PCA Magazine 2022 Show Issue

PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG VOLUME 2 2022 | PCA The Magazine 25 T H E B L E N D third, the delicate flavors of tea, toast and cedar wood are prevalent enough to detect. And the peppery qualities continue to cause the upper palate and nasal passages to tingle. I’m able to pick up the sweeter qualities of the Jalapa leaf as they contrast with the heartier assertiveness of the Estelí. Throughout the smoke the char line remained sharp, while at times somewhat wavy. A light to medium gray ash built up in one-inch segments, and while the ash appeared somewhat flakey, it always held on well, never dropping unexpectedly. In fact, it took a good firm tap to knock the ash off into the ashtray. These features, plus an increasingly free draw, made smoking and enjoying the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario effortless. The experience was capped off by a delightful aroma, noticeable even while smoking outside, and the sheer attractiveness of the cigar’s wrapper leaf, uniform construction and soft box-pressing. In sum, it was a delight to behold as well as to smoke. I am admittedly not much of an imbiber of alcohol, and I typically smoke cigars for review in the morning or early afternoon, so a pairing with spirits or beer is usually not an option. As usual, I enjoyed this cigar with a dark French roast coffee, which for me perfectly prepares the palate for the variety of taste sensations emanating from the medley of such choice tobaccos. If the occasion were to present itself, I would match the Aniversario to a bourbon such as Buffalo Trace, which has the flavors of caramel and spice without too much heat. Another good choice for me would be a yeasty, hoppy IPA. In the end, what I found enjoyable about the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Robusto was a combination of an appealing appearance, a fragrant aroma and a nuanced complexity of flavors, matched with an ample amount of strength. The ever-present pepper spice never ceased to caress the palate with a tingling sensation which induced a few hearty sneezes! Terence Reilly describes this blend as medium to medium-plus, and I would certainly agree, while leaning toward the plus end of the strength spectrum. I found it to be satisfying for one who enjoys full-bodied cigars, yet approachable for someone looking to move up in body and strength from the lighter offerings. For more information about the Aniversario, or any of the other Aganorsa Leaf cigars, visit aganorsaleaf.com .