The La Palina number series debited at IPCPR in 2017. This is part of a larger number series that were all released in very small numbers prior to the 2016 FDA deadline. Number 1 and 2 made their full releases in 2017 as the first in the series and are currently for sale. They are made at the El Paraiso factory in Honduras, which is owned by Nestor Plasencia. LP Number 2 has a Ecuadorian Sumatran wrapper, Costa Rican binder and fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
It comes in four sizes slighty different than the Number 1: Gordo (6 x 58) — $11, Petit Corona (4 1/2 x 44) — $7.99, Robusto (5 x 52) — $9.50, Toro (6 1/2 x 54) — $10. All of them come in 20 count boxes.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto Length: 5″ Ring Gauge: 52 Country of Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Costa Rican Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran & Nicaraguan Factory: El Paraiso Blender: Bill Paley Number of reviewers: 4 – Isaac M. (The Nothing) Matt H. (Mattehh) Diana (ArmyRN) Daniel S. (Daniel S.) Price: $9.50 Age: 6 Months Release Date: October 2017 Contributed by: La Palina Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 88
“This cigar is good looking. I am drawn to the dark wrappers and the more they lean toward oscuro the more I usually like them. There is a soft suede look to this cigar and it is very smooth. Veins can be seen but there are no protrusions or bumps on the exterior of the cigar. The cap is substantial and more than adequately covers the head of the cigar. The foot reveals a nicely packed filler that isn’t as dense as others I’ve seen but still nicely filled.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Aroma: 89
“There is a mild barnyard smell along the length of the cigar, with a bit of wood emanating from the foot. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
First Third
Blind Cigar Review: La Palina | Number 02 Robusto
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium-Strong Body/Complexity: Medium
“The cigar started great. The wood note was up front. Earth and leather were in the background in addition with a light black coffee. The retrohale had a nice heat to it. I had to touch up the cigar and the ash started to split. Then shortly after the ash fell.” –Matt H. (Mattehh)
“I was surprised that this cigar did not come out of the gate with a bang. It took a few good puffs to get the flavors to begin to swirl in my mouth. I was first hit with a nice nut flavor that mixed nicely with roasted coffee beans. The retro gave me a smooth white pepper but it really wasn’t there unless I did retro. Once into the first third I was able to pick up a slight cinnamon as the smoke proceeded.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“Flavors were still the same as before, wood, leather, earth, and light coffee. Wood was still upfront though. The flavors were less in strength than the previous third. One nice addition in this third was the touch of creaminess to the smoke. The retro smoothed out and didn’t have the heat as before. The cigar went out during this third. Starting to worry me a little.” –Matt H. (Mattehh)
“So I have to say, the second third was my sweet spot on this cigar. The flavors provided a nicely done mix of sweetness mixed with salted nuts and chocolate blended in dark roast coffee. As the cigar progressed I was surprised by a meatiness that came into play. I didn’t find the cigar over-powering but I really enjoyed the medium-full complexity at this point.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“I was really hoping the flavors of the second third would hold on all the way through the rest of the cigar. Sadly for my palette, they backed off a bit and the cigar developed a bit of mineral flavor and the sweetness seemed to disappear. The nuts and dark roast coffee remained but the lack of sweetness pushed the cigar to the edge of bitter for me. It never went over the edge so I still enjoyed the last third, just not in the same way as the previous third.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“Wood. Yup, just all wood now. The heat built back up on the retro again. Still having troubles with burn and keeping it lit. Uneven burn for this third.” –Matt H. (Mattehh)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 87
“The cigar had no draw issues. It stayed consistent throughout the smoke and gave me nice plumes of bluish white smoke. There was no sloppiness to the draw nor was it tight in any areas.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
Burn: 85
“The day before I smoked this cigar I checked the butane level on my lighter. It was about half full. I had to refill my lighter halfway through this cigar. It required no less than a dozen touchups and relights. Not to mention severe tunneling throughout the second third, and right on into the final.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Construction: 88
“The draw on the cigar was good. The burn was bad. So we can say that the construction was mediocre. ” –Matt H. (Mattehh)
“Hard pass. The first third had a hint of flavor and a wavy burn. After that the cigar suffered constant tunneling and relighting. I even had to refill my torch. I spent more time fussing over the cigar than enjoying it.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“Flavor-wise the cigar was decent. The flavors were in my wheelhouse. The cigar could have been better if the burn was on point. I had troubles all the way though. ” –Matt H. (Mattehh)
“This cigar would’ve received a “Great” from me if the last third had held onto the flavors from the second third. Overall I enjoyed this cigar and it could very well be that the flavors might flush out more with time in a humidor. I enjoyed the mix of sweet with roasted coffee and nuts. The white pepper was there if I wanted a dash during a retro but I didn’t have to have it either. I’d definitely smoke this cigar again if for no other reason than to see if it matures and if the burn line improved.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“Overall the cigar was ok. The flavors were average however, I was not bored with flavors. The licorice on the retrohale was enjoyable. I also the strength of the was good.” –Daniel S. (Daniel S.)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 81
Reviewer
Apr
Aro
1/3
2/3
3/3
Draw
Burn
Const
Ovr
All
Isaac M.
88
90
88
85
85
85
75
78
70
Matt H.
95
97
90
90
85
97
83
87
87
Diana
90
90
90
92
90
90
87
90
90
Daniel S.
88
88
85
85
85
85
85
85
85
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: La Palina | Number 02 Robusto
Overall Score – 87 – Fair
Blind Cigar Review: La Palina | Number 2 Robusto
Summary
"Flavor-wise the cigar was decent. The flavors were in my wheelhouse. The cigar could have been better if the burn was on point. I had troubles all the way though. " -Matt H. (Mattehh)
