La Galera Habano Chaveta – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Up until 2016, José “Jochy” Blanco and his factory Tabacalera Palma were known for having great tobacco and producing quality cigars for other companies, but not for having cigars bearing his own name. That all changed with the launch of La Galera, his own brand of cigars. The La Galera Habano was on of two cigars launched at the same time as his brand, the other being the La Galera Connecticut. Both cigars use a Dominican Corojo binder and fillers that include Dominican piloto cubano, criollo 98 and pelo de oro. Besides the wrappers, all the tobacco is grown by Blanco.

The La Galera Habano launched in four sizes, all of which are named after important items found in and around galeras, or rooms in factories where cigars are rolled: Chaveta (5 x 50, $6.20), El Lector (6 x 54, $7), Cortador (6 1/2 x 52 torpedo, $7) and Pilones (6 1/4 x 60, $8.20). All of the cigars come in boxes of 21. They are rolled at Tabacalera Palma in Tamboril, Dominican Republic.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic Corojo
Filler: Dominican Republic Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, Pelo de Oro
Factory: Tabacalera Palma
Blender: Jochy Blanco
Number of reviewers: 4 – Sean F. (fullermaine) Matt Cade (CadeTNCC) Lauren S. (Lauren S.) Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
Price: $6.20
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: February 2016
Contributed by: La Galera

Initial Impressions – La Galera Habano Chaveta

Appearance: 91

“The cigar features some surface oils and there’s just the right amount of give when squeezed between two fingers.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Aroma: 90

“A solid tobacco barn smell, yummo” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Slight mint and an even slighter cedar are detected on the cold draw prior to lighting up. The first thing I notice upon ignition is the wonderful, rich aroma filling the room. This cigar smells amazing! White, crisp pepper floods through the nose while the draw is comprised of soft leather, a heavy dose of mineral, and just a fleeting touch of cream on the back end. The burn line initially grows uneven but after some maintenance, it’s mostly straightened out by the one-inch mark. The pepper diminishes considerably toward the end of the first third and as a result, the cream is now appearing on the retrohale as well. ” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“The sweet and oak notes give way to a nice mild black pepper notes.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Second Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Into this second third this blend is beginning to pick up. A light white pepper has moved in, especially on the retrohale. A very light floral hint emerges occasionally on the inhale. The wood is still the most prominent flavor, my mind viewing it as something like a white oak perhaps because of the white pepper.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

“Warm spices, savory, some pepper” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“A nice vanilla note has saddled up with the dominant creaminess now and it makes for an extremely enjoyable smoking experience. The soft leather is still present underneath these flavors and there is still a hint of mineral on the retrohale but CREAM rules everything about this cigar in the final third. Construction is great in the final act in all aspects.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“The woody flavor remains the star of this blend. Heavy metallic earth has come into play along with the white pepper really picking up. The occasional grassy/floral note still sneaks in every few puffs as well.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

Overall Impressions – La Galera Habano Chaveta

Draw: 93

“No problems enjoying this cigar. Perfection from beginning to end.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Burn: 96

“With a minor touch at the end, an even burn throughout this cigar.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Construction: 94

“Overall construction was very good with a smooth draw, strong ash, and copious smoke production.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 92

“What a great relaxing cigar. Only a few minor hiccups, but an absolutely great smoke. Hints of sweetness on the cold draw, a nice mixture of notes throughout. Notes of black pepper, clove, licorice, oak, and peanut. An absolute delight to smoke. Stock up on this stick when you have the opportunity.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

“This cigar gets continuously smoother and smoother throughout the smoking experience. Pepper and spice are gradually overtaken with a dominant creaminess that is incredibly enjoyable. And once that hint of vanilla comes into play it only adds to that enjoyment right up to the finish line. I wish this fast-burning cigar had lasted longer, I will certainly make an effort to smoke it again soon.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“This would be the go-to cigar for someone who likes a very woody taste. It was never overly complex but a sneaky floral note would appear every so often. The white pepper added a bit of interest but the wood was the main taste. I don’t know that I would smoke this all the time but it would be something I’d revisit.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)

“A great smoke that had a real nice meaty mouth feel, great flavor combinations. Really enjoyed this one a lot.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 71

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

La Galera Habano Chaveta – Blind Cigar Review