Last year La Aurora debuted the 115th Anniversary Limited Edition, which we reviewed here. This year they showed off the regular production version at the IPCPR 2019 convention. The blend uses an Ecuadorian wrapper, Brazilian binder, and Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Brazilian fillers. It comes in four vitolas: Robusto 5×50 ($9.50 MSRP), Toro 5.75×54 ($10 MSRP), Belicoso 6.25×52 ($10.50 MSRP), Gran Toro 6×58 ($11 MSRP). The cigar started to ship in June.
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.
“We created 115th Anniversary to commemorate this very special occasion in the history of our company,” stated Guillermo Leon, La Aurora Cigars President and fifth-generation owner. “Throughout our 115 years, we have held to the highest standards in cigar making and this commitment to excellence is at the very core of who we are. La Aurora115th Anniversary is a standing ovation to the hard work and dedication of each and every member of the La Aurora family.”
“The 115th Anniversary Limited Edition was a great success for us and received extraordinary ratings,” added Jason Wood, Miami Cigar and Company Vice President. “We are confident that this 115th Anniversary full-production line will be received in a like manner. The blend is amazing, and another testimony to La Aurora‘s commitment to extraordinary product. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with La Aurora and this release is yet another testimony to the amazing things of which they are capable. We know that our customers will be delighted by this cigar and simply can not wait to share it at the show.”
“There is one very large vein, technically the midrib, of the leaf running the length of the cigar. The wrapper is a sort of coffee with cream brown with some darker spots thrown in and a slight leathery peach fuzz feel. A huge triple cap is well applied but the overall look of the cigar is very rustic. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Aroma: 91
“On the nose, scents of maple syrup, semi-sweet tobacco and cedar fill the nostrils. On the cold draw, flavors of nutmeg, must and cinnamon show themselves. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“There’s a lot of dark leather right of the bat. I’m getting a bit of baking spice, rich tobacco, and wood after a few puffs. The draw is very tight and the smoke output is suffering. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Very interesting profile on this cigar. It’s not very complex but smooth sweet and spicy. Very much floral notes both in room note and profile. Some molasses is present on the finish. A little earth is only on the front of the palate.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Second Third
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Rich tobacco has taken center stage now. Leather, pepper, and cedar are all still around but a much needed occasional caramel sweetness has stepped in from time to time.” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Getting more mixture of wood & nuts than the sweetness in the beginning of this third. Strength is mild to medium. As the cigar progresses the sweetness returns with a marshmallow/cotton candy type of flavor…..that’s a first for me, there is also a lot of salt on my lips. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Final Third
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“While nut butters were the name of the game with this cigar, it adds flavors to each third. In the last third, the cigar added notes of leather to go along with the blend of nuts and dry grasses. Salt was still present, but not as assertive as it had been. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“Sweet cedar and leathery cream begin the final third off. Towards the final bits, toasted chipotle pepper and chocolate transition in alongside a soy sauce base. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 92
“Great open draw with no resistance to speak of.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Burn: 92
“It’s a good thing I didn’t need to touch-up or relight this cigar, as it took me awhile to find my lighter after firing up this stick. It burned great from start to finish.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Construction: 92
“I liked the rustic appearance to this cigar, and the wrapper was nice and oily. No problems with this cigar to suggest construction problems. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full Experience Overall: 89
“I think if the draw was better I would have liked it a lot more. The smoke was too thin and I felt like it was an effort to smoke the entire time. The flavors were crisp and rich but it’s just not my favorite profile. When there was the occasional sweetness it was all tied very nicely together though. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“A box worthy cigar, very enjoyable. The profile is very unique, I have not smoked many cigars with a similar profile.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
“This was a good cigar, but I don’t think I would seek these out…..a fiver maybe, but that’s about as far as it goes. There was some nice surprising sweetness in this cigar with marshmallow and cotton candy, but the sweetness didn’t stay long it did not overpower the cigar. Other flavor notes were earthy/woody notes and salt. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“Overall this was not a bad stick. With loads of medium to full flavored notes, this sample provided ample amounts of complex flavors that will keep even the most seasoned smoker on their toes!” –John A. (Bostoneo)
“I really dug this cigar even though it’s not something that’s in my normal flavor profile. While the flavors were consistent throughout they were fairly satisfying. I really enjoyed the saltiness begging me to have something close at hand to drink. The burn was excellent. The ash fell through each third. This cigar was just a solid performer from start to finish.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Blind Cigar Review: La Aurora | 115th Anniversary Robusto
Summary
"I really dug this cigar even though it's not something that's in my normal flavor profile. While the flavors were consistent throughout they were fairly satisfying. I really enjoyed the saltiness begging me to have something close at hand to drink. The burn was excellent. The ash fell through each third. This cigar was just a solid performer from start to finish." -Isaac M. (The Nothing)
