This is my second review of a La Familia Robaina Ilegal blend. The first was back in February where I reviewed the Ilegal Habano Toro. Today I break down the La Familia Robaina Ilegal Connecticut Robusto which was also introduced at the 2019 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show.
One of three blends in the lineup, the Ilegal Connecticut has a blend described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Biner: Undisclosed
- Filler: Undisclosed
The La Familia Robaina Ilegal Connecticut is expressed in three vitolas and come packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Robusto (5 1/2 x 54) MSRP $9.95
- Toro (6 x 50) MSRP $9.95
- Gordo (6 x 60) MSRP $10.95
For this review I sampled one La Familia Robaina Ilegal Connecticut robusto.
Pre-Light Examination
The La Familia Robaina Ilegal Connecticut is a dark tan cigar that is all but veinless and is expertly finished with triple cap and a closed foot. The feel of the wrapper is satin smooth and it has a fine oily sheen. The cigar feels solid to the touch from head to foot.
A single die cut, cream colored, band adorns the cigar. It uses the “Ilegal Tabaco” logo in the center. I like how the company distinguishes the different blends of this line by band colors.
Running the Ilegal Connecticut across the nose, I was greeted with notes of mild sweetness and floral along the barrel. With a closed foot, I could not discern any aromas off the foot.
I sliced the triple cap right along the shoulder and gave the Ilegal Connecticut a few cold puffs. The draw restriction was spot on and offered a growing peppery sensation as I cold puffed it.
Using my double flame torch I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of smoke which were filled with notes of mild citrus and a hint of licorice. I have to say that is a pleasurable change from many cigars I have smoked recently and quite unique for a Connecticut wrapped ciagr.
Follow along as I burn the Ilegal Connecticut to ash and further break down this gem.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers mild citrus and an interesting hint of licorice
- White ash forms on top of a medium char line
- Sweetness builds a core note in the background
- Grassy notes enter near midway
- Slight wave develops
- Ash drops after a long burn revealing a decent burn cone
- Cocoa powder adds to the mix
- Citrus peel nuances brighten the profile
- A touch of spice and a hint of fruit keeps things interesting
- Small wrapper crack in the final
- Mild to Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 20 minutes
Overall, La Familia Robaina Ilegal Connecticut Robusto was an elegant smoking experience that was not overly complex, but did offer a balanced array of notes that were more nuanced than “in your face”. I especially enjoyed the early notes of licorice and eventually the cocoa powder that entered midway. There was a surprising core of sweetness that built up through the journey. The burn was a bit wavy but never required a touch up. The ash was outstanding carrying for a good half of the burn. There was however a small crack in the wrapper in the final third. This is a cigar any enthusiast would enjoy, regardless of your experience. Grab a five pack of these, I rate this a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wave in Burn; (-1) Small Wrapper Crack in Final
Bonus Points: (+1) Long Ash
