After a very long hiatus, HVC’s La Rosa 520 returned for a 10 Year Anniversary release! The La Rosa 520 10thAnniversary was crafted in two sizes at Reinier Lorenzo’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, and our Blind Review Panel experienced the Magnificos in a figurado shape.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 92
Binder: Nicaraguan Jalapa
Filler: Nicaraguan Ometepe, Esteli, and Jalapa
Vitola: 6 ½ x 52
Strength: Medium+
Purchase Link: HVC La Rosa 520 10th Anniversary
LA ROSA 520 10TH ANNIVERSARY – DOM
Summary: This cigar starts with cedar and white pepper galore. As much as I love homemade biscuits and gravy, I’ve come to realize that I prefer black pepper to white in a cigar. A pipe tobacco note (I couldn’t tell you if it’s Virginian or English) balances the white spice.
Halfway down, flavors remain consistent except for a weird but welcome Red Vines note. This was a fine cigar, just not for my palate preferences.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Ancient ruins
Pairing Suggestion: Hard cider
Perceived Strength: Medium+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
LA ROSA 520 10TH ANNIVERSARY – RICH
Summary: This cigar brought notes of cereal grain, cedar, walnut, espresso, cream, ginger, and an earth note that dominated the profile after the first inch or so.
Construction was good; no issues throughout.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Earthy nuts
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon
Perceived Strength: Medium+
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
LA ROSA 520 10TH ANNIVERSARY – BEN
Summary: Have you ever smoked tobacco that tastes like it was pulled from the ground? Super earthy. Super smoky. The beginning tastes like what burnt tires smell like. I find myself holding my breath while pulling and releasing; obviously hindering tasting it. No bueno!
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Eating bugs
Pairing Suggestion: A strong lemonade
Perceived Strength: Medium
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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