La Palina

BTcigars · 10-03-2010, 03:10 PM

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!

thebayratt · 10-03-2010, 04:12 PM

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.

bobarian · 10-03-2010, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebayratt

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.

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.

thebayratt · 10-03-2010, 04:45 PM

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.

bobarian · 10-03-2010, 06:02 PM

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.

BTcigars · 10-03-2010, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

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.

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.

06-16-2011, 10:10 AM

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

BTcigars · 06-16-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidnightMonkey

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

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

Tundrahi · 06-16-2011, 10:19 PM

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

BTcigars · 06-17-2011, 12:06 PM

Thanks I really appreciate it!

kelmac07 · 06-17-2011, 03:35 PM

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

BTcigars · 06-18-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelmac07

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

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

06-18-2011, 09:22 PM

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

docdoty · 06-19-2011, 02:13 PM

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.

scottdurand · 06-20-2011, 12:14 AM

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

N2 GOLD · 06-20-2011, 01:05 PM

Thanks for the great review...

10-03-2010, 03:10 PM	#1
BTcigars Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 486 Trading: (1)	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! __________________ Be sure to chek out my blog.

10-03-2010, 04:12 PM	#2
thebayratt Still Watching My Ash Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Shawn Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,326 Trading: (11)	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.

10-03-2010, 04:45 PM	#4
thebayratt Still Watching My Ash Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Shawn Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,326 Trading: (11)	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.

10-03-2010, 06:02 PM	#5
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	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.

06-16-2011, 10:10 AM	#7
MidnightMonkey Guest Posts: n/a	Re: La Palina The family series is made by Graycliff, but stay tuned for info on the new release...

06-16-2011, 10:19 PM	#9
Tundrahi Just in from the Storm Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Honolulu Posts: 5 Trading: (0)	Re: La Palina Great review...thanks! That third pic is awesome!

06-17-2011, 12:06 PM	#10
BTcigars Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 486 Trading: (1)	Re: La Palina Thanks I really appreciate it! __________________ Be sure to chek out my blog.

06-17-2011, 03:35 PM	#11
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: La Palina Nice review...did not realize these were that expensive. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

06-18-2011, 09:22 PM	#13
lou2row Guest Posts: n/a	Re: La Palina Great review, thanks. Never heard of these, they look good.

06-19-2011, 02:13 PM	#14
docdoty Cigars & Guns...what else Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Justin Location: Homer, mi Posts: 429 Trading: (8)	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. __________________ Enjoy what you smoke, and Smoke what you enjoy

06-20-2011, 12:14 AM	#15
scottdurand Still Watching My Back Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Scott Location: Lafayette, La (Cajun country) Posts: 59 Trading: (0)	Re: La Palina This cigar has been on my try list. Thanks for covering it!

06-20-2011, 01:05 PM	#16
N2 GOLD MIND OVER MATTER... Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: RICO Location: So. CAL 33° 44' 44" N / 117° 52' 0" W Posts: 2,330 Trading: (1)	Re: La Palina Thanks for the great review... __________________ When I want your opinion, I'll give it to ya.