Artesano Del Tobacco recently introduced a milder offering in their growing portfolio of cigars. The Viva La Vida Connecticut is a break from their previous bold and full-bodied blends that been well received by the cigar community.
Th company noted in a press release:
“Several years ago, we engaged with our loyal customers to discover what they wanted next from our portfolio. A significant number of requests pointed towards a Viva La Vida with a Connecticut wrapper.”
As a smaller brand, it is expressed in only two sizes, each packaged in 10-count boxes:
- Robusto (5 x 54) – MSRP $14.50
- Toro (6 x 54) – MSRP $15.00
The new Connecticut blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Connecticut-seed
- Binder – Nicaragua
- Filler – Nicaragua
For this review I sampled 3 of the Cigar Review: Viva La Vida Connecticut Viva La Vida Connecticut Robustos which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Viva La Vida Connecticut is draped in a golden tan wrapper that exhibits a mild oily glistening. I found the bunch and roll to be quite acceptable with just a slight give near the foot. There are a few noticeable veins running along the barrel. A double cap completes the construction.
The cigar is adorned with two bands that use a black, gold, and white motif that is a departure from the earlier red backgrounds of the band. The primary band prominently features the Viva La Vida logo. A secondary band is placed just below the primary and declares this as the Connecticut.
Running the cigar along the nose I picked up a rich barnyard note along the barrel while the foot exuded notes of pungent earth with a hint of vanilla cream.
Once I sliced the cap, straight across the shoulder of the cigar, I gave it some cold draw puffs that offered a hint of white pepper and touch of salt.
Using a lit cedar spill, I warmed the foot gently with the soft flame bringing it to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of white pepper notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial white pepper notes start the journey
- The smoke is thick and chewy, filling the palate, right off the first puffs
- A light grey ash rests on a medium thick char line
- Mild fruit notes enter after a 1/2 inch of solid burn
- The draw is smooth through every puff
- Ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Vanilla cream notes join the mix easing into the second third
- Each puff offers a very clean, naturally sweet finish
- Strength moves up to medium near midway
- Spice notes are pleasantly amplified at the start of final third, with an ever-present fruity nuance
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 minutes
Final Analysis
The Viva La Vida Connecticut Robusto experience begins with a burst of white pepper, setting the tone for a flavorful journey. From the first few puffs, the smoke is dense and chewy, coating the palate with richness. After about half an inch, delicate hints of fruit begin to emerge, adding a soft complexity. The draw remains consistently smooth, making each puff effortless. As the cigar transitions into the second third, creamy vanilla notes gently weave into the profile, complementing the evolving sweetness. Each draw finishes cleanly, with a naturally sweet, refined aftertaste. Around the midpoint, the strength subtly builds to a medium level, introducing a touch more body. Entering the final third, the spice returns with a more pronounced presence, enhanced by the cigar’s enduring fruity undertone. This is not your common Connecticut cigar, it is rich in flavor and holds true to the craft that Artesano Del Tobacco is known for in collaboration with A.J. Fernandez. Grab a box these and enjoy. I rate this a solid 96.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flat but centered burn cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pleasant and Consistent across multiple samples; (+1) Even burn throughout
