Released in 2019, the La Galera Anemoi is a cigar inspired by Greek mythology more specifically the wind. Anemoi were wind gods who were each ascribed a cardinal direction from which their respective winds came and were each associated with various seasons and weather conditions. They were the progeny of the goddess of the dawn Eos and her husband Astraeus.
There are four primary sizes, each named for the 4 major direction on the compass and the Greek god that represented the associated wind and then applied to the winds in the Dominican Republic where these cigars are made:
- Boreas (North) -The northern winds in the Dominican Republic bring water to the Cibao Valley during the fall and winter.
- Notos (South) – La Galera says it is the rarest of winds that generally only occurs when a hurricane is heading to the Dominican Republic.
- Eurus (East) -The Eastern winds remove the excess humidity and disease from the region, helping the tobacco growth.
- Zephyrus (West) – Winds from the west also bring rain to the tobacco-growing regions in the Dominican Republic.
The company gave their explanation of the names as:
“Despite not being thought of as essential, the winds play a vital role in the growing of tobacco. They instruct us, by way of their direction, of the best spaces in which to grow tobacco. The Greeks, geniuses in their own right, also understood the importance of wind. Each wind’s direction gave the Greeks an idea of whether to expect a good crop or to brace for a bad season.“
There is also a 5th vitola, simply known the Anemoi. So here is the breakdown of the 5 vitolas, each of which are packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Boreas (4 3/4 x 46) – MSRP $8.50
- Zephyrus (6 x 60) – MSRP $11.00
- Eurus (5 1/2 x 48) – MSRP $9.25
- Notus (5 x 56) – MSRP $10.00
- Anemoi (6 3/8 x 52) – MSRP $12.00
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – U.S.A. Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder – Dominican Republic (Jacagua)
- Filler – Dominican Republic (Criollo 98 & Piloto Cubano La Canela)
For this review I sampled one of the La Galera Anemoi Euros that I received at this year’s TPE from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie press.
Pre-Light Examination
The La Galera Anemoi is a dark brown, rugged looking cigar that has some significant marbling and some noticeable veins running through the wrapper. Keep in mind it is a broadleaf and true to form it is not the prettiest of wrapper but can be quite tasty. The cigar is solidly packed and had invisible seams on the roll. A simple cap finishes the presentation.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band is quite decorative with silver leaf foil adornments and the La Galera logo proudly presented in the center of the band. The name ANEMOI is printed below on the right and left using a Greek font and further down “Tabacalera Palma” is printed in white numerous times across a light blue backdrop. A secondary blue and silver band is paced just below the primary and identifies this one as the EUROS vitola.
Running the cigar across the nose, I picked up a pungent earthy note along the barrel which I found to be quite similar to that off the foot.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly ad gave it some cold draw puffs that had a restriction that was a bit tighter than I normally prefer and graced the palate with notes mild black pepper.
Using my dual flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of tangy fruit notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Tangy fruit notes to start
- Firm light grey ash forms on a tick straight char line
- Ash fell early revealing a decent looking burn cone
- Natural tobacco sweetness enters adding growing pleasure to the blend
- Chocolate and nut notes join the mix adding a deepening dimension
- Ash fell in another small chunk
- The chocolate morphs in more of a dark chocolate moving through the second third
- Burn line thins out in second half and remain very well behaved
- There is an added citrus component midway through
- Deep in the second third the palate is treated to a growing caramel note
- Spice notes enter near the final down to the end
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The La Galera Anemoi Euros started the journey with tangy fruit notes that awakened the senses. A thick, straight char line produced a firm, light grey ash that falls early, but revealed a well-formed burn cone. As the journey continues, natural tobacco sweetness enters the mix, adding growing pleasure to the blend. Chocolate and nut notes follow, adding a deepening dimension. The chocolate notes transform into a darker variety as the cigar progresses into the second third. The burn has been well-behaved throughout the experience. I especially enjoyed the growing caramel note deep int he second third. The flavor profile finishes off with spice notes near the end, complementing the medium strength of the cigar. This is definitely a box buy, especially if you are a broadleaf fan. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Ash Fell Often
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy
