Back in March, I had the opportunity to visit the factory that rolls the La Hoja Edición Crema and other blends in the La Hoja lineup. That factory for those that are not aware is Tabacalera DBL S.A. in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. I am sure you read our article on the DBL factory last month and know from that article what amazing cigars, Francisco and Martin Almonte produce under the DBL name, so today, I would like to talk about the La Hoja Edición Crema.
The Edición Crema is the latest introduction to the La Hoja portfolio and was introduced during the 2015 IPCPR in New Orleans. It is available in the same format as the Maduro and Clásica:
- No.1 (5 1/4 x 52)
- No.2 (5 1/2 x 54)
- No.6 (6 x 60)
- No.9 (5 3/4 x 56)
Today I am reporting on the Edición Crema No. 2 which is a Belicoso vitola wrapped in a gorgeous medium brown, slightly marbled, 3 year Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that provides the perfect capa for the Dominican Piloto Cubano and Nicaraguan ligero fillers in addition to a Dominican binder. Speaking to J. Carlos Gomez from La Hoja Cigar Co. 1962, the wrapper was cherry picked from the best crops for the Edición Crema.
It should be noted that the company which used to go by the name La Hoja de Flores had to re-brand itself to “La Hoja Cigar Co. 1962” last year. That hasn’t slowed down J. Carlos Gomez from producing fine, ultra premium, cigars like the Edición Crema.
La Hoja Edición Crema 1962
The band on the Edición Crema is a beautiful compliment to the cigar with its metallic foil and bright red La Hoja logo centered between the words “Edición” on top and “Crema” below. The bottom of the band proudly displays the new branding – La Hoja Cigar Co. 1962 – in gold on a white background. There is a gold footer band that finishes off the cigar. I’ll tell ya, it is hard to miss these on the shelf.
Running the Edición Crema across the nose I pick up a cinnamon raisin scent on the foot and a sweet tobacco along the barrel. I decided to slice the tip about a 1/4 inch down and on an angle. This style of cut is something I learned from one of my local cigar representatives here in town. I am not sure if it does much other than being a different cut. Some say it delivers the smoke better. Once cut, the cold draw puffs were rich in that cinnamon and raisin.
La Hoja Edición Crema 1962
Time to fire it up, after rolling it a round and savoring the pre-light flavor. The smoke is creamy as the name would imply, and it has an instant toasted nut flavor with a noticable baking spice background. The draw is not overly restricted even with the small opening and the foot is developing a pristine light grey ash.
Cedar enters the burn followed with fruit and cream. I am enjoying this cigar on a beautiful sunny blue sky morning here on the Stogie Press back deck overlooking the spring flowers, palm trees, and chirping birds. Even though it is morning, this can easily be a dessert cigar with the cedar providing a perfect backdrop for spice, fruit, and cream. It certainly would pair perfectly with a ruby port and easily with a creamy Café con leche.
The burn has been slow throughout, providing for a longer than expected smoking experience. So far it is a medium strength cigar as it moves into the second third with a more peppery spice and increased cedar. The ash has been solid up to this point with a perfect burn. Near the end of this stage I pick up a dry leather.
The final third reawakens the palate with a renewed dry fruit flavor and the strength which was increasing ends in the medium to full range before I have to let go. Total smoking time was over 90 minutes.
Overall the La Hoja Cigar Co. 1962 Edición Crema is a most delectable cigar offering excellent flavor transitions and burn qualities. The name “Crema”, is certainly apropos for the smoke density, as it was creamy throughout. As noted I would pair this with a ruby port to enhance the fruit or a Café con leche to enhance the cream. It is definitely a cigar I would smoke again and certainly one I would recommend to any cigar smoker from new to experienced. I would like to thank Tabacalera DBL S.A for the sample.
La Hoja Edición Crema 1962