Vegas Robaina Familiar (07)

[El Presidente]

Fired up a Vegas Robaina Familiar (07) yesterday afternoon and again this morning. Visually excellent with the aroma at cold holding that sweet scent of cocoa blended with lovely toasted tobacco. I searched 8-10 cigars from the box to get a gauge on construction and here again has been the kryptonite of VR Familiar. 40% perfect/ 40% on the tighter side of perfect and the rest I have severe doubts upon.

My first (draw perfect) was medium building throughout to medium full. A cross between a Montecristo and a Sancho Panza profile. Some sweet cocoa notes, toasted tobacco and an edge of saltiness. The smoke was plentiful and quite viscous. little spice through the nose but all in all very satisfying. The second had a tighter draw but manageable. Sweeter in profile but with the same distant salty edge. Started medium full and went to full body quite quickly. Still little spice through the nose. Smoke was less forthcoming due to the draw. Still enjoyable but it struck me that a little more care would have made for a significantly better experience. Overall I find the VRF has gone backwards since around 03/04 losing much of its quality. Whan you get a great box they are crackers but again if you strike a box such as this it can be frustrating.

Your thoughts on the VR Familiar of the last few years?

[Ellery]

I have a box from 08. Same flavor profile as you mentioned, but not getting the sweeter profile in the second half. And as you mentioned draw was a problem. If I remember correctly, I think I had to stop one of them short because of the headache I was getting. Overall, pretty satisfied with the box I have.

[mkz]

Since I recently fell in love with the Famosos, I decided to take a shot at the Familiar.

Only smoked one from the 08 box: It didnt impress me much, but was showing a lot of potential. Dark chokolate and lots of saltiness. After smoking I decided to not touch the box again until next summer...

[tandblov]

I prefer the corona size, but in the case of the familiar, I haven't been impressed. I prefer the famosos.

[tandblov]

I prefer the corona size, but in the case of the familiar, I haven't been impressed. I prefer the famosos.

[mm12]

I have a box of 03's in my rotation currently, and they are excellent. I'm probably about halfway through the box and I haven't experienced a single bad draw. The flavor profile is honey, toasted tobacco, and just a hint of spice.