It is time for yet another couple of reviews today. Today's subjects are two cigars that provide plenty of flavor, yet disappoint a bit in the burn department. Kicking things off will be the La Aurora 100 Anos Robusto, and finishing the reviews will be the Carmelo Blue Robusto.

La Aurora 100 Anos Robusto

La Aurora released the 100 Anos line back in 2003. The line was released to celebrate 100 years of business for the manufacturer, which owns the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic. The 100 Anos is produced in very limited quantities, making it hard to find. Add to that the fact that its Belicoso vitola has received rave reviews, and you have the cigar's demand greatly outweighing its supply.

The La Aurora 100 Anos Robusto measures 5 x 50. A couple of other sizes are available from the limited line as well: the 5 1/4x 42 No. 4 and the 6 1/4x 52 Belicoso. There is also a 6.9 x 40 Lancero that was made by La Aurora, which they claim to give the most intense smoking experience of all the line's vitolas. The Lancero is quite hard to find at this time, however. The cigar is a Dominican puro. Its filler is a blend of Dominican Corojo and Piloto Cubano tobaccos and its binder is Dominican as well. Finishing off the cigar is a Dominican Corojo wrapper that has been aged for four years. The 100 Anos Robusto is a strong smoke considered to be full-bodied.

Most noticeable when looking at the 100 Anos Robusto is that its wrapper is very oily. It also has a rich, dark tint to it. The cigar has a relatively smooth appearance, with only a few veins running throughout its body. It also feels very firm to the touch. The band near the head adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the stick. A large lion, which is the La Aurora trademark sits in the middle of the band, and the company's name and 100 Anos is also visible. The aroma and taste of the cigar prior to lighting are very appetizing, as both are reminiscent of sweet chocolate.

The aroma of the cigar hurries me to light it, and it tends to disappoint once lit. The cigar seems to have a mind of its own, and burns unevenly. Many touch-ups are needed. It also tends to die on occasion, requiring re-lights. The draw is very good. The ash, while a nice light color, is on the flaky side.