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Stogie Reviews: La Aurora Preferidos Cameroon Robusto

10 Jan 2011

La Aurora has grabbed its share of headlines lately, launching highly anticipated (and well-marketed) blends like Guillermo León and 107. But let’s not forget that the Dominican’s oldest cigar maker offers plenty of other wise investments for smart enthusiasts.

Among them is the Preferidos series, a collection of smokes that debuted in 1998 to honor Eduardo León Jimenes, the man who founded La Aurora in 1903. Initially, all Preferidos cigars were perfectos. About five years ago, though, La Aurora began to offer Preferidos in standard parejo shapes.

Today you can find five-packs of Preferidos in the Robusto size, each pack with one cigar from the line’s five blends: Connecticut, Ecuador, Cameroon, Corojo, and Maduro. These blends are also sold individually or by the box.

The Cameroon Robusto (5 x 50) features an oily, water-spotted wrapper with Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. All of these components were aged up to three years before spending additional time in rum barrels. This strategy is intended to speed up the fermentation process, not infuse the tobacco with a rum taste.

So it isn’t surprising that this cedar-smelling cigar’s profile doesn’t include molasses or any other flavors that I associate with rum. Instead, it starts with a dry woody taste, hints of black pepper, and a sugary finish that’s commonly found in African Cameroon tobacco. The overall effect is straightforward yet well-balanced.

At the midway point and beyond, the Robusto develops strength—making it decidedly medium-bodied—and some creamy tones. These additions play nicely off the sweet and salty flavors that remain in the foreground. All the while the construction is near perfect. Expect a firm ash, a straight burn line, and a smooth draw.

I enjoyed all three Cameroon Robustos I sampled for this review. Still, at $8-11 apiece, this cigar’s value doesn’t compare favorably against some of the other Cameroons on the market, like the Cuban Crafters Cameroon or the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon, just to name a couple. But for its harmonious flavor, aromatic resting smoke, and outstanding combustion qualities, the La Aurora Preferidos Cameroon Robusto shouldn’t be ignored. It earns three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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