Blind Cigar Review: La Palina | Number 1 Robusto

Cigar Info

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 1 has an Ecuadorian Sumatran wrapper, Costa Rican binder and fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras.

It comes in four sizes: Gordo (6 x 60) — $11, Petit Corona (4 1/2 x 44) — $7.99, Robusto (5 1/2 x 50) — $9.50, Toro (6 1/2 x 52) — $10. All of them come in 20 count boxes.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″ 1/2′
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Costa Rinca
Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras
Factory: El Paraiso
Blender: Bill Paley
Number of reviewers: 4 – Diana (ArmyRN) Isaac M. (The Nothing) Matt H. (Mattehh) Daniel S. (Daniel S.)
Price: $9.50
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: October 2017
Contributed by: La Palina Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 95

“The cigar was very nice looking with the chocolate brown wrapper. The wrapper had light veining and slightly visible seams. ” –Matt H. (Mattehh)

Aroma: 89

“The cigar has a very pleasant odor. A nice sweetness with just a hint of hay with mild barnyard. There is no ammonia smell nor is it pungent. The dry draw is very mild and is consistent with the aromas I took in through the nose.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Right away I get hit with the strength of the cigar. However, it was balanced with black pepper, and floral notes.” –Daniel S. (Daniel S.)

“The first few draws produced an immediate nuttiness like pecans. This toned down pretty quickly and it was mixed with a light toastiness. I’m feeling like I either want a piece of pecan pie or pecan coffee with this cigar. There is really no pepper for me at this point except for an occasional tingle of white pepper on the tip of my tongue. The retro brings the nuttiness forward and mixes it well with the toast notes. There is a hint of caramel that makes the cigar creamy.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“The earthy notes made a change to leather in the second third. There was also an herbal note, much like thyme, that made things interesting.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“Starting out in the second third the nut note went to the flavors of a pecan pie. The wood note was still present but was really light. The retrohale was still smooth and had no spice. The flavors started to not be as pungent and were a little subdued. ” –Matt H. (Mattehh)

Final Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The floral notes are amazing! They are balanced perfectly with just a touch of spice. There is also a creaminess on the finish that takes this cigar from good to great!” –Daniel S. (Daniel S.)

“Well…this third went a little awry. The cigar flavor were very subtle. Still had a note of pecan pie. I was expecting it to pick back up again but was sadly mistaken. The retro was still smooth.” –Matt H. (Mattehh)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“I used a straight cut on this cigar in lies of my usual deep v cut (I cant find my I Xikar deep cut, lol) The cigar draws very easily but isn’t sloppy. The cigar remains at a nice temperature and doesn’t heat up in the last third. ” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Burn: 92

“There were no burn issues and the cigar didn’t require any touch ups throughout the smoke. I touched it up or straightness due to my ocd with that. The burn line was crisp and the ash held nicely. It never dropped and at one point I let it get to a good inch and a half before tapping it. It was a nice light gray with touches of black throughout.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Construction: 91

“The burn and draw were good making the construction great. ” –Matt H. (Mattehh)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91

“I had a cigar earlier in the day but my palette was pretty fresh when I smoked this cigar. It was a mellow yet flavorful cigar but not overpowering either. The flavor notes mixed well together. There wasn’t a lot of progression but the flavors were very nice throughout. The addition of citrus in the last third finished the cigar off nicely for me. This would be a great cigar for any time of day.” –Diana (ArmyRN)
“This was, over all, a solid cigar. It was a good smoke, but never really wow’ed me. The cigarette note at the beginning was off-putting so I was quite happy when it quickly went away. The other flavor transitions were nice. I would smoke this cigar again, but I wouldn’t be in a rush to go out and do so. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)
“The cigar started out great. The smoke production was massive as every puff was thick and full. The flavors were nice and had my interests peaked. Sadly as the cigar progressed I had not as a desirable outcome. If I had to base any rating off the last two thirds I would never buy this cigar. Luckily the first third was better than the last. I did like the pecan pie flavor, sweetness, nut, and a nice baking spice. Wish more cigars had flavors that were similar.” –Matt H. (Mattehh)
“This cigar was amazing! I really enjoyed and was a little sad when it was done. The cigar had some really good flavors and the perfect balance of strength. I would highly recommend this cigar. I will definitely smoke this cigar again when I find out what it is!!!” –Daniel S. (Daniel S.)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 83

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: La Palina | Number 01 Robusto

Overall Score – 91 – Very Good