Back in the 1980’s, before the cigar boom, J.C. Newman Cigar Company patri-arch Stanford J. Newman challenged his good friend Carlos Fuente, Sr. to develop a really good premium cigar and make it inexpensive. It would be packaged in inexpensive cellophane bundles, without costly boxes and trimmings found with other premium cigars. Until then, only “seconds” were found in bundles, so this was somewhat of a new idea.
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.
Carlos picked the vitolas and Standord approved the blends consisting of a Connecticut Shade wrapper (Connecticut Broadleaf on the maduro version), and Cuban seed Dominican long filler tobaccos. Since their original 1986 release, the cigars have evolved into a more premium offering and are now packaged in custom cedar cabinets of 20. The blend remains the same and the price remains very competitive. La Unica comes in 6 sizes: No. 100 8 1/2″ x 52, No. 200 7″ x 49, No. 300 6 7/10″ x 44, No. 600 6″ x 50, No. 500 5 1/2″ x 42, and No. 400 4 1/2″ x 50.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto Length: 4 1/2″ Ring Gauge: 50 Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia Blender: Undisclosed Number of reviewers: 5 – Isaac M.(The Nothing) Joseph S.(Bearded Bastard) Lauren S.(Lauren S.) Jake P.(Jake P.) Randy B.(randobush) Price: $6.45 Age: 4 Months Release Date: 1986 Contributed by: J.C. Newman
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 93
“Small and curious cigar. Veins on the light wood colored wrapper are numerous, but small. The seams are nearly invisible.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Aroma: 88
“A very mild scent off of the foot reminding me of lemons.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
First Third
Flavor: 88 Strength: Mild-Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“This cigar started off with toasted bread, Nutella, and dry corn flakes. The amount of flavor was impressive, and definitely more robust than I was anticipating.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“Started off with a sweet chocolate that turned into a creaminess after an inch or so. In between the sweet and cream I got a nice tea flavor. The sweet chocolate went away at the end of this third and turned into a sweet cedar.” –Jake P. (Jake P.)
Second Third
Flavor: 93 Strength: Mild-Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“There has really been no transition of flavors into the second third. Floral and lemon remain the in the forefront though the retrohale is producing some cedar and smoky oak flavors. While not the most dynamic taste it is enjoyable. The ash and burn continues to be absolutely perfect.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“The sweet wood carried well into the second third. I also was getting carmel at moments. You also got a nice zest flavor, I would not say orange but some kind of fruity zing.” –Jake P. (Jake P.)
Final Third
Flavor: 93 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Going into the final third, ash is holding, and flavors still complex and evolving. Espresso bean has come back with a hint of semisweet chocolate that went away at the last of the final third. Pepper is fading still, but hanging in there. The sweetness of the peanut brittle has diminished and replaced with hay. Salted pistachio stayed throughout, while the baking spices went away on the final few puffs Ash fell at 2.5.” –Randy B. (randobush)
“Roasted peanut shells marked the beginning of the final third. The spicy green pepper came and went; if you get it hot, it’s going to be peppery, you keep it cool and it’s not there. Just another fine aspect of this cigar.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 96
“The draw was almost perfect to me, just slightly too open.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Burn: 94
“This cigar burned flawlessly, and razor sharp burn the whole smoke. It did burn very fast, at just 34 minutes from start to finish.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Construction: 94
“Great looks and performance make it hard to give this cigar a bad mark on construction.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 93
“For such an unassuming looking cigar, this is delicious. The flavors were much fuller than your average Connecticut wrap cigar. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the only thing I wish is that would burn longer. Honestly I think this was the fastest burning cigar I’ve reviewed here on Blind Man’s Puff, and I tend to take my time and smoke slowly. Hopefully there’s a longer version of this to enjoy when we find out what it is.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“A very nice mild cigar, perfect for relaxing after a hectic day of water heater replacement. Went great with my cup of coffee as the kids ran around. Would be a great morning smoke.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“The first few puffs could have easily put me off with the extreme perfume and bitter flavor but luckily it settled very quickly. The majority of the cigar had a very simple floral and lemon flavor without much complexity. While the flavor itself was enjoyable, especially for a first of the morning cigar, had this been a longer cigar I would have gotten tired of the lack of transitions in the blend.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“If you are a mild cigar smoker or even like something stronger I think you would enjoy this cigar. This was a sweet and creamy cigar with fruit notes. Great roasted flavor towards the end. I smoked this until it was burning my fingers with little to no harsh flavor whatsoever.” –Jake P. (Jake P.)
“First, this little cigar was pretty. The quality of the tobacco and the aesthetics of the wrapper and triple cap made for a right dandy smoke. Second, this cigar was complex, filled with flavors that had subtle, but noticeable changes during the smoke. Third, this cigar had a nice long finish that pleased the palate even between puffs. Fourth, smoke output was great. Finally, I give this cigar a thumbs up. Not a “highly recommend” but if you try it, you won’t be disappointed. Cheers!” –Randy B. (randobush)
"If you are a mild cigar smoker or even like something stronger I think you would enjoy this cigar. This was a sweet and creamy cigar with fruit notes. Great roasted flavor towards the end. I smoked this until it was burning my fingers with little to no harsh flavor whatsoever." -Jake P. (Jake P.)
