Vega Fina 1998 VF2 52 and Robusto

July 13th, 2023: This is a rather dark robusto 5.3 x 52. Medium bodied, not too complex, a bit woody and earthy with a bit of strength at the end. This box of ten had been sitting for more than a month in my humidor before I ventured in.

An elegant double band

Appearance and Construction:

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Indonesia Java

Filler: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

One would expect quite a bit of complexity with such a mix of tobacco, however, the first one I tried didn't quite deliver.

First Puff: dry and a bit bitter. It took until the second centimetre for flavour to smoothen.

Draw and Burn: Draw was difficult through the first half but burn was good.

Flavour and Complexity: Flavour was a bit dry, dull and woody with vegetal flavours throughout. There were a few transitions. The second third was quite smooth. The final third was spicy and the cigar ended with a bit of pepper.

Body: Medium throughout

Strength: A little strength towards the end, but not unpleasant.

Finish and Aftertaste: a rather dry, sometimes bitter aftertaste.

Aroma: Aroma was fleeting and mellow, nothing rich or complex.

Ash: Ash held on for about 10 to 15 minutes. 

Balance and Consistency: In its way, the cigar was balanced but rather monodimensional.

Time smoke: 70 minutes

Overall: A rather monodimensional cigar with a woody, vegetal overtone. Pleasant at best. 

September 4th: This one had a very pleasant floral prelight aroma. Flavour was much improved from the previous cigar, but burn was a bit fast. Quite satisfying. 

November 1st, 2023: Bad construction inhibited draw and diminished flavour. Not satisfying.

November 3rd, 2023: I bought a box of 10 of the 5x50 robusto at Barcelona airport in the hope that the robusto might be better than the double robusto. It was. No issue with construction. This was a far superior example of the blend, adding evidence to the claim that robusto is a more reliable vitola. I need to try a few more before coming to conclusions, but this one was very satisfying and lasted around 90 minutes.

Smaller vitola (5x50) but much better performance

November 16th: Robusto. Quite tasty. The first third was cool and delicious, with quite a bit of complexity, but the final third was too hot and difficult to get a good draw. Not bad for a five euro cigar, but a bit frustrating. 75 minutes, but the last 20 minutes were difficult to draw.

January 4th, 2024: Robusto: Delicious, heavy in the hand but easy draw. No heat problem. Delicious medium to full body with rich aroma. 75 minutes and very satisyfing. 

February 26th: 52: a bit light on body, sometimes smooth and creamy, but less than 1 hour. Burn is too fast. Construction is too light. A bit of strength, but complexity lacking. Pleasant at best.

 
April 15th, 2024: Robusto: 50 Very fine, complex, sweet, easy draw, medium body, excellent aroma. Very satisyfing at around 70 minutes.

The 50 is way superior to the 52