Created to celebrate Julio Eiroa’s 85th birthday, the Aladino 85th Anniversario Reserva showcases rare Pinareño tobacco , a Cuban varietal brought to Honduras in 1960 and grown exclusively on the Eiroa family farms. This cigar features this unique tobacco as it’s wrapper, binder, and filler. Crafted at Fábrica de Puros Aladino in Las Lomas Jamastran.
The cigar features an attractive chocolate milk-colored wrapper with a subtle rosado hue and a glossy sheen. The wrapper is smooth with only minor veins, nearly invisible seams, and a firm pack while remaining surprisingly light in the hand.
The first third opens with notes of charred wood, lemon peel, and white pepper before settling into a complex mix of cedar, clove, cream, and sourdough bread. Earthy mushroom, wet grass, pecan, and creamy cashew notes add depth, while caramel sweetness, espresso, vanilla, and salted graham cracker emerge throughout. Smoke production is plentiful from the start.
In the second third, cedar and creamy cashew notes take center stage alongside naturally sweet tobacco. Toasted and leafy flavors develop while coffee and cream add richness. A welcome burst of cinnamon spice arrives midway through the cigar, complementing the cedar and nutty sweetness while espresso lingers in the background.
The final third shifts toward cinnamon bread, cedar, earth, and ginger spice. The profile becomes increasingly creamy and smooth as the sweetness fades, giving way to a drier oak character. Strength tapers slightly toward the finish while maintaining balance and refinement.
The Aladino 85th Anniversario Reserva was praised for its solid construction, smooth draw, even burn, sturdy ash, and abundant smoke production. Many reviewers appreciated its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and approachable strength, noting it would appeal to both newer and experienced smokers alike. While some wished for greater flavor development and transitions, others enjoyed the cigar’s straightforward presentation and unique character. The slightly polarized flavor reception from STARS is understandable given the blend’s use of Pinareño tobacco throughout the wrapper, binder, and filler, Overall, the consensus was that this is a well-made cigar that successfully showcases a rare tobacco varietal while delivering a smooth, enjoyable smoking experience.
Overall Score: 89.44 out of 100
Overall Strength Score: 4.56 out of 10
This Blind Review (Cigar #35-A) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Paul Nabs, Joe Hallett, Brett Y, Scott Treptow, Rob Smith, Chris Leblanc, My Cigar Pilgrimage, Tripp, Dr. Stogie -Blake Epling, Jay Stanley & Sean Martin
