PCA Magazine 2022 Show Issue

24 PCA The Magazine | VOLUME 2 2022 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG The Blend Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Robusto Manufacturer: Aganorsa Leaf Size: 5 X 54 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Shade Grown Filler and binder: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98 Release Date: MSRP: $12.99 Length of smoke: 1 hour 45 minutes Sample provided by Aganorsa Leaf hen I received the samples of the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario for this review, I had to make a judgment call. The samples consisted of the four sizes in the series. I decided to smoke each one before I selected the shape for the review (I know, tough job!), in order to determine the one that best represented the qualities I expected this cigar to exhibit. The 5 x 54 Robusto was the hands-down winner in this contest. Each vitola had its own features to recommend it, but the Robusto provided the perfect balance of wrapper to filler, allowing each element of the cigar to demonstrate what it contributed to the overall experience. The Aniversario is dressed up in a combination of band, sub-band and vellum sleeve, to the extent that it all covers three-fourths of the cigar. The color combination of white bands and vellum sleeve with silver lettering is simply elegant, reminiscent of a bridal gown, or possibly even a wedding cake. The redesigned band prominently features the new Aganorsa Leaf logo of an arm holding a sheaf of tobacco leaves. It amply demonstrates their motto of “Our Leaf Is Our Strength.” Even with all that camouflage, the wrapper leaf that is visible is enough to make the cigar visually alluring. It’s a rich, caramel-brown with a slight sheen. After the vellum is removed the Aniversario shows off a firm and evenly rolled cigar with fine veins and nearly imperceptible seams. The body of the Robusto is lightly box pressed, with rounded sides, offering the advantages of both the pressed and rounded formats. The cigar is crowned with a well-formed triple seam cap. The aroma from the wrapper is subtly fragrant, redolent of baking spices and pungent incense. The foot offers a deeper, earthier aroma. A standard ¼-inch punch cut reveals the slightest resistance, with a cold draw of earth and light spice. Using a triple torch lighter, I’m able to ignite the entire foot with a minimum of toasting, while savoring the flavors of sweet cream and a dash of pepper. The draw remains ever so slightly resistant, yet never enough to impede the flow of smoke. Ample amounts travel the length of the cigar, delivering a medley of stone fruit, sweet cream and black pepper, which most noticeably makes its presence known on the retrohale. The first third of the Robusto is an alternating blend of sweet cream and spices. In the second third a hint of black coffee or espresso enters the mix. The spiciness of the pepper begins to back off somewhat, while the stone fruit’s subtle sweetness becomes more noticeable. By the last T H E R E V I E W W CIGAR REVIEW BY LARRY WAGNER