Got my La Aurora Barrel Aged Sticks today

[jim@mindofmen.com]

Yep, Holts has them.

They are pretty good. $8 a stick if you buy them by the box.

The thing that cracks me up is the marketing speak on the package. Basically, they say that what barrels do for liquor, they can do for these cigars as they are aged in old rum barrels.

Okay, the way barrels affect liquor is that the liquor is drawn into the wood and expelled each season as the barrel heats and cools. This gives liquor its nice brown color as well as adds the flavor of wood. Last time I checked, tobacco does not get drawn into and expelled from wood...

It is still nice copy though and the cigars are definitely a treat. Holts now has a four pack sampler, so you can get in for about $27. Definitely worth a try. Nice flavor - medium to full smoke.

[Deuce Da Masta]

I was gifted one but havent had the chance to try it. Looks to be a nice smoke. A little tacky looking label IMHO, but the cigar makes up for it.

[jim@mindofmen.com]

It is a great smoke - definitely worth trying.

[Phantom57-cl]

Originally Posted by jim@mindofmen.com

Yep, Holts has them.

They are pretty good. $8 a stick if you buy them by the box.

The thing that cracks me up is the marketing speak on the package. Basically, they say that what barrels do for liquor, they can do for these cigars as they are aged in old rum barrels.

Okay, the way barrels affect liquor is that the liquor is drawn into the wood and expelled each season as the barrel heats and cools. This gives liquor its nice brown color as well as adds the flavor of wood. Last time I checked, tobacco does not get drawn into and expelled from wood...

It is still nice copy though and the cigars are definitely a treat. Holts now has a four pack sampler, so you can get in for about $27. Definitely worth a try. Nice flavor - medium to full smoke.

I find this a disturbing trend in the cigar industry, ie, using flavoring agents. AF is another one that admits they do it. The tobacco industry outside of cigars has been using rum and licorice flavors on their tobacco for centuries to add a tang, but mellow the tobacco with little transferred taste.

[Itsme-Speedy-G]

i will wait for the the second release of the cigars. I have a dry erase board with cigars to try and that cigar is at the top

[jim@mindofmen.com]

Originally Posted by Phantom57

I find this a disturbing trend in the cigar industry, ie, using flavoring agents. AF is another one that admits they do it. The tobacco industry outside of cigars has been using rum and licorice flavors on their tobacco for centuries to add a tang, but mellow the tobacco with little transferred taste.

To be clear - they are not adding any flavoring agents per se - the cigars are just taking on a different set of aromas than they would if they were using a cedar aging box. You really don't pick up the flavor of rum or anything here.

Nothing like an Acid.

[jim@mindofmen.com]

Originally Posted by Itsme-Speedy-G

i will wait for the the second release of the cigars. I have a dry erase board with cigars to try and that cigar is at the top

From what the La Aurora rep said, I don't think the cigars will be different between releases - just the box. He mentioned they had some problems with the box which is the reason for the slow roll out. My box was fine. No problems here.

[ytford]

these are on my wishlist. now I know where to score some thanks.

[Hemingway]

Ooh, I'm def. going to look into getting one. I really like the Preferido (sp?) Emerald, so I may liek this too.

[CGAR Girl-cl]

Guys, the barrels are not to impart any rum flavors... they create an excellent enviorment ideal for aging. In this months new Cigar Insider the belicoso got 91 and the corona got 89, the robo and c-hill got high 80's as well!!!. We use the barrells to age tobacco for other lines we have. The taste is awesome...that rich aroma, thick smoke --- great now I need to smoke one.

[canney]

These caught my eye a while back, they sound very interesting and on your recommendation I will order me a sample pack. Jim if there no good 'watch yer back'


so close and all is quiet
when will canney pull the trigger?

[jim@mindofmen.com]

you can always send any unsmoked ones to me.

One thing that is interesting is that the article CG cited gave the Belicoso the highest rating. I think this is the most expensive vitola in the line.

I have a box of Belicoso La Aurora Cien Anos and while they are good, I have to admit that I preferred the Churchill which is why I went with that size for my barrel aged smokes.

to each their own I guess...

[jim@mindofmen.com]

Originally Posted by CGAR Girl

Guys, the barrels are not to impart any rum flavors... they create an excellent enviorment ideal for aging. In this months new Cigar Insider the belicoso got 91 and the corona got 89, the robo and c-hill got high 80's as well!!!. We use the barrells to age tobacco for other lines we have. The taste is awesome...that rich aroma, thick smoke --- great now I need to smoke one.

Hey CG- yes, I know that. I was just commenting that depending on how you read the marketing-speak on the box, that was just one of several conclusions you could draw...

[CGAR Girl-cl]

I was just showing my smarts and cigar skills I knew you knew... just doing my job as the ever dependable Miami CIgar Rep around here. LOL

[chinomalo]

Originally Posted by CGAR Girl

I was just showing my smarts and cigar skills I knew you knew... just doing my job as the ever dependable Miami CIgar Rep around here. LOL

She just was playing her part as a 'grill'.. Always wanting to have the last word.. LOL!! Right grill?