Trinidad LaTrova RAG JUN 18 (BGRW)

[GavLew79]

Maybe not as highbrow as some but I think of these as big guns. In stature, and in price at nigh on $30 a stick, but also in terms of flavour, construction and looks. The three I've had from this box prior have been STELLAR! Stunning. 

I'm smoking this on our last proper night of stay at home vacation, back to work Thurs, no drinking tomorrow. I won't lie, it's been a boozy, smoky haze of DIY and food that's not good for the heart. Out with a bang, then!

Pre-light draw is perfect. I light with a soft flame as to not risk charring anything too badly. Gently. How does she open? A bit teasingly actually. The others have been a face full of sweet cake right from the first puff. This only gives me a glimmer. I'm gonna have to be patient for the sweet nectar! Slightly dry and tannic, maybe accentuated by the Northern Italian Merlot I'm drinking. Coffee, cookies, cream, spice through the nose.

 

A solid start. Paired also with the excellent "Picard" on Prime. If you were ever a fan of the Next Generation then I'd watch it. 

Just as the cigar fills the hand and is weighty, the smoke mirrors in the mouth; thick and viscous with a perceptible heft. 

I'm pleased at this point that the sweetness is building. Right now it's like a slice of vanilla sponge, dipped in strong coffee and shoved between slices of sourdough toast! Add a little tannic spice, cinnamon maybe? Maybe I'll have that for lunch tomorrow! ?

We're now on a lovely organic Chilean Carmeñere, which goes ok, but I know exactly what this cigar needs...that sweet salty creamy hit of Old Pulteney!...

That's perfect! This cigar is a delight and the whisky manages to pull out a lemon note!

This sweet kaleidoscope of cakey, cookie, creamy coffee, toast, spice and lemon continues into the final third. I love every puff. Magical...

The final third builds the coffee note, now becoming more dark roast and also a leathery aspect starts to meld itself into the mix. Complex, well constructed, great taste and aroma. Good from start to near-end. I'm down to the bands as I post this and I know now, I'll pull them off and nub it as far as I can go.

 

But there's a slight, very slight niggle... it's just a tad shy of the previous 3. Not quite as sweet, not quite as mouthwatering. But bloody good. So good, regardless. A life-afirming cigar; 96-97/100. 

Is there anything in the recent catalogue that can beat these? I wish they were $20 each. I could justify becoming an avid collector of these at that rate. Only 6 left now and to be treasured. 

Cheers folks. 

Gav

 

[Goodfortune]

Nice review! These sound delightful, on my list to try

[Bagman]

12.50 CUC

[HarveyBoulevard]

43 minutes ago, Monterey said:

12.50 CUC

Plus airfare, lodging, food, time, etc... ?