Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
full-bodied
Balance
good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- abundant
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The Viva la Vida Robusto by A.J. Fernandez stands out with its impeccable finish and a brilliant dark brown wrapper, affirming its quality and elegance. To the touch, the wrapper exhibits a smooth texture, while the subtle veins add to its character. This cigar, measuring 127 mm in length with a diameter of 21.4 mm, feels promising in the hand.
From the very first olfactory contact, you will be captivated by the spicy pre-light aromas. Upon lighting, an explosion of pepper and earth manifests, signaling a strong personality. Quickly, notes of cedar emerge, giving way to a whirlwind of intensity that intensifies throughout the tasting, promising a rich aromatic complexity.
On the palate, the progression is marked by an evolution of flavors. The first third reveals a spicy strength with a subtle sweetness that begins to develop. As it progresses, the taste diversifies with accents of chocolate and coffee, offering a pleasant harmony. As the cigar moves towards the final third, a presence of earth and coffee strengthens, bringing forth a richness that gradually unveils itself while maintaining a savory balance.
The finish of the Viva la Vida Robusto concludes with a lingering sensation in the mouth, where the sweet bitterness harmonizes with a rich depth. This cigar presents a balance between strength and lightness, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a refined experience.
Ideal to savor at the end of the day, after a hearty meal to fully appreciate its powerful aromas. A glass of peaty whisky or a sumptuous espresso will wonderfully accompany the full-bodied notes of this cigar, making each tasting moment truly unique.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar offers a rich and complex experience. With notes of pepper, earth, and cedar wood, it captivates with its roundness and structure. However, some find it slightly dry towards the end. Those who venture into it often emerge satisfied with the diversity of flavors presented.
How to taste: A.J. Fernandez Viva la Vida Robusto
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1.The Visual Examination
The A.J. Fernandez Viva la Vida Robusto presents itself with a rich brown and slightly textured wrapper, indicative of excellent construction. With its dimensions of 127.0 mm in length and a ring gauge of 54, this straight format conveys a sense of robustness in hand.
This initial visual impression provides insight into the quality of the tobacco and its manufacturing process — good construction generally foreshadows a pleasant and flawless smoking experience.
2.Pre-Light Aromas
Before lighting, the pre-light aromas reveal powerful notes of pepper, cedar, and damp earth, enriched by hints of coffee, chocolate, and cinnamon. These rich scents testify to the aromatic complexity of the blend.
This step allows one to grasp the raw nature of the tobacco — the perceived aromas prepare the palate for the forthcoming tasting experience and help adjust focus during the tasting.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut is made just below the cap of the cigar, and it should be clean to ensure an optimal draw. A well-constructed cigar allows for a precise cut without tearing the wrapper.
A well-executed cut is essential for a consistent draw — a poor cut can lead to combustion difficulties and detract from the tasting experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the A.J. Fernandez Viva la Vida Robusto is easy, offering a sensation of fluidity. This indicates that the cigar is well-constructed and that the filler is free of defects.
This preliminary step reveals any potential manufacturing issues — an easy draw is a sign of good preparation, setting the stage for a smooth tasting.
5.Lighting
At the moment of lighting, the foot of the cigar should be evenly toasted. Paying particular attention at this stage will ensure an even burn, allowing the aromas to fully express themselves.
A careful lighting avoids the inconveniences of an asymmetrical burn, which could detract from the sensory experience and require adjustments during the tasting.
6.First Third
In this first third, the strength of the cigar is immediately felt, with dominant aromas of pepper, cedar, and damp earth. The volume of smoke is abundant, enriching the sensory experience.
This initial strength often reveals the richness of the blend — smoking slowly allows one to savor these intensities without rushing.
7.Second Third
As the smoke thickens, secondary aromas of coffee, chocolate, and cinnamon are added to the aromatic palette. The balance of the cigar reveals itself to be good, offering increasing complexity.
This step allows one to appreciate the evolution of the blend — the presence of secondary aromas enriches the experience and highlights the craftsmanship behind the creation of this cigar.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the gray ashes testify to a homogeneous burn. The finish is characterized by a delicate persistence, marked by a slight bitterness and a residual sweetness.
The color and consistency of the ashes, along with the finish, provide clues about the quality of the tobaccos used — a harmonious and persistent finish underscores the finesse of the blend.