La Aroma De Cuba Robusto 2009 (Don Pepin) Cigar Review

Cigar Review Posted By: avantgrade

Cigar Stats: The Robusto 2009 (Don Pepin) is a 5" x 54 Robusto with a
Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.

Cigar Strength: avantgrade describes the cigar strength as being Medium.

Cigar Price: This Cigar was bought for $4.50 and was purchased ...well, not actually purchased, but given to me by a very generous friend.

avantgrade purchased this cigar on 2010-03-03.
It has 1.5 months of additional aging.

Look and Feel: 19 / 20
Flavor and Aroma: 38 / 40
Burn Consistency: 28 / 30
Bonus Points: 6 / 10

Food: none

Beverage: none

Cutter type: Dual Blade, Mean-Sardine (Xikar sub-brand)

Lighter: cigar matches

Appearance: This is one beautiful cigar: the combination of the band along with a burgundy foot-wrap contrast wonderfully with the dark, almost maduro-like, wrapper

Presence of veins: a few prominent veins protruding from the surface; few smaller veins

Humidity: 65%

Cigar draw: just the right amount of resistance (not light, not labored, just right!)

Cigar feel: Medium

Oily or dry: Oily

Ease/quality cut: effortless (the tripple cap really helps out here, could effectively use a punch)

Pre-light flavour: There is a very light sweetness that lingers in the background. Hints of milk chocolate and light cocoa prepare the pal

Country of origin: Nicaragua

Origin of wrapper: Connecticut

Origin of binder: Nicaragua

Origin of filler: Nicaragua

Initial Light

Giving this cigar an easy light with only two cigar matches, I realize that I am in for a very pleasant experience. As the foot begins to burn, the aroma is absolutely gorgeous. There is a nice floral scent, almost no spice, and sweetness to carry it through. The cigar seem to have a good amount of tobacco rolled up into it, but not as solid as some of Pepin’s cigars. Not to worry, though, as it is burning slowly, and I’m off to a great start!

First 1/3:

I think that it is worth noting the specific origin of this La Aroma De Cuba (LADC). Originally, this was a Cuban marque, actually one of Winston Churchill’s favorites. The non-Cuban version was produced in Honduras for quite some time, until in 2009, Ashton finally got to commission Pepin Garcia to produce a more tuned version in Nicaragua. As expected, Pepin succeeded.

Interestingly, the trademark Pepin spice is not appearing in the first 1/3. However, there are plenty of floral, woodsy notes, accented by an undeniable smoothness and just a touch of sweetness. As I get closer to the middle of the cigar, I can feel a little bit of dark chocolate along with some cocoa trying to make their way into the blend.

Second 1/3:

…and there they are! Chocolate and cocoa treat the palate. There is even a little spice coming through, contrasting well with the more sweet notes. The burn has been staying true, and the cigar needs to ash about every 1.5 inches. For as beautiful as this cigar is, it even has a great ash to go along with its looks!

The flavors are becoming richer, and consistently creamier. My wife took a few puffs and commented on how smooth the smoke feels, and that it tastes almost like chocolate bread. I tend to agree with that comment, as it is coming from one great chef! (food and cigars, I believe that go together quite well)

Final 1/3:

As the finale draws near, the spice picks up, but the body still stays at the medium level that it had started with. The previous woodsy notes become more earthy, delivering some nutty profiles, too. Towards the nub, the cigar burns a little warmer, but the rising heat seems to go very well with the rise in flavors. I almost feel like I am eating a quality-made spice bread.

It was a shame to put this one down. I think a churchill size is in store for the future, or maybe even the crazy immense (60 ring!).