Cigar Review: HVC 500th Anniversary Salomon

In 2019, Reinier Lorenzo owner of HVC Cigars released the HVC 500th Anniversary cigar. The celebratory cigar wasn’t in honor of his own cigar company, but rather in honor of his home town Havana City, Cuba. Since its inception the cigar has been released in three different sizes in a very limited production. This year in 2022 the company has released a Salomon shaped rendition that is made at his factory Fabrica de Tabacos HVC S.A. de Reinier Lorenzo. In years past the cigar had been rolled at Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. which is better known as Aganorsa Leaf.

Cigar Review: HVC 500th Anniversary
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo 99 Jalapa)
Binder: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
Filler: Nicaragua (Criollo 98 & Corojo 99)
Size: 6.75 x 56
Vitola: Salomon

The Look: Like years past the cigars are made in black 15 count boxes with the cigars laid out in a row of 10. Featuring a red, white and gold band with the brand name it showcases the 500th Anniversary being from 1519-2019. The wrapper has a few notable veins and some subtle oils. In the hand the cigar is very light for its size.

The Notes: Using our Lotus Jaws cutter we take about 1/4″ off the cap and the cold draw reveals subtle notes of hay and earth while the foot of the cigar has a subtle raisin sweetness. We opt to light our cigar with a single jet lighter making sure not to over toast or light the cigar in an attempt to keep the burn even as salomon cigars have a tendency to run a bit on the initial light.

Despite being light in weight the cigar is smoking slow and it also worth noting is the Salomon is burning even.The cigar starts off with notes of red pepper where it is joined by baked bread, cinnamon and a hint brown sugar and raisins. There is a lot of complexity to this medium-full bodied cigar that starts out spicy but tones down considerably after the first third. Around the half way point notes of cedar become dominant with touches of cinnamon, anise and cookie dough. As the cigar closes out notes of earth become dominant with black pepper and a long earthy finis with a hint of nuts.

The Finish: When I get a salomon I am always worried about the burn and construction, with that said this might be one of the best performing salomon cigars I have ever lit up. I’ve smoked a few now and each one has performed impeccably. It’s a complex cigar that offers a perceived strength that mellows out around the half way point but starts and finishes with a nice kick. It’s definitely a great expression of the size and something I plan to keep on hand to age and smoke over the next year because I believe it will get even better.

Score: 93
Price: $13.69 / $182.99 (Box of 15)