragua, distributed by Ashton
Price: ~$8
Beverage: Water

This stick was gifted to me by my local B&M about 3 months ago and has been resting at 60% in my humi. It finished #4 in CA's Top 25 for 2008 (a list in which I do not give much value). First impression is that this is a beautiful cigar that was constructed by an expert. The wrapper is flawless with slight veins and a beautiful milk chocolate color. The band is one of the most ornate and colorful I've ever seen. The foot smells 100% of sweet cedar and the toast adds a bit of black tea to the mix. Clipped cleanly with Xikar and prelight draw is quite firm but Henry's tool will stay in the box.

First 1/3

Intial flavors of grass, cedar, and strong leather. Not too much smoke production and a very firm, light gray ash. Burn is very good. One quick touch up required at about an inch and a half.

Second 1/3

The cigar is burning well but too cold so I pick up the pace a little. This remedies the smoke production, the aroma is very smooth. Flavor profile is remaining constant and producing more cedar flavor than I've tasted in any other smoke in recent memory. A little spice and cinnamon is appearing.

Last 1/3

The finish has been medium and dry throughout and definitely medium bodied to me. I really like the aroma of this cigar. I get a slight acrid taste about 2 inches to go and I really want to nub this baby so a cautious purge is performed. Only takes once to learn about burning your eyebrows!

Luckily the purge returns the beautifully understated tobacco flavor. The subtle spiciness is still present and man what a smooth flavor.

I really appreciated the consistent flavor profile throughout this smoke. Once lit, it never strayed from the dominant cedar taste and teased my pallete with subtle spiciness. Thirty minutes after smoking I still have a faint taste of delicious cedar on my tongue. I will definitely sample this vitola again to compare and of course try out the other sizes.

Appearance: 10 (beautiful color and band design)
Construction: 9 (flawless construction, rolled a bit tight)
Burn: 9.5 (one slight touch up)
Draw: 8 (starts out quite firm, finished well after heating it up)
Aroma: 10 (gentle and appealing throughout)
Flavor: 9 (cedar was lovely, spicy undercurrents)

Final Score: 9.25

Highly recommended if you have the chance. Til next time.

02-07-2009, 05:09 PM	#1
sawyer16v Guest Posts: n/a	La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial #5 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Ecuador SG Size: 5.5x52 Belicoso Origin: DPG factory Nicaragua, distributed by Ashton Price: ~$8 Beverage: Water This stick was gifted to me by my local B&M about 3 months ago and has been resting at 60% in my humi. It finished #4 in CA's Top 25 for 2008 (a list in which I do not give much value). First impression is that this is a beautiful cigar that was constructed by an expert. The wrapper is flawless with slight veins and a beautiful milk chocolate color. The band is one of the most ornate and colorful I've ever seen. The foot smells 100% of sweet cedar and the toast adds a bit of black tea to the mix. Clipped cleanly with Xikar and prelight draw is quite firm but Henry's tool will stay in the box. First 1/3 Intial flavors of grass, cedar, and strong leather. Not too much smoke production and a very firm, light gray ash. Burn is very good. One quick touch up required at about an inch and a half. Second 1/3 The cigar is burning well but too cold so I pick up the pace a little. This remedies the smoke production, the aroma is very smooth. Flavor profile is remaining constant and producing more cedar flavor than I've tasted in any other smoke in recent memory. A little spice and cinnamon is appearing. Last 1/3 The finish has been medium and dry throughout and definitely medium bodied to me. I really like the aroma of this cigar. I get a slight acrid taste about 2 inches to go and I really want to nub this baby so a cautious purge is performed. Only takes once to learn about burning your eyebrows! Luckily the purge returns the beautifully understated tobacco flavor. The subtle spiciness is still present and man what a smooth flavor. I really appreciated the consistent flavor profile throughout this smoke. Once lit, it never strayed from the dominant cedar taste and teased my pallete with subtle spiciness. Thirty minutes after smoking I still have a faint taste of delicious cedar on my tongue. I will definitely sample this vitola again to compare and of course try out the other sizes. Appearance: 10 (beautiful color and band design) Construction: 9 (flawless construction, rolled a bit tight) Burn: 9.5 (one slight touch up) Draw: 8 (starts out quite firm, finished well after heating it up) Aroma: 10 (gentle and appealing throughout) Flavor: 9 (cedar was lovely, spicy undercurrents) Final Score: 9.25 Highly recommended if you have the chance. Til next time.