Who doesn’t like dogs? I mean, I was just on a small vacation in Key West, FL with my loyal pup – Ziggy – and every person we passed wanted to pet his silky smooth hair and in return get a lick upon their hand. So when a cigar company releases a cigar that supports canines, especially guide and service dogs for our brave veterans, I am all in. Let’s be real, dogs were put on earth to show humans what unconditional love and loyalty is.
In this case I will be discussing the latest release from La Vega Cigars – IL Cane. The Italian name translates to “The Dog“. The project was the result of the the company hiring on a new sales representative Dawson Katz, who told La Vega founder, Aaron Paoletta about a great non-profit Dogs Inc, that provide guide and service dogs to veterans and the blind. The two discussed it and they agreed it would be great if they could release the cigar for Veterans day this year and raise money for the charity.
Talking to Aaron, he explained to me that they had a short runway to get the project going and get delivery in time for Nov 11. To accomplish the mission, Aaron revisited a blend he was working on he La Vega – IL Cane was born. The mission did not stop there. Aaron has committed to donate at least 25 cents for each IL Cane sold. He also told me that if the cigar is purchased at the LaVega lounge and headquarters in Mercer, PA he will increase that donation to $1.00 per cigar.
In a press release, Aaron stated:
“I am so very excited to be able to create a cigar release which helps not just our veterans, but many other people who are in need of companionship and these wonderful dogs help save so many lives. As an animal lover and having a dog of my own, my animals bring me so much love and joy that I am beyond excited to get this cigar out to the cigar community. For the entire time this cigar is on the shelves, we will continue to donate Proceeds to Dogs, Inc.“
Even my loyal pup Ziggy agrees this is a fantastic charity.
The company describes the blend as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Colorado corojo
- Binder – Ecuadorian habano
- Filler – Peruvian plus some undisclosed leaf
The cigar itself is expressed in a (5 x 54) robusto and comes packaged in 10-count boxes with an MSRP set at $10.50/cigar. They will be available to the public starting Nov 11 (Veteran Day).
Like all La Vega Cigars, the IL Cane is hand crafted at Tabacalera Las Lavas S.R.L. in the Dominican Republic the home of Casa Cuevas cigars a loyal sponsor of Stogie Press.
For this review, I sampled 2 of the La Vega – IL Cane cigars, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The La Vega Cigars IL Cane is wrapped in a beautiful reddish tan wrapper that exhibits a mild sheen and just a few veins. The cigar is firm to the touch and looks to be well packed with just a little give near the foot . Construction is completed with a well applied cap.
A single band adorns the cigar. The name La Vega IL Cane is boldly displayed in the center top of the band. Below that is the Italian phrase “Un Cane e IL Migliore Amico Dell’uomo“ which translates to “A dog is a man’s best friend.“ If you look closely at the top of the band you will see dog paws in the background. Lastly, the bottom of the band uses a vibrant purple color that ties back to the Dogs Inc color.
Running the cigar along the nose, I picked up a mild barn yard note along the barrel and baking spice off the foot.
Once I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar, I gave it some cold puffs that offered tangy and peppery notes along with a slight natural sweetness. The draw was nicely restricted.
Using my single flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of peppery smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Peppery start especially on first retrohale
- Quickly the palate is greeted with cedar notes
- A light grey ash forms on top of a well behaved char line
- Adding to the enjoyment is a natural sweetness near the end of first third joined with a hint of cocoa aroma
- The early profile offers a well rounded finish
- Moving through the second third there are nutmeg nuances
- The ash fell midway through the burn revealing a decently formed and centered burn cone
- Floral citrus notes enter the profile in the second half adding a deeper dimension to the profile and a mouth watering sensation
- Deeper in the second third there is a increased spice note
- Added fruit notes adds to the pleasure and balance
- Moving into the final, the finish was a tad sharp – less rounded than the start and it did start to burn a tad hot
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 minutes
Final Analysis
The La Vega Cigars – IL Cane delivered an engaging and evolving journey that begins with lively pepper and cedar, transitions into a sweet, nutmeg-tinged core, and crescendos with bright citrus and fruit nuances. The first two-thirds are remarkably balanced and flavorful, offering complexity without harshness.
Construction is solid throughout — the burn remains steady, the draw open, and the ash formation impressive.
The final did transition to sharper finish as opposed the rounded finish experienced in the first two thirds and it did burn a tad hot on the palate in the final. The interplay of spice, fruit, cedar, and natural sweetness keeps the palate entertained from start to near-finish. I would say grab a fiver of these and support a great cause.
Point Deductions: (-1) Sharp Finish in the final; (-2) Burns a tad hot in final
Bonus Points: (+1) Long Ash; (+1) Excellent burn
