Cigar Info
In March of this year, Mombacho Cigars announced that they had started shipping prerelease boxes of their new line, the Mombacho Liga Maestro to the United States, Canada and Europe. The Liga Maestro is a Nicaraguan puro originally created in 2013 exclusively for the Italian market. After a successful Italian introduction, distribution is now expanding throughout continental Europe and North America as part of the company’s tenth anniversary schedule. Today we will be reviewing the Mombacho | Liga Maestro Novillo
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.
The new line is medium-plus to full body, featuring a flavorful, balanced profile, robust aromas and full stimulation. It is now in regular production and available in 12-count boxes in the following sizes:
Double Robusto (6 ¾ x 50), Novillo (Toro – 6 x 52), Hermoso (Corona Larga – 6 x 46), Gordo (Robusto – 5 x 54), Pequeño (Petit Corona – 4 ½ x 44):
Individual cigar MSRPs range from $6.95 to $10.95. The blend uses a wrapper from Jalapa, binder from Condega and the filler is a mix of tobaccos of different priming from Jalapa and Condega.
The cigars are similar to the Italian Liga Maestro limited release in the USA in 2015 however sizes have changed and the cigars feature a new black and gold label. Mombacho Cigars, S. A. was founded in 2006 to provide premium handmade cigars through memorable experiences in select markets around the world, including Canada, China, Italy and since 2014, the United States. Mombacho produces all of its products at its factory, Casa Favilli, in Granada.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Jalapa
Binder: Condega
Filler: Jalapa and Condega
Factory: Mombacho Cigars S.A.
Blender: Claudio Sgroi
Number of reviewers: 4 – Matt C. (Big Matt) Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd) Adam B. (Bushboy) Garret (L1vingStone)
Price: $9.00
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: March 2016
Contributed by: Mombacho Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 93
“What a beautiful cigar. A luscious dark brown color that is even, not spotty. The surface of the wrapper is oily and toothy. There are a few small veins and the seams are nicely hidden. Looks like a double cap, and it has been cleanly applied.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Aroma: 90
“The aroma of cedar, cream and a flighty brown sugar sweetness cordially invite me to the party immediately post-light.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
First Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The fire hits this cigar and I don’t know whether to smoke it or eat it. That’s just a joke, people… Don’t eat your cigars. But the aromas are so dessert like it makes my mouth water. The smoke gives me flavors of creamy coffee and a sweetness that reminds me of butterscotch. The aroma of the draw smoke is spicy and sweet, and there is just the right amount of a pepper kick on the tongue. Very good start.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“Leather baby! The notes of leather come at you from the draw and the foot. There was a spice that hit you on the finish, but that faded into a milk chocolate as I got further into the 1st 3rd. Nearing the 2nd 3rd, it is smooth like silk and the burn isn’t sharp but doesn’t need attention.” –Garret (L1vingStone)
Second Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“In the second third, sample 553 remains a very good cigar and the profile has grown in depth but remains much the same in terms of flavors, as the exhale remains cedar, brown sugar, rich tobacco and pepper. The retro has cleaned up quite a bit and we have sweet cream, pepper, light spice and a dry cedar element. Finish lengthens and coats the palate with alder wood and tobacco sweetness. Floral notes begin to flirt with profile. Construction remains top notch.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“This Cigar is performing very well, the flavor of leather is still the major note and the 2nd third offers a hint of spice on the front but quickly fades into a robust leathery-coffee blast. The smoke output is full. A medium pace is where it wants to be smoked at with no attention needed. The Ash isn’t pretty and wouldn’t be good for the car.” –Garret (L1vingStone)
Final Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Strong
Body/Complexity: Full
“In the final third, cedar and a rich cream begins to dominate the profile the sugar and pepper take a back seat. The retro remains sweet cream, baking spice, and dry cedar. I have very much enjoyed this experience.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“The final third produced a slight kicking the overall strength that was welcomed. Cool burn and razor sharp burn throughout. Deep oak and charred wood flavors developed with a surprisingly short finish.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 94
“Perfect amount of resistance throughout. Minimal effort, maximum smoke.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Burn: 92
“The burn was good throughout the whole experience.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Construction: 93
“Excellent construction that lead to a fantastic performance. No flaws.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 93
“This cigar was a good experience that had flashes of greatness in the first two thirds and will only benefit from a little more humidor time. There were enjoyable classic flavors including rich tobacco, sweet cream, brown sugar, oak and cedar.. both on the exhale and retro. Construction was very good, and I would recommend this cigar to the novice or the daily cigar smoker as both will find a lot of enjoyment in this premium cigar offering. I will be seeking these out when I figure out what it is to age in my humidor for a few more months.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“If I would have tossed the cigar after the first third, It would probably get a mid 90s rating from me. If a cigar won’t keep burning and I have to baby it along, I can’t say much good about it. Because the flavors were so good in the first third, I will try it again once I find out what it is. Perhaps more rest time is in order.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“Very enjoyable cigar. I enjoyed this smoke on a cool night, and the pleasant aroma and short finish complimented the cooler weather nicely. Definitely will buy again, and would recommend for both the novice and connoisseur.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“Beautiful cigar inside and out! Leather, light spice and must.” –Garret (L1vingStone)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 80
|
Reviewer
|
Appearance
|
Aroma
|
1/3
|
2/3
|
3/3
|
Draw
|
Burn
|
Constr.
|
Overall
Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt C. | 92 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 88 |
| Matthew T. | 92 | 90 | 92 | 88 | 83 | 93 | 78 | 90 | 78 |
| Adam B. | 92 | 90 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 97 | 97 | 95 | 95 |
| Garret | 95 | 90 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 90 | 97 | 95 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.