Cigars.ie

12 Robustos of Xmas, Day 4: Vegas Robaina Famoso

The 12 Robustos of Xmas, Day 4:
Vegas Robaina Famoso

Vegas Robaina is one of Habanos SA newer brands. The Robaina family has been growing the finest Cuban wrapper leaves since the beginning of the 21st century and it was only in 1997 that the first Vegas Robaina cigars were introduced to the market. According to Don Alejandro Robaina, his cigars have the “old school” strong and refined flavours. The Famoso is a Hermoso No.4, measuring 127 x 48 ring gauge and is presented in dress boxes of 25 cigars. The cigar in my review seems seems relatively young and fresh (box code is unknown).

Appearance & Prelight 13/15

The famoso is a very well constructed cigar. It has a dry brown wrapper, with a fine texture and some very weak veins. A light green hue is present in some spots. It is well packed, feels solid around the head and the triple cap is rounded and very well applied. Strong aromas of almond and oak are present on the foot of the cigar. Prelight draw is excellent.

Flavour & Body 22/25

On the very first draw, the cigar gives you a distinctive punch of coffee and roasted chestnuts. Smoking through the first half, it gets more sweet, complex and balanced, producing the traditional smooth Robaina flavours; earth, wood and chocolate, followed by coffee and nuts. Medium in body and strength, it never gets too overpowering. As you smoke it further, the flavours become less intense, the body gets fuller and the cigar gets more toasty. It is very enjoyable until the middle of the last third, when it gets slightly hot and harsh.

Draw & Burn 23/25

The draw is great from the very beginning. In the first third, the smoke has a thin texture, but gets fuller as you go further down, leaving a long and sweet aftertaste. The cigar burns evenly and consistently all the way through. The ash is loose on the first third too and falls off quickly, but it is more solid in the second third and reaches more than an inch in length before it falls off, leaving a nice pyramid shaped coal on the cigar.

Overall impression 33/35

The Famoso is a very enjoyable cigar and I have found it to be very consistent. Like all the Robaina cigars, its construction is almost perfect, with the only exception being some green marks found on the wrapper of this cigar. Very enjoyable and smooth, with the body and flavours developing throughout without changing dramatically. The draw and is exceptional and the burn smooth and consistent all the way. Some age would definately be an advantage and could add some more depth and balance.

TOTAL 91/100