The HVC La Rosa 520 line was launched in 2015. HVC Founder and CEO Reinier Lorenzo notes that the name is a homage to his previous address in Havana, Cuba. Now 10 years into the La Rosa 520 journey he has released the 10th Anniversary.
Reinier Lorenzo notes:
“This Anniversary cigar is a reflection of our passion, hard work and commitment to the premium cigar industry”, said Lorenzo in a press release. For ten years we’ve dedicated to producing cigars that honor tradition while embracing innovation. La Rosa 520 10 Year Anniversary is our way of celebrating this milestone with the community that has support us.”
The HVC La Rosa 520 10th Anniversary has a blend described as:
- Wrapper: Habano 1992 from Ecuador
- Binder: Nicaraguan (Jalapa)
- Fillers: Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Esteli and Ometepe)
The blend is expressed in two vitolas each packaged in 21-count boxes with a limited production of 1,000 boxes per vitola. They are hand crafted at HVC’s Fabrica de Tabacos HVC, SA. in Nicaragua.
- Magnificos (6 1/2 x 52) Figurado – MSRP $14.00/cigar
- Originales (5 1/2 x 54) Parejo – MSRP $13.00/cigar
For this review, I sampled two of the HVC La Rosa 520 10th Anniversary Magnificos, which I purchased at an HVC Cigar event at my local cigar lounge – Executive Cigar Shop and Lounge, Melbourne Florida.
Pre-Light Examination
The HVC La Rosa 520 10th Anniversary Magnificos is a smooth and lightly oily dark tan cigar. The wrapper is devoid of veins and seams and has just the right give when pressed between the fingers. The cap is well applied, and the tip is well constructed.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band displays the HVC logo in gold along with the name “La Rosa 520” in white. The band is rd. gold and white. The Secondary band is placed right below the primary. It uses a red, black, and gold motif while boldly declaring the cigar to be the 10th Anniversary.
Running the HVC La Rosa 520 10th Anniversary Magnificos across the nose, I picked up an enticing sweet, fermented tobacco long the barrel and foot.
I sliced the cap straight and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs, which I found to be just as enticing as the pre-light aromas, with rich notes of butter and spice and natural sweetness
Cigar Review Notes
- The journey begins with a delightful natural sweetness along with a cinnamon spice kick
- A light grey ash formed on top of a slightly wavy thick char line
- The ash dropped early, revealing a flat burn cone
- Rich cream notes join the profile near the end of the first third
- I found the retrohale to be ultra smooth and brings forth a delectable cocoa note
- Ash dropped again
- Deeper in the second third the palate is graced with sweet cashew notes
- The finish is amazingly clean
- Gentle floral notes join the mix midway through the burn
- Sweetness and spice maintain as the core notes down through the final with nuances of earthy nut
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The HVC La Rosa 520 10th Anniversary Magnificos opens with an inviting natural sweetness that dances on the palate, quickly followed by a subtle kick of cinnamon spice that lingers just enough to keep things intriguing. As the smoke progresses into the first third, rich cream notes begin to weave their way into the profile, adding depth and smoothness to the experience. The retrohale stands out—ultra-smooth, with a surprising yet delightful cocoa note that elevates the complexity of the smoke.
By the time the second third rolls in, sweet cashew notes emerge, soft and buttery, adding a layer of sophistication to the flavor profile. Midway through the burn, the cigar introduces gentle floral notes, a light touch that enhances the overall elegance of the experience without overpowering the core flavors.
The sweetness and spice that began the journey remain steady throughout, providing a consistent foundation, while nuances of earthy nuts provide a grounding element in the final third. The finish is remarkably clean, leaving behind a lasting impression of balance and refinement, with just the right amount of complexity to make each draw a pleasure. I would say grab a fiver of these. I rate this a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Ash Fell Often; (-1) Wavy Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Subtly complex yet balanced
