Vitola: Superiores- 5.625” x 46 ring gauge
- Price ~$7.49
- Purchased at Burns Tobacconist
Background
So far, to me Warped is a bit of an enigmatic cigar company. They sort of burst on the scene last year with La Colmena and El Oso, two very pricey cigars made in Miami at Titan de Bronze, along with a lower priced stick (Flor de Valle) that is made by Casa Fernandez in Nicaragua. While there was a lot of hype, I initially didn’t see the reason for it. I had one size each of the high priced cigars (La Colmena Amado No. 36 and El Oso Mama) that I thought were worth smoking again…and I didn’t think much of the other vitolas. I tried Flor de Valle once or twice and didn’t get it at all (to be fair, I will smoke it again in the next couple weeks, just to see if they have gotten any better since we got them at the shop).
So it was hard to say if I was looking forward to the newest release from Warped: La Hacienda. It would again be made at Casa Fernandez’s TABSA factory and would be a Nicaraguan puro, available in two vitolas. But I wasn’t keen on their previous collaboration with CF, so the fact that the price was destined to be in the “affordable” range didn’t make much difference to me until I smoked one. Turns out…”Yeah”…this is a pretty good cigar!
I bought this review sample at Burns, and I’ve smoked two or three of this blend before today. Let’s dive in.
Prelight
I already established that the cigar is “good.” You’ll have to read further to see if there is anything “bad.” But I can tell you the band is rather “ugly.” And for no really good reason. The design of the logo is nice. The band design based on it is somewhat beautiful when looked at as just “art.” But you put in the dark brown and beige coloration that almost disappear against the wrapper leaf in anything other than great, strong lighting, then add in that clashing turquoise lettering…it ain’t pretty. Second day in a row that I’m complaining about the band of a cigar? Yeah…so sue me! Like the one yesterday, I’ve had people complain that it’s hard to read and just doesn’t stand out in the humidor when they are looking specifically for it. You can disagree that the band is ugly, but it’s hard to argue too much that it just doesn’t stand out and people pass right by it.
On to more important issues…the wrapper leaf looks very much like Ecuadorian Habano with it’s dark gold hue and oily feel, but since this is supposed to be a Nicaraguan puro, I’m guessing it’s Habano grown in Nicaragua. It did have a rich, sweet hay and tobacco aroma to it, while the foot had more hay, a touch of earth, and a rich cedar note. I got more cedar notes on the prelight draw.
Flavor
When lit, La Hacienda gave immediate flavors of cedar and mild pepper spice right up front, with earthy and grassy notes coming up from behind. As the first third progressed, I got more cedar flavor than anything else, but it was a mellow woodiness that wasn’t harsh or biting. The other grassy and earthy elements of the flavor profile helped to balance it out well and the pepper spice receded fairly quickly.
As I burned through the second third, I noted that La Hacienda got sweeter along the way, with touches of molasses and dried fruit. The cedar notes diminished slightly and the pepper burn was a low burn at the back of my palate.
At the end I got just a pure experience of great aged tobacco with some natural sweetness and a touch of pepper.
I snagged this image from Cigar-Coop so you could see how nice the logo is in just “black and white”
Construction
I’ve had a very good experience with La Hacienda cigars: great draw, very straight burn line and solid ash.
Value
The price point on this stick is excellent and the flavor was very good, so I’d call it a great value.
Conclusions
La Hacienda is my favorite blend from Warped Cigars so far. It’s a very good smoking experience that doesn’t cost over $10, so I’d call it a double-win. This cigar was medium-plus in body and strength and very enjoyable. If your store carries them (and if you can find them in that store) give this one a try.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 1.5/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 8.5/10
Good review! I have to admit that the band can sometimes be a deciding factor in whether or not reach for a cigar. Like my local tobbaconist says it’s the “entire” experience that matters!
Sounds like a cigar that doesn’t bring too much complexity to the table. I would hope the profile it does have is able to carry it the length. Thanks for the review, on the edge about these not sure if I want to try these or not, and with all the releases coming out that would mean not trying it.
Sounds decent enough to try. Thanks for the review.
The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Corojo ’99, Aganorsa grown. I didn’t like El Oso at all, La Colmena was very good in the 44 vitola, Flor del Valle Las Brumas was my favorite of the 3 sizes which was very tasty, and the La Hacienda is much better of the three prior blends, I agree with you there. From the simplicity and elegance of the boxes down to the quality of the Aganorsa leaf used to roll this cigar (and the price) this cigar hits on all cylinders for me..I also love the corona gorda size. I personally really like the bands. My favorite Warped is a toss up between the Don Reynaldo and the new Sky Flower..the medio tiempo leaf adds a lot to the Flor del Valle blend. Great review…I have a feeling when my box is gone I’ll be grabbing another to age (I like how they date the box).
I got a recommendation from Keith to try the Las Brumas vitola as well, so I’ll try to remember to do that tomorrow when I’m at the shop. If we get the Sky Flower (I think we’re on the list) I’ll definitely give it a try as well.
Even though the Las Brumas is the same blend it stands alone…the best FdV, hands down, by a long shot. The Sky Flower might be Warped’ best blend, I know its right up my alley when it comes to flavor profile..its a must try. My box isn’t lasting and I can tell these are going to age wonderfully.
The band is just ”OK”. I have never heard of this cigar, I just got back to smoking about five years ago. If I see this cigar, I will try it.
Judging the badge or brand design if you will, is a good thing, Most of starters will look at it when choosing a cigar.
I’m not at all exited about a cedar flavor, it actually confuses me. Since it vanishes and comes some sweetness out of it, might give it a try if I manage to find it around.
The flavor profile sounds worth a shot and the price is affordable. I see more than a few of these in the future,
Time to go cigar shopping!
Nice review and sounds decent.
Will have to try it. Liked all the warped I smoked so far.