Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
good
Draw
slightly tight
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario, a celebration of the art of cigar-making, showcases a brilliant wrapper of lush maduro. Its Ecuadorian wrapper, smooth and slightly oily, immediately captures the eye, while its diameter of 20.6 mm (¾") evokes a neat and elegant presentation, promising a refined experience.
From the first contact, the cigar reveals a seductive aroma that is almost sweet, with notes of nuts and coffee, perfect for a moment of relaxation. Upon lighting, an explosion of aromas is felt, enriched by spicy nuances of pepper and a slightly mineral hint. This opening sets the tone for a rich and engaging olfactory exploration.
On the palate, the complexity deepens through the thirds. The first third is characterized by roasted coffee and a hint of wood, while the middle presents notes of pepper and earth, adding a particularly enjoyable savory dimension. The final third unveils robust aromas of cocoa and leather, offering a harmony between strength and sweetness, while a subtle bitterness creeps in at the finish.
The final sensation in the mouth translates to a pleasant persistence of earth and spices, with an erudite balance between strength and sweetness that defines this cigar. The smoking duration, around 100 minutes, proves satisfying for enthusiasts, despite some irregularities in the burn.
Ideal for an evening tasting, this cigar pairs perfectly with a peaty whisky or a black coffee, playing on the complementarity of aromas and the richness of the experience. Prepare to be transported by this work of art from VegaFina, marking a unique moment of celebration for cigar smokers.
Community impressions
Enthusiasts of this cigar highlight the undeniable quality of its craftsmanship and its rich pre-light aromas, with a complexity that sets it apart. While it presents an interesting balance between sweetness and strength, some critics have noted difficulties with the draw, which gives it a sometimes capricious character. Overall, this cigar remains appreciated for its originality and its potential for enjoyment.
How to taste: VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario
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1.The Visual Examination
The VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario presents itself in a light brown to golden hue, with a silky texture. Its construction, although mediocre, and its Salomón vitola with a length of 165.1 mm (6½") and a diameter of 52 mm (2") are important elements to consider.
A good visual observation allows for anticipating the quality of the burn and assessing the cigar's aromatic potential.
2.Pre-light Aromas
During the pre-light aromas assessment, notes of leather, coffee, nuts, damp earth, and pepper emerge, offering a glimpse into the rich aromas to come.
This preliminary step allows for evaluating the complexity and potential of the aromas before lighting, thus sharpening your focus during the tasting.
3.The Cut
A standard straight cut is essential for this cigar to ensure an even draw. Be sure to make a clean incision below the cap to avoid any tearing.
An adequate cut ensures good airflow, preventing a difficult draw and guaranteeing a pleasant smoking experience.
4.Cold Draw
During the cold draw, a slight resistance is felt, indicating a somewhat difficult draw. This could influence the burn during the tasting.
Testing the cold draw helps identify any manufacturing defects, which is crucial for adjusting your approach before lighting the cigar.
5.Lighting
Take the time to properly toast the foot of the cigar to ensure an even burn, which is crucial for a cigar of mediocre construction like this one.
A careful lighting helps avoid canoeing issues that can arise if the foot is neglected, ensuring a more enjoyable smoking experience.
6.First Third
In the first third, the strength is medium, and the dominant aromas of leather, coffee, and nuts manifest with a moderate volume of smoke.
This initial phase gives an idea of the intensity of the flavors to come, and a good smoking rhythm allows for better appreciation of the richness of the aromas.
7.Second Third
In the second part, secondary aromas such as chocolate, citrus, and mineral notes begin to reveal themselves, while maintaining a good balance.
This balance is essential for appreciating the growing complexity of the blend, signaling a harmonious aromatic evolution throughout the tasting.
8.The Finish
The gray ash indicates a correct burn, while the finish leaves a slight bitterness and saltiness, with a medium persistence.
Analyzing the finish allows for judging the quality of the tobaccos and the mastery of the drying process, essential elements for evaluating the overall tasting.