Blind Cigar Review: Viva Republica | Propaganda Five and a Half Truth

Cigar Info

This cigar was shown at the IPCPR 2014 Trade Show in Las Vegas. The Propaganda features a wrapper called Brazilian Magico Cubano wrapper. This is a cuban seed wrapper that is a rare seed varietal. This is the first Viva Republica cigar to use a Brazilian wrapper. Viva Republica was formed by Jason Holly back in 2012. Holly has partnered with the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic to make his cigars. Earlier this year, it was announced that Miami Cigar and Company would become the distributor for Viva Republica.

“A lot of time consumers tend to spend more time on the novelty aspect, rather than the cigar itself,” said Jason Holly, founder of Viva Republica. “I think people need to start paying attention more to what’s in their cigar and the quality of the cigar.” Three sizes were scheduled to debut by late August: Disinformation (4 x 54, $7.50), Five and a Half Truth (5 1/2 x 54, $8.25) and the Big Lie (6 x 58, $9). All cigars are packed in boxes of 20.This is the fourth regular production line for Viva Republica joining Rapture, Rapture Maduro and Guerrilla Warfare.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Brazilian Magico Cubano
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Pennsylvania
Factory: E. León Jimenes Tabacalera
Blender: Jason Holly
Number of reviewers: 5—–Ron (shuckins) Sandeep (Djangos) Craig (WyldKnyght) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Paul (pmr1010)
Price: $8.25
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: August 2014
Contributed by: Viva Republica

 

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 91

“This cigar looked to me like a few others that have hit the market as of late with a less even colored wrapper. There is a mottling to the wrapper and some medium pronounced veins that I feel is a welcome reminder that we are smoking a natural product that can have visual flaws while still delivering a terrific smoking experience. Nicely finished edges and a well applied cap gave the feel of a skilled torcedor.” –Paul (pmr1010)

Aroma: 91

“The aroma off the wrapper was that of cocoa or chocolate, lots of coffee flavor off the dry puff. It also had a slight bitter taste almost like raw chestnut.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

First Third

 

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“A burst of pepper on light up that lasted through the first inch or so. A dry coffee flavor, that had a bit of bite to it, joined the mix, bringing a taste of dry leather with it which seemed to be a natural fit with the coffee flavor.” –Ron (shuckins)

“The initial third starts off with some pepper that increases in intensity for about a half inch and then settles down. The predominant flavor is a nuttiness that is hard to describe. There is also definite leather and some hay like character. No coffee or cocoa that were present in the dry puff are noticeable now. Good start. The burn is wavy and the draw is slightly tight, but not much of an issue. The ash is dark grey on some areas and light in others. The smoke production is quite good.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Second Third

 

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Nearing the midway point, the smoke became very smooth and the strength backed off to medium. The flavors remained somewhat sweet, however, a leather note developed to offset the oak notes. The sweetness is fading a bit and the pepper is now evident through the nose only.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The second third followed the path of the first third and didn’t vary much from that but built on it instead. The earthy qualities including the prune flavor I noticed in the first third went away and I was getting primarily the chocolate and warm cocoa flavors more and more. The smoke for the second third was smooth and very nice.” –Paul (pmr1010)

Final Third

 

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The final third starts with mostly wood and coffee flavors as the leather fades, taking what little creaminess there was with it. As it neared the end, the pepper flared up bringing a little heat and a well placed kick with it at the very end.” –Ron (shuckins)

“The flavors of the second third remained consistent through the end of the cigar. Leather, oak and some sweetness were the dominant notes, while occasionally I detected a bit of a dried plum. The smoke remained very smooth to the nub, and every other puff demanded a retrohale. Really quite nice.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 91

“The cigar had a firm but fair draw that rewards the effort put forth with cool tasty smoke.” –Ron (shuckins)

Burn: 92

“Burn was uneven, but no need for any touch ups.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Construction: 93

“Taking into consideration all of its components, I think this was a well made cigar. The wrapper was applied with skill and the draw was very good. With the ash hanging on for so long, I can say with some certainty that this was a well made cigar. An even firmness was felt with a light pinch to the sides and the cut was even with no problematic pieces falling out or making it annoying to smoke.” –Paul (pmr1010)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 90

“This was a decent smoking cigar with pleasant flavors, although it was a little harsh at times.” –Ron (shuckins)

“Overall, a very pleasant cigar to smoke despite the lack of complexity. The predominant flavor is that of nuts and leather. Something that I would definitely try again.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“I’d like to know the age on these, as I figure these would smoke much better with some age on them.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“This cigar started off a bit rough, and had my guard up. After the first retrohale, I was a bit uncertain if I could handle more…lucky for me, I kept trying, and soon I was enjoying the bit of pepper and slight sweetness that retrohaling provided me. The fact that this cigar smoothed out so well made it an enjoyable smoke…couple that with the excellent flavors of the last two thirds and you have the makings of a fine cigar. I would love to see what a couple of months in my humidor would do to improve this cigar. I think this could be a keeper.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“I enjoyed this cigar. Though there were only a few flavors to taste, they were good ones. The evolution of the chocolate flavors were very appealing and I’m happy that it maintained that course instead of having too many things going on. A definite cold day smoke for me to enjoy with hot chocolate or a smooth coffee.” –Paul (pmr1010)
–

Smoking Time (in minutes): 73

Edit

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall
Ron	85	90	88	90	88	90	90	90	88
Sandeep	92	92	90	90	90	88	92	95	90
Craig	92	90	90	90	90	83	88	88	88
Jason H.	90	88	92	92	92	97	97	93	92
Paul	90	92	92	92	95	95	92	95	92

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
–

Blind Cigar Review: Viva Republica | Propaganda Five and a Half Truth