La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Viceroy

In 2014, Ashton Distributors, Inc. expanded its La Aroma de Cuba brand with a limited edition line called Noblesse.

Since then, the company has expanded the line with two new sizes—one in 2015 and 2016. While it’s limited, the original 6 1/2 x 52 size has now been released for three years, while the second size debuted in 2015 and 2016.

The Noblesse uses an Ecuadorian habano wrapper, Nicaraguan criollo and habano binders and fillers from Nicaragua.

• La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation (6 1/2 x 52) — $16 (Boxes of 24, $384)
• La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Regency (5 1/2 x 50) — $14 (Boxes of 24, $336)
• La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Viceroy (5 3/4 x 54) — $15 (Boxes of 24, $360)

• Cigar Reviewed: La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Viceroy
• Country of Origin: Nicaragu
• Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo & Habano
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Length: 5 3/4 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 54
• Vitola: Belicoso
• MSRP: $15 (Boxes of 24, $360)
• Release Date: 2016
• Number of Cigars Released: 3,000 Boxes of 24 Cigars (72,000 Total Cigars)
• Number of Cigars Smoked For Review: 3

The Viceroy features the soft belicoso tip that is synonymous with the other belicosos of this size from the My Father Cigars S.A. factory. Aroma off the wrapper is strong with lots of sharp cocoa and chili pepper that reminds me of a lot of Nicaraguan cigars circa eight years ago. Or at least the first sample, the second and third cigars are much milder with oak and graham cracker. The foot is similar to the wrapper, though that once again means the first cigar is much stronger and sharper with the other two much softer and a bit sweeter. That trend follows itself to the cold draw with chocolate on all three samples—though sweet on two cigars and sharp and acidic on another. Interestingly, the cold draw is substantially more muted than your typical cigar.

Given the cold draw, particularly on the first sample, I was expecting a much more potent start for the Viceroy. It certainly isn’t mild, but it’s not the heavy beginning I was anticipating. Earth, dark chocolate, grass and a white rice starchiness dominate the first few puffs. After a few moments, the La Aroma de Cuba turns very wood with an aggressive jalapeño flavor in the back of the throat. It’s more taste than burn, but it’s not too appetizing. Flavor is medium-full, body is full and strength is medium-plus.

While toastiness was certainly present in the initial third, it picks up quite a bit in the middle portion. There’s burnt molasses, buttered bread, poppyseed muffin and a reduced pepper flavor. I make a touch-up in the second third, though it’s relatively minor. Oddly, the strength remains the same, medium-plus, and there’s no increase in flavor intensity.

It’s just harsh. I’m not sure what else needs to be said. There’s some creamy and woody flavors that sit on my palate for the first second or so, but before they are given time to develop, a deep harshness—almost like my tongue is burnt—takes over. And then it gets worse; the harshness expands to the outer part of my tongue and then hits the lips. The odd thing is the one cigar that had burn issues doesn’t exhibit the harshness. Instead it’s a charred woody mixture that isn’t great, but at least isn’t offensive. Construction on the other two cigars remains fine. For those wondering, the cigar doesn’t burn hot at all.

Final Notes

• If you put these three cigars on a table without bands, there is no way I’m believing that the first sample is related to the other two. It smelled like there was a lot of Jalapa criollo, something that wasn’t obvious on the other two cigars.
• This is one of the cigars with deceivingly large bands, or more three bands. When I removed the bands I was a bit surprised about how much of the cigar was left.
• While I was a bit surprised that the cigar was not stronger in nicotine content, there was a lot of sharp pepper on the back of the throat.
• While the line is a limited edition—limited to 2,500-3,000 boxes—at some point the concept becomes a bit muddled, particularly when each size returns.
• I am perplexed by the harshness issues in the final third. They came out of nowhere and didn’t seem to be caused by any temperature issues. I actually can put my finger right up to the burn line without any discomfort.
• For those wondering, quickly retrohaling wasn’t much better. It’s a sharp pepper and herbal mixture.
• Cigars for this review were purchased by halfwheel.
• Final smoking time was one hour and 50 minutes.
• Site sponsors Corona Cigar Co. and Payless Cigars & Pipes have the La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Viceroy in stock.