Por Larranaga Picadores (P&PLRW)

[ayedfy]

Por Larranaga Picadores. Hermosos No.4 48x5”. Box code unknown, estimated >7y age.

First third: wood-centred and decent complexity at first. Dusty oak and a hint of pine resin. Loose draw. Simple peppercorn spice, some dry leather. Touches of creamy coffee sweetness opening up.

Middle third: the trademark PL caramel makes its appearance, quite luscious. Transforming into a bit of a fresher honey character. Midway through the sweetness fades, body drops to reveal a slight savoury character, almost meaty in nature - mild beef jerky.

Final third: occasional glimpses of the earlier sweetness but not picking up to where it was. Less complexity, muted flavours and minimal development, charred wood and only very gentle caramel. Re-emergence of the savoury jerky note down at the nub.

I believe I received this in a trade at least seven year ago, if not a little longer. I’ve read that they were a bit of a green struggle when young, so I was curious to see if age would turn it golden, as is the reputation among many PLs.

It had some good moments but also a lot of dull ones too, particularly after the halfway point. Smoked easy and had a rather pleasant aroma throughout. Suitable choice if you want something that won't have much focus, perhaps pairing alongside some more flavourful food or drink and you want the cigar to take a back seat. Nothing offensive, but nothing exciting enough for me to consider a box purchase.

78/100

[RDB]

Nice review, thanks. Whilst it’s hard to agree on specific flavours, I definitely get the sense of savoury & vegetal sweetness from your write up that I recognise in these.
 

I actually really like them as a change of pace cigar. Much closer to a D4 than any other PL though.

[BrightonCorgi]

The cigar you posted in the review looks really well constructed and ash is great too.

[Edicion]

Nice review and glad I haven't been missing out on these.