Las Villas Gran Toro
Our favourite find from Dortmund this year, both in terms of products and personalities. Madame Blue Smoke was absolutely smitten with this brand, so much so that choosing for this October’s selection was a real dilemma. We’ve therefore opted for a Gran Toro size to make the pleasure last a little longer, but absolutely every cigar from this brand is well worth discovering.
Tasting menu
Visually, the cigar is truly magnificent. The Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper is striking: uniform and supple to the touch. Once the protective paper and the red band at the foot have been removed, it looks superb. The draw is smooth, and the dry nose already hints at chocolatey notes, whilst liquorice flavours are already filling the palate.
The attack is very smooth, with notes of chocolate, wood and rich, indulgent flavours. It quickly develops into a more powerful flavour.
The first third opens with notes of roasted coffee, liquorice and chocolate. Soon, the H2000 binder and the Nicaraguan Ligero used for the filler draw us into a dance of black pepper and warm, comforting spices.
Around the halfway point of the cigar, the flavour becomes more complex. Earthy notes emerge, with a hint of liquorice and leather that lend a touch of smoothness without detracting from the strength, which is now well established. The final third extends the smoking experience seamlessly. The finish is lingering. The flavours linger on the palate for a long time, leaving a satisfying sensation.
Pairing
We’ve chosen a Nikka Whisky From The Barrel to accompany this superb dish (we tend to go for a non-peated whisky).
Our favourite spot in Dortmund
We had the great pleasure of spending some quality time with our friends from Las Villas.
We shared a few cigars with Blas Elias and Guillermo Pena, in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.
Guillermo told us about his childhood, and how his dad used to roll cigars to perfection in the family home. He told us about the first cigar he ever smoked – which made him feel sick – and how he spent a whole week with a cigar in his mouth, without lighting it, just to get used to it.
Elias Blas told us about his passion for watches, whisky and a thousand other anecdotes.
These are people who simply wear their hearts on their sleeves – approachable and truly passionate about what they do.
Our other Las Villas cigars
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Las Villas Maduro Robusto
4
12.7
52