Cigar reviews:
I wonder how some folks smoke 3 cigars a day or more and handle the time? Figure a cigar will last you conservatively about an hour. The math is easy , 3 hours a day which in my book is a great deal of time. Would like to hear from my followers what time of day they smoke and how many hours a day they smoke.
From the pages of Cigar Coop.
At the end of 2015, Villiger North America, the U.S. operation of global tobacco giant Villiger Sons Limited, reached a crossroad. For several years, Villiger North America had been tasked to make an impact in the premium handmade cigar market. The effort was proving not to be profitable and was disconnected with its customers. Villiger had to decide whether to shut down the U.S. operation or make some changes. The tobacco giant opted for the latter and decided to restructure. Early in 2016, Rene Castaneda, a longtime industry veteran, was named the new President of Villiger North America. Castaneda’s job would be to execute on the new strategy and access Villiger’s position in the U.S. market. Castaneda spent over a year meeting and reconnecting with retailers and consumers. In 2017, the next phase of his plan was put in place as he spearheaded the resurrection of an old Villiger brand called La Flor de Ynclan. This proved to be a huge success for Villiger and it was capped off with earning Cigar Aficionado’s #10 Cigar of the Year rating. Riding a wave of momentum, Villiger kicked off 2018 by releasing another line called La Vencedora. La Vencedora would be a very different cigar than Villiger had released before. Today, we take a closer look at the Villiger La Vencedora in the Churchill size.
The name La Vencedora translates to “The Victor” and it paid homage to the highly successful year Villiger Cigars North America had in 2017. As mentioned, La Vencedora was a different cigar than Villiger had released before in that this line was positioned as a full-bodied smoke. It would not only fill a gap Villiger had in the portfolio, but it would allow the company to address a segment of the market it had not before.
My review of the Villiger La Vencendor is as always not influenced on how and where I receive the cigar but I did get this cigar gratis from Villiger for review. Read my thoughts and make your own decision.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Villiger/La Vencedor
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6 x 50
Wrapper: Cuban seed Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Shape: Toro
Price: MSRP: 9.50 single
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 5/13/2017
Appearance/Construction: An attractive medium, dark wrapper with a slightly oily feel. Several large veins prominent but not a problem with the overall look. The band was well designed which accentuated the look of the cigar. Felt solid in its construction.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: Initially the cigar provided a rich chocolate and pistachio combination. I felt like eating it instead of smoking it.
The first third was a smooth medium profile with chocolate, orange and a nutty taste. Got a hint of German marzipan too.
The second third was creamy combo of vanilla bean , cinnamon and the cigar remained steady with the first third flavor still evident.
We finished with a new taste of licorice and some mild pepper. The cigar was a great complex stick of fun.
Smoking Characteristics: Even burn with a solid ash of dark grey. No construction issues or re lights.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: The cigar was very positive in every description. Villiger has made a top flight cigar with an impressive production for the premium market.
Distribution might be uneven , for example I was informed local B and M’s in California do not carry Villiger cigars. Your best bet would go to your on line source and order through the many stores who sell Villiger. Hopefully they will soon expand the local dealers near you .
Final Thoughts and numbers: The Villiger La Vencedor is on my favorite list of 2018. Make haste and get your hands on them.
Appearance/Construction: 4 out 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4.3 out 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 4.2 out of 5
Get a five pack or more, you will thank me and invite me to your smoke fest.
Keep smoking