Review: Por Larranaga Belicosos Extra

[Styler]

Por Larranaga Belicosos Extra

Size: 5.5 x 52

Box Code: EMA JUL 08

Duration: 1 hour approx

Paired with: A bottle of Hoegaarden

So, a while back I managed to get my hands on a stick each of the Por Larranaga 2007/2008 AP RE releases (the other being a robusto). I had the Robusto the day after my daughter was born, about 4 weeks ago and was blow away by it. I'm looking forward to seeing if it's bigger brother can manage the same feat. To give you an idea, the Robusto had great construction/burn and had peanut butter, cocoa and citrus flavours weaving in and out. It was one of the best cigars I've had since taking up this hobby. Anyway, back to the Belicosos Extra...

Prelight: The cigar feels great in the hand, no soft or hard spots detected. The wrapper is lighter than the robusto and a little on the dusty side, not revealing too much oil. A sniff up and down the stick brought barnyard scents with maybe a touch of honey thrown in. The prelight draw had just the perfect amount of resistance for me but revealed little more than slightly sweet tobacco.

Opening: The first few draws were straight into medium bodied. Strong woody flavours coating the mouth with a fair bit of spice through the nose.

1st third: The woody flavour falls back a little and is joined by hints of cream and caramel drifting in and out, a very smooth and refined smoke. This first third very much reminds me of a PLPC with a few years on it. There is no doubt at this stage that this is quality tobacco.

2nd third: The strength increases a little at this point and any sweetness from the caramel fades. A nutty flavour joins the cream and wood, I'm now getting a little spice in the mouth as well.

3rd third: This cigar is now quite full bodied, while I can feel an increase in nicotine levels it's not overpowering at all, just very relaxing. The cream goes and the nuts die down, we're in Boli/Party territory here with lots of wood and leather with a little earth. There is a very slight yet distinct sweetness on the very oily finish. I can only think of something like a dried apricot, it's nowhere near as sweet as it once was, it just as a remnant of it's former sweetness.

Thoughts: Another great cigar! The burn was sharp all the way through and the ash held for at least an inch at a time. This stick had no problems keeping my attention throughout it's duration and left me sad that I only had one, it's always great if a cigar leaves you wanting more! The first thing to surprise me was just how much the first third tasted like a PLPC. I had heard many criticisms of regional releases on the grounds that they tasted nothing like the marca they were supposed to represent but this certainly had Por Larranaga roots. With regards to ageing I think the BE could continue to improve, smoothing out it's strong back end, whereas I think the Robusto is good to go now. Only being able to afford one box right now I've just asked Lisa for a box of the Robusto, simply because it's flavours are a little more to my taste, I certainly wouldn't say no to any more of these though.

[Vortigan]

Great looking cigar,fantastic review! Thanks for posting.

[El Presidente]

Excellent Review

This cigar has a few years to go before really opening up. I go back to them regularly to see how they are progressing and quite a few are in a slumber period. I look forward to them in 3 years.