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Anemoi Eurus From La Galera Cigars

La Galera Anemoi Eurus

The La Galera Anemoi derives its name from the greeks, it is their name for all of the gods of wind combined. Following this idea they have named four of the five vitolas after the directions of the wind and are distributing them to those regions only and the fifth size simply named Anemoi in regular distribution. Discussing their idea La Galera said this, “Each wind’s direction gave the Greeks an idea of whether to expect a good crop or to brace for a bad season. We considered paying our respects to these ubiquitous forces, appropriate. The Dominican Republic is no exception to the influence of these winds. We researched the Boreas, Notus, Eurus, and Zephyrus in the natural habitat of our tobacco.”

When looking the Eurus the first thought that comes to mind is rustic. This is a veiny, dark brown wrapper with loads of reddish brown mottling throughout and a slight oil gloss to it. When you pick it up it feels dense and solid, there is hardly any give to it when pressure is applied. When checking the from top to bottom no dead spots could be found. The smell reminds me of leather, cedar, wet earth and sweat dried fruit. The cold draw is firm and I notice the dried fruit flavor matching the scent and a bit of spice.

In the first half the taste is earthy and chocolate with some spice on the finish. The smoke production was more than satisfactory and the burn line held sharp.

Through the second half the earth and chocolate flavors begin to fall to the back and the spice moves forward the primary flavors never disappear however. This is the profile at which the cigar remained until finished. Smoke production continued to be ample and the burn line never wavered.

At no point did I want to put this cigar down. Regardless of the outward “ugly” appearance, the combined ingredients make this a great tasting cigar. Rich in flavor and smooth in smoke this cigar could be enjoyed any time of the day and by any pallet. While the different vitolas were sent to the different regions look for your areas “wind direction” in your B&M shops and when you see them grab some. Of course if you don’t see any make sure to let the shop know you’d like them to have them.

Wrapper – Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder – Dominican, Jacagua

Filler – Dominican, Criollo 98 & Piloto Cubano La Canela

Price: $9.00 – $11.00 a stick depending on vitola.

Website: Lagaleracigars.com

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 pints

 

Davidoff Escurio

 

Davidoff EscurioDavidoff Escurio was initially released at the 2015 ICPCR being their second cigar to don the black label band. Inspired by the intense atmosphere of Rio, Brazil they deserved the name by combining Escuro and Rio to end up with Escurio. “A cigar kissed by the rains and born by the Bay of Todos Los Santos in Brazil. The climate gives Escurio its distinctive sweet original taste and rich aroma. This blend is crafted with Cubra and Matafina tobaccos from the Bay of Todos os Santos in Brazil, along with tobacco from Dominican Republic and Ecuador. The climate gives Escurio cigars their original taste and rich aroma.” For this article I chose the Corona Gorda.

The cigar is a dark chocolate brown with noticeable veining and gleaming oily sheen. It feels full between the fingers but but slightly lumpy. The smell is floral and sweet with some cedar and a hint of caramel. The cap cuts fine with no damage to the construction. From the pre-light draw I pick up sweet flavors, a hint of spice and of course tobacco, the draw is a bit on the tough side it is workable.

The first half is decadent with its sweet and salty flavors and a touch of red pepper on the finish. It has excellent medium weighted smoke production and clean burn although it did require a touch up. The ash holds for about 1/4″ at a time until falling off.

Once reaching the second half the flavors become more earthy and espresso like with the saltiness still present on the roof of the mouth but the pepper backing off quite a bit. This flavor stays for the duration. The smoke production continues at the same pace and the burn after the touch up has remained even for the rest of the cigar.

In all the well balanced flavors of this cigar make it easily smoked by anyone. While the price point removes this from being an everyday smoke it’s something you’ll want to have around for special occasions or when you just feel like being a bit extravagant for the day. I would say it’s worth picking up a couple when you see them and have them on hand when you feel like having a fancy day for yourself.

Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano

Binder – Brazilian Cubra

Filler – Brazilian (Cubra and Mata Fina), Dominican (San Vicente, Piloto and Olor/Piloto Seco)

Price: Starting at $17.00 a stick.

Website: us.davidoffgeneva.com

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 pints

 

Lunatic Hysteria By Aganorsa

Lunatic Hysteria Aganorsa Aganorsa Hysteria is third cigar that Aganorsa Leaf (formerly known as Casa Fernandez) has created for Famous Smoke Shop, joining the Aganorsa Famous 80th and Siboney Reserve. Created to expand their Just For Retailers series and inspired by the Def Leopard song it is the one of the newest installments in the series. (OK maybe the Def Leopard thing inst true but it should be.) Incase you didn’t know the Just For Retailers series are cigars made exclusively for brick and mortar stores to help support them. So you might think, “Wait a minute, if these are to support B&M shops why does Famous have an exclusive blend for them when I buy cigars on line from them?” Well if you’ve never been there Famous has a large B&M along with a large restaurant attached at their warehouse in Easton PA and has been gracious enough to host several DR Meetups there. If you haven’t had the chance to go there I would recommend making the trip.

The wrapper is dark bronze in appearance with medium veining, nearly invisible seams and a closed foot. It feels firm to the touch with little yield when pressed between the fingers. The construction is solid and the cap cuts fine leaving no damage to the body. From the body I smell a lot of hay and cedar. The cold draw offers lots of licorice, tobacco and sweat tea flavors with a resistant pull.

As soon as it is lit the first few draws are loaded with pepper. Quickly the pepper drops to the backgrounded a more earthy flavor come to the front. The burn is even and the smoke production is plenty and light on the tongue. As I am a fast smoker I found the draw to be a little tight but after relaxing how hard I was trying to pull, it became easier to smoke.

When I reach the second half of the Lunatic Hysteria it becomes more full bodied and spicy. it is still earthy but with nuts with plenty of spice on the finish making it a real delight. Burning evenly through the entire session and loading the room with great smelling smoke I bring this one down to a nub.

Even though this is a JFR cigar the advantage of making an exclusive for Famous is that you have access to them even if you’re not in PA. With a full body and flavor its a great cigar that’s flavors make it enjoyable to anyone. Whether you’re in Easton or you have to hop on to their website at least pick up a fiver of these, you will not be disappointed.

Wrapper – Mexican San Andrés maduro

Binder – Nicaraguan

Filler – Nicaraguan

Price: From $26.00 for a five pack and $100 for a box of 20

(Available exclusively at Famous Smoke Shop.)

Website: Aganorsaleaf.com

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 pints