Por Larranaga Gran Robusto Paises Bajos REG Dic 17 (BGRW)

[Islandboy]

Fairly young and not all that rare, the reason this is a big gun for me is twofold: First, it has a December box date, and my birthday is in December, and for some reason I don’t completely understand the reasoning behind, this has meaning to me. Secondly, the first stick I had from this box absolutely blew my flip flops off. This is the third stick - my second was a bit of a letdown considering the stellar first - let’s see if we have a winner this evening.

The last few days here have been sticky kine...very humid, but thankfully there’s some relief tonight. Winds are light-to-none, perfect for bathing oneself in the aroma of a fine cigar. There’s a nice barnyard smell to the unlit stick that has me grinning. I’m pairing this with my usual gin and club soda.

Right away, this starts out more like the first cigar...prompting further grins. There’s a grassy, nutty core, with some honey sweetness, and a faint citrus twang. Nice! Draw is perfect, but smoke output is a bit thin leaving me wanting more of the fine aroma I’m experiencing.

As I enter the second third, the horizon suddenly becomes 50 shades of citrus, prompting me to think this is a REALLY complex cigar  

But seriously, there’s a nice subtle transition going on, a deepening of flavors. Grassiness remains, but is diminished. Nuttiness evolves into warm chestnut. The smoke takes on a buttery texture. A nice citrus twang remains. And caramel walks in the door. I’m digging this.

As I make the move into the final third, a warm breadiness takes control, with caramel, honey and citrus notes still present. A few touch ups are needed, but nothing serious. 

It’s here I pour a few fingers of Angel’s Envy, one of my favorite bourbons, and one that could be described using many of the same tasting notes as this cigar. A nice combo to bring it on home.

All in all, this was a great cigar, a 94 for me. I’m once again looking forward to the next time I pull this box from the humidor in search of a fine experience. After all, that’s what it’s all about.

Stay safe, stay home, and don’t be afraid to pull out the big guns! Looking forward to the reviews. Aloha gang.

[StogieSteve23]

@Islandboy aloha and thank you for nice pics! I've been thinking of visiting this stick and you sold me! 

[RichUK]

I had my first one of these yesterday and was really impressed. Great review.

[Goodfortune]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed!

[Chucko8]

Great review and pictures. Always enjoy taking in those views from your front deck with those sunsets.

[Markspring1978]

Gorgeous Brad. Nice review. 

[Chucko8]

The last time I had one of these I got caramel popcorn flavour in the last 3rd

[Islandboy]

22 minutes ago, Chucko8 said:

The last time I had one of these I got caramel popcorn flavour in the last 3rd

Yes. I posted the first one I smoked in daily smoke I think, and I mentioned tasting hot buttered popcorn...with caramel. ?

[FatPete]

Enjoyed the review,  thanks 

[Raskol]

Great review.. Beautiful pics.. Thanks! & Happy Easter.. Stay Safe Always!

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[JY0]

Great review. I agree 100% on the low smoke issue. I’ve gone through 3 boxes and found the same issue with every cigar. Some have been overfilled and some under filled. All seem to have this issue. Love the flavors... typical PL flavors for me. 

[Tstew75]

Glad to hear these are coming around. They were quite disappointing in their 1st couple of years of youth.

[RDB]

What a smoking room you have. Great review too, thanks.

It doesn’t sound from your review like these have much of the classic PL character - by which I’m thinking of the sweet woody PLPC / PLM flavours. Not that this is a problem, but would you agree?

[Islandboy]

2 hours ago, RDB said:

What a smoking room you have. Great review too, thanks.

It doesn’t sound from your review like these have much of the classic PL character - by which I’m thinking of the sweet woody PLPC / PLM flavours. Not that this is a problem, but would you agree?

Yeah, I’d say you’re right. The PC’s and especially the Montecarlos I’ve had have been downright sweet and fairly one dimensional, whereas this is far richer and complex in flavor. Things like caramel popcorn and rich butterscotch pop into mind when smoking these.