Monday, June 27 2011
Famous VSL Nicaragua Robusto
Size: 5" x 50
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Viso, Seco, Ligero
Binder: Habano
I had several cigars over the weekend. Among them were an Avo XO, a Padilla Miami, a Flor de Oliva, and this week's subject, a Famous VSL Nicaragua Robusto. It was one of those choices where I hadn't smoked one in quite a while, and I didn't want a very long cigar.
The Famous VSL Nicaragua Robusto in question had been in my humidor for approximately eight months and had aged-up nicely. The cigar was well-packed, clipped neatly, burned clean and smoked smoothly, revealing a firm grey ash and a pleasant aroma.
Pairing it with a Mike's Hard Lemonade, the smoke was quite creamy and somewhat woody at the start with some subtle herbal notes and sweetness in the mix. Though it's listed as "full-bodied," for me it was more of a medium-bodied, though very full-flavored smoke.
By its midpoint, the flavors began to caramelize even further. Darker tobacco flavors, less sweetness, and notes of coffee worked their way in, plus a very appealing, yet unidentifiable component.
The last third held up well in terms of flavor and balance, but turned slightly bitter in the last two inches. I held on as long as I could and let it go out with about one-and-a-half inches remaining.
All-in-all, a well-made cigar with a rich, dark Nicaraguan character, excellent balance, and plenty of thick, creamy smoke. I would rank the VSL Nicaragua Robusto as a good, relaxing, "end of the day" cigar.
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