Vitola: Robusto- 5” x 50 ring gauge
- MSRP $8.50
- Samples provided by Miami Cigar & Company
Background
La Aurora lays claim to being the longest-operating Dominican cigar company, having a continued presence on the marketplace since 1903. Every cigar maker loves a good anniversary, so it was no surprise when they produced the 100 Años blend in 2003. A little more surprising was the celebration of the 107th anniversary in 2010. The La Aurora 107 has become such a popular nameplate, that the original blend (now called “107 Ecuador”) has been joined by no fewer than 3 additional 107 blends, a Maduro (now called “107 USA”), the limited release Cosecha blends, and now the Dominican brand’s first Nicaraguan puro…107 Nicaragua.
Their first-ever Nicaraguan puro, La Aurora pays tribute to the rich heritage of Nicaraguan tobacco while maintaining the traditions of Dominican cigar manufacturing that have driven La Aurora since 1903.
“This cigar takes you through a world of tastes and aromas all in unique harmony,” noted Manuel Inoa, La Aurora Master Blender. “Spicy and peppery notes, combined with those of creamy chocolate and coffee essences blended with hints of wood all in balance make this smoke a true delight. We are always looking to broaden our customers horizons through knowledge and experience, and this time we continue our mission with 107 Nicaragua. It’s a truly remarkable cigar.”
In cigar-speak, “puro” generally means all the tobacco comes from one country and that is the case here. Filler, binder, and wrapper are from Nicaragua, with the wrapper specified as a Nicaraguan Habano. They started out with 3 vitolas, although the website shows 5, so more are on the way if they haven’t shipped already.
Miami Cigar & Company distributes La Aurora cigars in the United States and they sent me samples of the 107 Nicaragua for review. This is my second time smoking this blend. If your local B&M doesn’t carry La Aurora, check out Small Batch Cigar, a Leaf Enthusiast sponsor.
Prelight
The boxes for the 107 line haven’t changed much over the past decade…they are still pretty much plain wood, although the 107 inside the box lid has been updated, at least for this release. The band is pretty much the same thing that’s been used most of the last decade, perhaps with some minor updates and streamlining. What looks initially like a single band is actually a primary band that has the La Aurora lion and “107” emblem on it, which overlaps a secondary band in dark brown and gold that just reads “Nicaragua.” Good looking, although a little hard to read in some light.
The wrapper was oily to the touch and a slightly darker than medium shade of brown…almost milk chocolate in color, but not quite. It had an aroma of fresh-cut wood with a back-note of wet earth. The foot was more earthy with a slight cocoa powder note.
Once clipped, the 107 Nicaragua had a very good draw and cold flavors of cocoa powder and coffee, overlaying earth and a touch of cedar.
Flavor
Upon lighting, I got a medium-bodied smoke filled with earth and cedar flavors from the 107 Nicaragua. Secondary flavors of semi-sweet chocolate and mild black pepper came through next, while the retrohale was fiery red pepper and wood notes. The first third burned through with wood notes coming through more prominently the longer it went.
As I got into the second third, I noted that cedary notes were still holding strong, while there was some unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of dark fruit sweetness in the mix. Pepper backed off on the palate and nose.
The last third of the 107 Nicaragua was earthy with some coffee bitterness and unsweetened cocoa powder.
Construction
I had a great draw, very even burn line, and solid ash throughout.
Value
I found this to be a good cigar at a very fair price, so I judged it to be good value.
Conclusions
La Aurora’s 107 Nicaragua was a good example of Nicaraguan tobacco and all the earthiness it can have, but I found it lacking in complexity and any kind of “wow” factor. Good, but just not outstanding in the category. Maybe 10 years ago when the 107 line was new, it would have been something more, but there are so many other cigars on the market now that showcase just how complex Nicaraguan leaf can be that this just kind of gets lost. I would still judge the original 4-country blend to be the best in this line.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 3.5/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 8.5/10
