Founded in 2011 by Reinier Lorenzo, HVC started as a way of paying homage to Havana City, where he lived for most of his life. His goal is to keep the Cuban tradition of hand-made cigars alive and well. As a result HVC smokes are inspired by the cigar tradition of Cuba, specifically Havana City, while incorporating the customs of their adopted US home.
Today’s cigar made its debut in 2018 which saw the initial production sell out. In 2019, the cigar returned once again in limited fashion. Earlier this year we reviewed the Toro which received a 92 rating. This morning I looked at my own personal purchase history and I noticed I’ve been smoking the Short Robusto more than the Toro.
Cigar Review: HVC Broadleaf
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 4.5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro
The Look: While the box count is traditional at 20 cigars, the layout is far from that, and it is a retailers nightmare. One row of 20 cigars, 10 Robusto and 10 Toro it takes up a lot of shelf space. Thankfully the cigars also come in 20 count bundles which make refilling a box easier. Inside, the cigars features a red, white and gold band denoting HVC First on the primary band with a secondary band denoting Broadleaf. The dark wrapper has a subtle brindle effect to it with a nice amount of oil and some crystallization. In the hand the cigar is firm to the touch with a slightly spongy foot and an average weight to it.
The Notes: The HVC Broadleaf offers up hints of apricots, mocha and a touch of honey. The foot of the cigar offers up an abundance of mocha with a touch of cinnamon. Once the cigar is toasted and lit the cinnamon notes from the aroma show up on the first couple of puffs.
Moving into the first third the cigar has an apricot sweetness that is mouther watering. As the sweetness puts back notes of mocha and cedar begin to develop with a touch of salted cashews on the finish. The retrohale offers up an oak sweetness that would pair really well with a bourbon served neat or with once ice cube.
In the start of the second third, the mocha notes become dominant after subsiding in the first third. In the background some oak notes linger on the fairly lengthy finish. Around the halfway point, the sweetness begins to pull back once again with espresso notes becoming the focal point of the Short Robusto format. The retrohale of the cigar sees some spice develop with a touch of licorice.
The last third of the HVC Broadleaf sees notes of espresso and earth become dominant with a faint sweetness on the finish of the cigar. The retrohale sees the introduction of rye with continued spice alongside hints of cinnamon and licorice.
The Finish: If there is one factory that stood out for me this year it is Aganorsa Leaf and a lot of that has to do with HVC which is made at the factory. This cigar is amongst my favorites for the year but alas, it didn’t meet our criteria to be a part of the Contenders Pack for Cigar of the Year. The brand takes me back to the Nicaraguan profile that really got me into the enjoyment of cigars.
Score: 95
Price: $9.69 / $169.99 / $188.99
HVC Broadleaf
HVC Broadleaf Foot
HVC Broadleaf Burn
