HVC La Rosa 520 Magicos Cigar Review

Founded in 2011 by Reinier Lorenzo HVC was started as a way of paying homage to Havana City, where Reinier lived for most of his life. The HVC goal is to keep the Cuban tradition of hand-made cigars alive and well with products that are inspired by the cigar tradition of Cuba, specifically Havana City, while incorporating the customs of their adopted U.S. home.  Today we review the La Rosa 520 which was the address of the home that Reinier grew up in.

In July we reviewed the HVC La Rosa 520 Exquisitos where it scored a 95, but how does the Magicos compare?

Cigar Review: HVC La Rosa 520
Wrapper: San Andres
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Magicos (Robusto Extra)

The Look: The cedar box that the HVC La Rosa comes packaged in looks like a parcel from Havana City. Inside sits 20 cigars that utilizes a dual band, with the primary being red and gold denoting the brand name, and a second band that denotes the ring gauge and size of the cigar using colors of white, red, black, and gold. The cigar which is made at TABSA (Aganorsa) is firm to the touch with a well pack foot. The raisin color wrapper has a nice amount of oils visible with only a few thin veins visible.

The Notes: The cold draw of the La Rosa 520 has notes of graham, raisins and a touch of dark chocolate which is pretty much mimicked on the foot of the cigar that sees an additional subtle white pepper. Once toasted and lit the initial note is a sweet caramel.

Smoking the first third of the HVC La Rosa 520 Magicos the caramel note continues with a hint of raisins and dark chocolate. As the first third comes to a close the caramel sweetness fades away. The retrohale adds a hint of mocha and graham along with a subtle pepper component.

As we smoke the second third, notes of cedar and raisins dominate the palate as hints of espresso begin to emerge around the halfway point of this medium bodied full flavor cigar. As we cross over the half way point espresso notes are dominant with hints of mocha and a growing pepper component on the retrohale and aroma.

As the cigar comes to a close espresso and earth are the core flavors of this cigar with some mocha remaining on the retrohale. Throughout the cigar the finish grew in duration with a fairly lengthy one by the time I put the cigar down. The aroma offers up a touch of white pepper which becomes more evident as he cigar comes to a conclusion.

The Finish: HVC is a brand I find myself reaching for more and more. However, when it comes to La Rosa I find myself reaching for the Exquisito more often. The sizes offer a similar profile, but the perceived strength is a touch stronger on the thinner ring gauge, while the flavor profile of the Magicos is more easily defined. This is a brand to keep an eye on and if you haven’t tried one you need to run out and do so.

Score: 94
Price: $11.99 / $215.99

HVC La Rosa 520 Magicos

HVC La Rosa 520 Magicos Foot

HVC La Rosa 520 Magicos Burn

Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like