Vegas Robaina Famosos (1997 O.R.)

[n2advnture]

History of Vegas Robaina

Vegas Robaina is the second of two new lines introduced by Habanos S.A. in the 90's.

This line was officially launched in Spain, in the spring of 1997 and was be made available to the world market in the fall of 97.

The brand features five, hand rolled sizes, classified as: Don Alejandro (Double Corona) Famosos (Robusto), Classicos (Lonsdale), Unicos (Piramide), and Familiares (Corona).

Vegas Robaina is named after Don Alejandro Robaina, who is famed for growing the finest wrapper in the Vuelta Abajo, (Pinar del Rio), region of Cuba for more than fifty years. The cigars are made from some of the best tobacco in Cuba, and feature wrapper grown on Sr. Robaina's farms. They are described as a medium-strong blend, characterized by an excellent aroma, wonderful presentation, and a fine burn.

Vegas Robaina Famosos (1997 original release)

Box code: JM-NISC

Factory JM = Jose Marti (Amistad 407, Havana) - H. Upmann

NISC = December 1997 (Original release)

Vitola: Hand Made Hermoso No. 4 (“Robusto”)

Gauge: 48 ring gauge

Length: 127 (5”)

Presentation: Dress box (25)

Wrapper: Very chocolatey, smooth with a slight oil sheen. A tad rustic looking but very well constructed.

Looking down the foot, the roll is extremely nicely bunched

Pre-light draw: Deliberate but not tight

Pre-light flavor: Sweet, deliberate draw with slight woodsy flavor

1st third:

It lit VERY easily. Started out very smooth, strongly aromatic smoke. The flavor was slightly woody & slightly earthy with a hint sweet caramel and leather and a touch of spice but not a lot of “twang” most likely due to its age.

The first third reminded me of an El Rey de Mundo Choix Supreme.

2nd third:

More spice developing with a good amount of coffee bean and cocoa started in. The smoke is dry and woody with a mild toasty tobacco flavor. Hints of leather continue.

During the 2nd-3rd transition, there began some hints of toasted almond and the cocoa took over the amount of coffee bean.

3rd third:

Much more cocoa and lots of smoke. Still has a bit on coffee bean. Tons of leather.

Complexity:

Not overly complex but a decent enough amount

Smoke description:

Smoke was dry with a slight creaminess

Smoke Time: 1 – 1 ½ hour smoke

Ash: long and tight (had to knock it off at about 3” because I didn’t want it in my lap) light grey with thin black ribbons

Strength: I’d classify this as definitely mild in strength would make a great breakfast smoke or after a light lunch.

Recommended drink(s): water, coffee or scotch – if you have to have a mixed drink I’d suggest something like a “White Russian” or “Toasted Almond”

Score: 9/10 (nothings perfect)

Happy smoking my friends

~Mark

[El Presidente]

Great review Mark

I remember very fondly the intial Vegas Robaina release and that is not to say that following years were not good. Yet, there was something very special about the first year Robaina's.

[shrink]

» Great review Mark

»

» I remember very fondly the intial Vegas Robaina release and that is not to

» say that following years were not good. Yet, there was something very

» special about the first year Robaina's.

'97's are the best Famosos I've ever had. Still have a few.

[Cubatabaco]

Great review, Mark!

There is nothing like a good VR. The taste is so distinct. I can only imagine what a 10yr old VR tastes like.....but you helped.

[habanablue]

Glad you still have time for the important stuff mate after that bundle of joy arrived!

take care!

[marco polo]

Thanks for the review :-)

[n2advnture]

» Glad you still have time for the important stuff mate after that bundle of

» joy arrived!

»

» take care!

LOL!

These were the two last cigars I smoked prior to the boys arrival :-D

I haven't had a smoke (or sleep) in 3 weeks now and it's killing me!

~Mark