Today I take a look at the second in the three-part series from LaVega Cigars. This time it is the LaVega Cigars “IL Secondo” which means “the second”.
For this blend, Aaron Paoletta, Owner of LaVega Cigar Co., went with a milder blend described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder – Dominican Olor
- Filler – Piloto Cubana, Dominican, Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Broadleaf
They are expressed in 2 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count bundles. It should be noted that the company offers retailers a space saving tray to display all three blends.
- Robusto (5 x 52) – MSRP $9.50
- Toro (6 x 50) – MSRP $11.99
All LaVega cigars are hand crafted at Tabacalera Las Lavas in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
For this review, I sampled three of the LaVega Cigars IL Secondo Robustos, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The LaVega Cigars IL Secondo is draped in a medium brown wrapper with more of a matte than oily finish. There are some noticeable veins but nothing that would be an issue. The packing feels just right with a slight give along the barrel. A simple cap finishes the construction.
A single band adorns the cigar. It is essentially the same as the IL Primo except the color combination is dark green and gold and the name “IL Secondo” is identified on the band. The band includes the same 6 gold tribute circles on the bottom.
Running the barrel along the nose, I am greeted with baking spice notes while the foot offers an enticing walnut aroma and muted earthy notes.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs. I found the draw resistance to be very much to my liking as it imparted notes of earth and spicy pepper.
Using my fan flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first hefty puffs of peppery smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- First introductory puffs hit the palate with a heavy peppery spice to start the journey
- There is a mild honey sweetness resting in the background
- White ash develops on a medium thick char line
- A shaving or two of citrus rind rounds out the early profile
- Sweet cocoa aroma notes waft off the foot
- The ash fell in a decent chunk. revealing a well-formed burn cone
- A slight off burn develops
- Dark chocolate notes intensify the profile near midway with consistent honey and citrus notes
- Moving deeper in the second third a vanilla cream nuance adds to the pleasure
- Spice notes enter and grow into the final
- Mild to Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The initial draws of the LaVega Cigars IL Secondo greet the palate with a robust burst of peppery spice, marking the beginning of an intriguing journey. Amidst the spice, a subtle undercurrent of honeyed sweetness lingers, adding depth to the flavor profile. Delicate hints of citrus peel weaves through the spice, balancing the intensity. Meanwhile, a tantalizing aroma of sweet cocoa emanates from the foot, teasing the senses. Approaching the midway point, dark chocolate notes deepen the complexity, complemented by the steadfast presence of honey and citrus. Venturing further into the second third, a subtle nuance of vanilla cream emerges, enhancing the sensory experience. With each puff, the spice intensifies, building into the final. Grab a fiver of these and enjoy them in the morning with a good cup of joe. I rate this one a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Touch-Up required
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasant and Consistent Flavor notes across multiple samples
