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Cigar Review: La Aurora 107 Corona

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La Aurora 107 Corona

In the work of anyone reviewing cigars, chances are you’ll find yourself with many great cigars to choose from. In over a year and a half, I have, to my great shame, never reviewed a La Aurora cigar. So, after stocking up on a few of their sticks, my first up for review is the La Aurora 107 Corona. The 107 is somewhat legendary among seasoned smokers, and now I can say I know why. And now it is my pleasure to explain the reasons from my perspective.

The setting for this review will be hard to beat. A beautiful early-summer day with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline, Buena Vista Social Club in the background, and a hot cup of coffee all combined to make this a memorable experience.

Blend specifics:

Vitola: Corona (5.5 x 43)
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic/Nicaragua

Appearance & Construction:
I can’t say that the construction on this cigar is entirely flawless, but with how beautiful the dark, golden brown Ecuadorian wrapper is, I can’t say I care. The cigar invites the smoker in with rich color tones, slight toothiness, oiliness and a rough texture that feels good on the fingers. In fact, the cigar was so inviting that I almost slobbered on it when I put it in my mouth (ok, I admit it: I actually did slobber on the cigar – it smelled that good). It is triple-capped and slightly springy when squeezed gently. The cigar has a beautiful band, with a lion’s head taking center stage, flanked by red, white, and gold. The smell of the wrapper is exquisite – notes of sweetness, rich chocolate, and natural tobacco. From what I can tell, the draw on this cigar tends to range from perfect to slightly loose.

Taste & Smoke Characteristics:
The texture of the smoke all throughout this cigar is what I would describe as creamy smoothness. This is interesting considering the spice that builds throughout the cigar. I consider this to be a pretty complex cigar. The cigar opens with a very unique granola, which some reviewers have accurately described as having hints of cinnamon. About half an inch into the cigar, I’m surprised by a very interesting flavor that reminds me of the torched, top layer of creme brulee. Delicious. Throughout the smoke, though, one note eluded me – something like a lightly buttered caramel. As the cigar burns low, the spice picks up pleasantly. Then, the experience is over, and I am sad until I realize I have 5 more in my box.

The original cigar holder

Conclusion:
I would recommend this cigar to anyone. The price point is great, the cigar delivers huge amounts of flavor and complexity while not overwhelming the smoker. I’m looking forward to smoking many more of these.

Final Grade: A

Cigar Review: Oliva Serie G Maduro Presidente

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Oliva Serie G Maduro Presidente

It was the end of a long semester and relaxation was in order. I decided on the Oliva Series G
Maduro Presidente allowing for a long relaxing break. I paired water with the Oliva Series G
during this review.

Specifics

Size: Presidente 8×52

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan Habano

Appearance & Construction

The cigar was solid to the touch with no soft spots or imperfections on the cigar. The oval white
and gold band contrasted nicely with the maduro wrapper. As I inspected the cigar, the foot
smelled of coffee and tobacco. I made a v-cut, I tested the cold draw that had spice added to the
earlier flavors as well as a nice draw.

Taste & Smoking Characteristics

The Oliva Series G initial puffs were black coffee and tobacco. The opening flavors remained
consistent throughout the smoke with dark chocolate. These flavors remained through the
duration of the cigar. Half way through the Series G Maduro, a berry flavor appeared in the
background that went with the darker flavors. Towards the end of the cigar, vanilla and maple
added to the overall flavor profile. The smoke of the Oliva Series G Maduro is creamy.

During my 2 hours smoking the Series G Maduro I had to ash the cigar a few times. The salt
and pepper ash held to half an inch. The burn remained straight with no trouble during the Oliva
Series G.

Summary

Overall, the Oliva Series G Maduro Presidente is a well-constructed long smoke with an even
burn and flavor. The Series G Maduro would pair well with a nice cup of coffee.

Final Grade: B-

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Cigar Travels: The Cigar Boxx (SC, USA)

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Earlier in March I had the pleasure of visiting Greenville, SC (the American South) for the first time in my life. I took a plane from LGA to Charlotte, then down to Spartanberg International in South Carolina for a three day stay. I knew I was in for a bit of culture shock, but I had no idea how beautiful the South actually is, how nice the weather and people are, or (and I enjoyed this), how prevalent advertisements for cigars are, even at the airport.
Needless to say, I arrived at my hotel room fully briefed on the local cigar shops in Greenville. I dropped off my bags, took a walk down Main St., and made my first of what would be four visits to The Cigar Boxx, located a block off of Main. Walking in the door, I was immediately greeted by Paolo, the shop owner. Paolo showed me his selection in the walk-in humidor and recommended the Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva (a great cigar, by the way). He also told me a bit about the shop itself, which has been open more than ten years now.
Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva - a fantastic smoke
Inside the humidor
The Cigar Boxx is a one-of-a-kind lounge, with a unique layout. The shop has a walk-in humidor, a wall racked with an impressive selection of wines, a large storefront lounge area with plenty of natural light, member humidor wall, and a dark and cozy den area that is decked out in southern style and complete with a large flat screen TV.
The wine selection
Member boxes
The den
But, back to the humidor. With a large, street facing window, the walk-in humidor is more than visually inviting. It sports an extensive selection of premium and boutique cigars, and of course at price points well below what we find in New York City. I picked up a King Havano Black Knight, a stick which easily sells for $18+ in the city, for just $10. Other stand-out cigars in the collection included Berger & Argenti Entubar, Casa Magna Colorado, SWAG, Alec Bradley, and more.
Paolo: Owner, Host, Aficionado
The real heart of Cigar Boxx, though, is Paolo (above). During my visits, I found Paolo to be incredibly knowledgeable about cigars and the industry. He was also incredibly hospitable, offering excellent cut and light service, making delicious coffee for customers, and introducing new customers to the true cigar experience.
In any case, it goes without saying that I highly recommend this shop to anyone. It has a great vibe, good selection of excellent cigars, and great management. And, it sounds like there are even more good things coming in the future. Paolo also mentioned that he is planning on opening a new location across the street, complete with food and full bar service.  If the new location rivals the original Cigar Boxx, Greenville residents should consider themselves lucky.
Address:
23 College Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-5062
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Refugio Cigar House: Revolutionizing the Neighborhood Brick and Mortar

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Refugio Cigar House - 635 Lorimer St. Brooklyn, NY

A little over a year after opening, Refugio Cigar House has begun to shift the paradigm on the neighborhood cigar lounge. Located at 635 Lorimer St. in Brooklyn, the shop has quickly gained a reputation for friendly service, great cigars, and an atmosphere of relaxation fitting for the art of smoking. The shop sports a great Cuban vibe and appeals to regulars and the average passer-by. FineTobaccoNYC event subscribers might remember that we hosted Refugio’s Grand Opening event in January of 2011.

The owners, Mike Lopez and Jimmy Brigadino, make a point to hang out at the shop to greet passers-by, customers, and regulars alike. Mike says he envisioned the shop to be “a refuge for cigar smokers in the fast-paced city of New York.” David Alicea, an event coordinator at FineTobaccoNYC says he has enjoyed seeing Refugio create “an experience that is friendly, family oriented, and that introduces others to true cigar culture.”  Another key to the Refugio philosophy is that the shop’s regular events are free, and feature no bottling fee for smokers bringing in drinks to pair with cigars.

On any given week, Refugio hosts cigar events with New York’s Grown & Sexy cigar group, and FineTobaccoNYC. Tuesdays are movie night, Wednesday is the regular Grown & Sexy HERF, Sunday is MOB Wives night, and once a month the shop hosts a poker night.

Although Refugio carries a variety of premium cigars, Mike and Jimmy have made it a point to support high quality boutique brands entering the market, like Reinado Cigars and Hispanola Cigars (both good friends of FineTobaccoNYC – I highly recommend you taste both).  The main attraction at Refugio though are their house blends, which I would easily consider some of the best house blends in the city. Aside from being well constructed and composed of quality tobacco from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Brazil, Mike has gone the extra mile to offer customers truly unique smoking experiences.

The Witch’s Broom, for example, is rolled by a veteran cigar roller of the prestigious Davidoff factory. The stick has a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, and Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Peruvian filler. What makes the cigar special, however, is the vitola, with exposed tobacco on the foot, resembling , you guessed it, a broom. Alicea describes the cigar saying, “with the Witch’s Broom you’ll get notes of black pepper, coffee, and an earthy, but very smooth texture. The cigar is a solid medium in terms of body, and a real joy to smoke because of the special vitola.”

Another signature house  blend is the new Boxed Press Torpedo. With an Ecuadorian wrapper and Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, it is the new home run of the shop. The box press was made famous by the Padron family, and Refugio’s version is a fantastic take on the popular shape. Smokers will notice hints of chocolate, leather, and black pepper.

The Box Press - debanded

Aside from cigars, the shop now sports member boxes (membership comes with a complimentary bundle of cigars), renovated lighting, and new fans for air circulation. When the shop first opened, ventilation was a noticeable problem, but the new redesign has really completed the vibe of the shop.

This just about captures the spirit of Refugio Cigar House when it's time to party

In short, Mike and Jimmy have done a fantastic job creating a true refuge for the New York City cigar smoker. If you live in the city or are visiting, forget about your regular Cigar Inn or Club Mac visit and experience something new. If you take my advice, you might find yourself frequenting this New York City gem.

Connect with Refugio Cigar House on Facebook.

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