Originally released in 2013, the Eiroa (Salud Amor Y Pesetas) is a tribute to the summer of 1916 when Generoso Eiroa got his first job as a boat captain for the Cuban Land and Leaf Tobacco Company. It was there that the Eiroa family began a tradition that would extend into its fourth generation.
The cigars come packaged in 10 count boxes held together by a leather ribbon which is a representation of the way Christian’s grandfather, Generoso would store his cigars in a trunk at the foot of his bed. Each box and cigar has a very old Spanish saying; Salud Amor Y Pesetas which means Health, Love and Money.
Cigar: Eiroa
Size: 5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Strength: Medium
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: The Eiroa features an oily wrapper that is virtually vein free and has some tooth. Upon close examination you can see a lot of magnesium spots on the wrapper, these are little pimples that almost have a braille like feel to them. High magnesium content in the soil can cause this to happen and it usually signals that a flavor bomb is about to be experienced. The band is red, black and gold which offers a nice contrast to the dark wrapper. In the hand the cigar is firm and heavy.
The Notes: The foot of the cigar is sweet like a sugar cookie but it also has elements of cinnamon and almonds. It was so enjoyable that my coworker got annoyed with me and said, “are you going to cut that cigar or just sniff it all day?”. The cold draw of the cigar definitive mesquite flavor with hints of almonds.
Once this Honduran puro is lit there is a subtle spice on the palate and a strong spice through the nose much like getting too much wasabi under your tongue while dining on sushi. Once the spice tones down considerably in the first quarter-inch a distinct almost note develops.
In the second third of the Eiroa it develops some sweetness especially from the aroma of the cigar. The sugar like sweetness is joined by some notes of kiwi. As we pass the halfway point the kiwi fades away and is replaced by cedar and a return of the aforementioned notes of almonds.
Entering the last third of the Eiroa the cedar aroma becomes dominant and noticeable to those around me as well. There is a return of hints of kiwi, but the finish is a definitive almond with some coffee that was introduced at the end of the cigar.
The Burn: The Eiroa is a slow burning stick that lasts longer then you would expect a Robusto to last. The draw has a slight resistance which is perfect in my book. The burn line is razor-thin and even throughout the duration of the smoke. It remained lit for the duration.
The Finish: One of the most memorable moments of 2014 was Christian Eiroa getting pranked at IPCPR. The most memorable moments of this cigar was the aroma and kiwi notes that will have me coming back to smoke this again. Very different than anything Christian has produced and is a welcomed addition to his portfolio.
Score: 90
Price: $10.29
Eiroa Cigar
Eiroa Foot
Eiroa Burn
