La Aurora Leoninos Review

[JGIORD]

From the web:

A delicious Dominican beauty from the folks at La Aurora

La Aurora Leoninos is a special cigar made in the La Aurora factory of the Dominican Republic - the country's oldest and most respected cigar factory - and also marks the first premium cigar to utilize the elusive Dominican-grown Corojo wrapper. Leoninos in fact inspired La Aurora's ultra-expensive Corojo Preferido. The filler blend combines a generous portion of Piloto Cubano leaves, along with Dominican Corojo, Bahia and Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos. The result is a lively, medium to full-bodied and rich smoke loaded with spice, but smooth as silk to the nub.

In addition to 'Best Buy' honors, La Aurora Leoninos received a healthy '89' rating:

This golden corona has fine balance to its flavors. Vegetal notes combined with cedar, while the finish had hints of light spice. The draw and burn were perfect. Medium in body.

This was the Robusto (5x50)

This cigar is much darker in appearance than what is advertised in print. Dark natural wrapper with an attractive dark tan band showing a field and bearing the name Leoninos. The wrapper is a bit rustic with some prominent veining.

The roll feels uniform and firm and the cigar sports a well applied cap. The initial scent is loamy and earth. Prelight draw was straight light tobacco. It took some time to actually get this cigar lit. Right off the truck, it might be too wet.

The first few puffs produced a strong nicotine like flavor that I found extremely unpleasant (bear in mind I prefer med-full bodied and med-full strength cigars, my current favorite is the Don Pepin Blue Label). The first thing that came to mind was diesel fuel. This lasted for a couple of minutes and then subsided right when the cigar began tunneling.

After a touch up to fix the burn problem, The flavor was more woody, with the diesel taste subsiding. Smoke volume dropped off considerably.

The mid through last third had earth, cedar and a touch of spice. Perhaps after they dry out a bit they will improve. Follow up smokes..., the initial diesel fuel taste has dissappated. Overall this is still not as enjoyable as a Padilla Habano, or RP Edge. While better than my first sample, these just don’t appeal to me. They don't seem to be well balanced and I just don't care for the taste, but overall the burn has improved once they settled down.

These are definitely stronger than I thought they would be, considering they are from La Aurora. However, there are other smokes on the market that I prefer in terms of flavor, and balance.

I would only give it a 6 out of 10...just not my cup of tea.

[bazookajoe]

Thanks for the review - sorry it was a disappointing smoke. Maybe they need some humi time.

[EvanS]

These have become one of my favorite "common" smokes, and a pretty damn good bargain. Reasonable amount of spice/wood/leather and a nice medium body...all without being overly powerful.
As for the diesel taste - the first two I smoked nearly-off-the-truck were somewhat like this. They really came around with some humi time and a little drying.

[Stonato~]

I would agree with your 6 out of 10 (maybe 5). Now I'm a big fan of Aurora, and have been for over ten years, but this stick was a little disappointing. Would rather take one of their regular line sticks over this one. Or the 1495 for a bump in price. Thanks for the review! There aren't many.

[newcigarz]

Thanks for the review!

[Fistville]

I absolutely love the perfidio series, particularly the Connecticut shade ones. However, they are very expensive, and this cheap alternative sounds nice. It's amazing how terrible their craftsmanship is. Every aurora I've ever had has had deep veins or start to unravel. Their blends are so excellent though. It's a vicious dilemma!

[txmatt]

I love Leoninos and have never noticed any Diesel fuel flavor.

These cigars have dominant Dominican corojo flavor similar to 100 Anos.

I can only guess what is making yours soo unpleasant as either possibly too wet or very very young.

Taste is always subjective though, so perhaps the cigar just won't appeal to you.

[Buddha024]

Originally Posted by txmatt

I love Leoninos and have never noticed any Diesel fuel flavor.

These cigars have dominant Dominican corojo flavor similar to 100 Anos.

I can only guess what is making yours soo unpleasant as either possibly too wet or very very young.

Taste is always subjective though, so perhaps the cigar just won't appeal to you.

I would agree with txmatt. I have really enjoyed these cigarsx. I'm on my second bundle now. I do realize that this thread was last year, so maybe this year's batch was better.

[TOB9595]

Just another example of our different TASTE SENSATIONS.

Nice review.
I have some of these resting and will pull one out next week.
So I'll add to your review, with my thoughts.
Thank you
Tom

[AD720]

Out of this line I really like the Corojitos.

[kansashat]

I've noted an odd "out of balance" flavor when the cigars had recently been shipped. After a couple months in the humidor, they turn into a very nice, mellow, medium bodied cigar.

I am pretty sure this cigar is being discontinued, and can be found at a reasonable price right now.

[Mr. Ed]

Originally Posted by AD720

Out of this line I really like the Corojitos.

[billybarue]

I didn't have good luck with the box of belicosos I had. I liked the #4s and robustos just fine. My next purchase (if I get anymore) will be to try the corojitos.

But overall I prefer the "Independencia" (look over at famous) for my lower priced La Aurora flavor profile.

FWIW,

BillyBarue

[tzaddi]

Thanks for the review as well as the rest of you for your perspectives. I have wondered about these smokes every time I see them in the catalog or on CBID. I might venture to snag a few given the opportunity and allow them some humi-time.

[txmatt]

Originally Posted by kansashat

I've noted an odd "out of balance" flavor when the cigars had recently been shipped. After a couple months in the humidor, they turn into a very nice, mellow, medium bodied cigar.

I am pretty sure this cigar is being discontinued, and can be found at a reasonable price right now.

The 'hat is right on target with my tastes. I love the #4 after it has hung around in my humi for a year or so. To me it is a ghetto 100 Anos, (both milder and less refined but 1/8 the price). Like BB I think I might try the Corojitos soon, as of late I reach for shorter smokes most often.

Thanks all for the