Wrapper: San Andres Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitola: Beso (5.625 x 48)

Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.

Production: Regular

Purchase Link: La Aroma de Cuba

LA AROMA DE CUBA MI AMOR RESERVA - OREGON

Summary: This dark, cocoa-colored cigar started mysterious for me. I couldn’t gather much from the wrapper or the cold draw, but I like solving puzzles! If it offered anything, maybe a hint of cocoa and leather. It looked very well constructed and the draw resistance was perfect. Predictably, the first flavors after torching the end were leather, cocoa, mild tobacco and a hint of unidentifiable sweetness.

The smoke output seemed a bit weak and I was afraid the stick may go out on me. The ash was impressive. Light gray to white and it held solidly through the first third.

Towards the middle, peanut notes appeared along with some black pepper. The retrohale was smooth, offering little heat, but little flavor as well. On the upside, the burn, while slightly wavy, was razor sharp. Construction is A+ on this cigar.

Into the second half, the peanut turned to cashew, blending nicely with a slightly sweet finish. The pepper dropped out completely as the leather notes picked up strength along with the tobacco notes.

I burned this cigar right to the nub. That being said, I couldn’t really decide what it was I liked about this cigar. It didn’t offer me much in the way of translations, but I still really enjoyed it.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this cigar, well, you probably like grapenuts cereal.

Pairing Suggestion: I’d pair this smoke with a sweet bourbon or rum. An IPA may do it justice as well.

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: I’d start with a fiver of this one...see where it leads ya! 

LA AROMA DE CUBA MI AMOR RESERVA- CALIFORNIA

Summary: Perfect resistance on the cold draw. When toasting the foot, I could really smell the cigar (aromatic even before the first puff).   Holy smokes I love this stick from the onset. Oak, pepper, and... butternut squash? Oh, and warm spices. Flawless burn/ash.

Second third is kicking off with Chocolate mousse. And nutty cinnamon rolls. For any old timers out there: Ditch the blue pill and just smoke one of these because it’s touching me in all the right places. I pocketed my lighter because I can already tell that no touch-ups will be necessary. Pizza crust baby! This 30-something chick just sat down across from me with perfume smelling like candy and I’m torn between flirting with her and asking her to leave so I can enjoy this cigar in peace.

Don’t get weirded out but moving into the final third and I’m getting a musky shampoo. Peculiar, yet tasty (and no I don’t eat soap). Finishing with chocolate/cocoa.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this, you probably listen to Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters before heading to the bars.

Pairing Suggestion: Pair with Benevolent Czar by Do Good Distillery (Russian stout distilled into a whiskey).

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Box worthy.

LA AROMA DE CUBA MI AMOR RESERVA- WISCONSIN

Summary: This cigar brought a combination of flavors that all went well together to create a balanced and enjoyable experience. Earth, pepper, oak, brown sugar, cinnamon, espresso, and cocoa filled out the first third. In the second third, it got sweeter but kept most of the same flavors. The final third brought more cinnamon and something reminiscent of hot chocolate.

Overall, it was a flavorful cigar that made my mouth water quite a bit. Occasionally there were puffs where a dryness set in, and those were a little less pleasant.

Construction-wise, the draw was great. The burn was wavy, but always corrected itself.

If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you're all about eating mixed tins of Christmas cookies, these flavors will get you going.

Pairing Suggestion: This one's versatile. Wintertime: peppermint mocha. Summertime: bourbon and blues music. It would do well in both settings.

Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Go grab a fiver.

Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion.  Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses.  All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.