Cigar review: Villiger LaVencedora robusto

 

Villiger Cigars have been around for about 300 years or so.  Hopefully you figured out this is an exaggeration. Actually they are celebrating their 130th anniversary in 2018. Primarily known for their premier machine-made cigars, the company is making a concerted effort to establish a premium line of handmade cigars too.  Villiger Cigars ” attained a top ten ranking in Cigar Aficionado top 25 cigars in 2017,” with their Villiger La Flor De Ynclan. Their other products have also scored high marks with cigar bloggers and publications. 

I received the Villiger  LaVencedora gratis  in three different shapes. I chose the robusto for this review as it is my favorite shape. As always how and where I receive the cigar does not influence my subjective view.  If what I say interests you, please purchase several and make your own opinion. I always like to hear from my readers their thoughts

 

Brand/Name of Cigar: Villiger/ LaVencedora

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Size: 5 x 50

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Shape: Robusto

Price: Received gratis for review, Single robusto, $9.00

Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 2/17/18

Appearance/Construction: Handsome looking cigar with a rich, dark brown wrapper.  semi- oily feel with a few hard spots. It has a very fresh, regal  look with a well designed cigar band.

Flavor/Taste and Aroma: Right away the cigar revealed a hit of stong pepper with a nice counter balance of cocoa and citrus. Nice start for the smoke. New blends sometimes take time to develop a distinct profile as flavor tweaks do occur down the road depending on many factors such as tobacco availability, weather and consumer confidence.

The second third cranked up the pepper and strength. This is a powerful smoke with a very strong presence. Puff slowly and evenly.

The final third continued to blast away with the pepper and spice. Be prepared and have food in your belly.  I am just letting you know. After an hour of smoking I thought the cigar faltered a tad. I would like to have tasted more citrus or mint in the blend.

Smoking Characteristics: Lots of smoke and lots of grey ash. Stayed lit throughout the smoke but the burn line was a bit uneven. Not a big deal for the construction held true.

 

Conclusion/Overall Impression: This is a heady smoke for the experienced cigar buff. Touted as full-bodied smoke, I agree 100%. La Vencedora  will make a very good entry for this market segment.

Final thoughts and the numbers: Previously I never really thought of Villiger Cigars as their products were not geared to the premium cigar smokers.My father owned a cigar/cigarette stand in NY City many years ago and I think he sold their machine-made smokes.

I am glad they are now directing their resources and efforts to make the  big show for the USA premium cigar dude. Lots of promise for them and lets hope they continue surprising cigar smokers like myself. Buy a sampler, pop them in your humidor for a couple of months and enjoy.

Appearance/Construction:  4 out of 5

Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3. 8 out of 5

Smoking Characteristics: 3.8 out of 5

 

Conclusion/Overall Impression: 3.9 out of 5

Keep smoking