Review of 1999 Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro

[Professor Twain]

1999 Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro

On a rainy Friday afternoon, I decided to take off work early, and head over to a cigar shop near the university to enjoy this cigar in a peaceful, cool, environment. It was a long week at work for me, too many long days without cigars, so I was ready to treat myself to a long relaxed smoke.

I opened a bottle of water, and prepared myself for the long journey ahead. I picked this cigar up in the recent box pass. I have smoked a few of these in the past, but never one with significant age. The Don Alejandro is a Prominente, 49 RG X 194. Since I have enjoyed aged VR Famosos so much, I was eager to try this cigar.

The cigar lit and drew nicely right from the start, and throughout. It started off with a smooth coffee/mocha taste, with a touch of milky cream. The first third of this cigar was incredibly smooth and tasty. The flavor was mild and light at first.

In the second third, the strength and body of this cigar kicked up a notch. The mocha/coffee taste continued, but became more full bodied. Some additional flavors began to emerge—earthy and nutty flavors, reminiscent of toasted almonds. I began to notice a strong tobacco taste, and the strength of this cigar became more noticeable. Although I was smoking slowly, I began to feel an impressive nicotine buzz, but without any harshness.

During the final third, this cigar came alive with a roaring intensity. Every puff grabbed my attention and slapped me in the face. I was glad that I had eaten a good lunch, because this cigar would have knocked me flat on an empty stomach. I greedily savored every bit of delight that this big cigar had to offer. I smoked it to the nub and when I finally pit it down, I was fully satisfied. This cigar gave me nearly two hours of enjoyment, and it took me on a full ride from mild sweetness at the beginning to bold, intense flavors near the end.

This is one of the best Prominentes I have had the pleasure to smoke. It was a real treat to get to enjoy this nicely aged cigar. I would rate it 5 smoke rings out of 6, but maybe it deserves even better.

Thanks to the Board member who sent this cigar my way. I have a box of these from 2000 that are stored away in my online cigar locker, and can’t wait to see if they are as fine as this.

[shrink]

Very nice, enticing review. Thanks, Professor!

I am reminded of the '97 VR Famoso I smoked last night. Smooth and unassuming at first, by the end of the first half it was really flexing its muscles. Oodles (isn't that a silly word?) and oodles of thick smoke, lots of warm ginger and cinnamon, with a spicy hot-sweet finish that had me thinking "Szechuan stir fry". By the last third, unabashedly full-bodied, and it almost had me sweating.

VR's become a completely different smoke when given some serious age, eh, Prof?

[greenpimp]

Very nice review. Sounded like an excellent cigar.

[Sir Diggamus]

Great review Professor!

Makes me want to find some of those babies!

[Moglman]

Very nice review, Prof. I have to say I've never had a bad one, though some are better than others, and my '99s are excellent as well.

[stever]

Thanks for the excellent review.

[anacostiakat]

Smoked an '04 last night! I can only imagine what a '99 is like!

Nice review!!

[servebig]

great review PT. There was a while back when I was trying to find an older box of VRDAs, but couldn't find a thing older than 2 years. Now I know why. Obviously these cigars improve with age, and the market had figured that out.

I have a very generous BOTL sending me an older VR that I am looking forward to!