In May 2022 it was announced that Aganorsa Leaf would rebrand their core lines to La Validacion Series. All the lines would become uniform in sizes including a 5 x 54 Gran Robusto, a 6 1/4 x 52 Toro, and a 6 x 58 Gran Toro. According to Terence Reilly, VP of Sales & Marketing, “Last year we sent out a survey to our retail partners and the big take away is our cigars need to better reflect our company logo and image. We listened to this valuable feedback and have worked with a professional designer to create an image that is unmistakably AGANORSA. We think both retailers and consumers will be thrilled with this new look that captures the essence of AGANORSA: our leaf is our strength.”
Despite the change in appearance, the blends remain the same. Today we review the Aganorsa Leaf Corojo Robusto.
Cigar Review: Aganorsa Leaf
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Gran Robusto
The Look: Packaged in 15 count boxes the new look Aganorsa Leaf Corojo features a vivid looking band. Featuring the Aganorsa logo, the primary band also features the company name in white letters with a red background. The Corojo has accents of blue and a secondary band denoting the wrapper. This box pressed cigar features a slightly veiny wrapper with some subtle oils. In the hand the cigar is firm and average in weight for its size.
The Notes: Once we clip our cap with our Lotus Jaws Cutter the cold draw serves up notes of dried apricots, rhubarb and a touch of honey. In terms of the cold draw the cigar comes off as very complex. The aroma from the foot of the cigar serves up hints of barley, sourdough and a very faint dried apricot.
Once the cigar is toasted and lit, the initial profile is that classic Nicaraguan spice that Aganorsa has always been known for. As the cigar settles in the first third offer offers up notes of nuts, cinnamon and an almost overlooked apricot sweetness that hides in the back near the finish. The retrohale sees additional notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper.
In the second third there is a rich buttery component along with continued cinnamon. Nutmeg is introduced around the halfway point along with nuances of oak and pine woods. The finish of the cigar sees the introduction of leather while the retrohale sees elements of rye and black pepper.
The last third of the spicy Corojo cigar from Aganorsa Leaf sees nutmeg and leather components become dominant which a pepper finish. The retrohale continues to serve up rye and black pepper and the finish is fairly long although it doesn’t linger around like an unwanted guest at thanksgiving.
The Finish: Even though the blends haven’t changed I can’t recall the Corojo core line smoking like these are. It’s balanced, complex with a nice amount of strength. It’s a cigar that grabs you with the first puff and does more than enough to keep you interested until the last puff. It’s a great expression of what Aganorsa has to offer and something I find myself smoking a lot of lately.
Score: 94
Price: $9.19 / $121.99 (Box of 15)
Aganorsa Leaf La Validacion Corojo Gran Robusto
Aganorsa Leaf La Validacion Corojo Gran Robusto Foot
Aganorsa Leaf La Validacion Corojo Gran Robusto Burn
