When you look at all the premium cigars on the market today the majority have something in common, the Grade A wrapper. With most cigars the binder and fillers use a lesser grade as they don’t need to be aesthetically pleasing. This is not the case with the HVC Serie A as the cigar is composed entirely of Grade A tobaccos. HVC presents to you their A game, with the Serie A which was introduced at the 2019 IPCPR/PCA.
Cigar Review: HVC Serie A
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8
Ring Gauge: 46
Size: Corona Gorda (Perlas)
The Look: Packaged in a 10 count box, the HVC Serie A despite using the better grade of wrapper isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing cigar in the HVC portfolio. If I had to put my finger on it, it is due to the band of the cigar which detracts from the wrapper. In the hand the Corojo ’99 has a coarse texture under the fingers while being firm to the touch with a well packed foot.
The Notes: The foot of the stick offers up a sweet shortbread note while the cold draw serves up a note that reminds me of a butter cookie. Once we toast and light the initial profile is slightly floral with a hint of spice.
Moving into the first third the floral note remains and for a while it serves as the dominant profile. Near the end of this segment the floral notes disappear as pepper develops along with hints of nutmeg, cumin and driftwood. It pains me to use driftwood as I made fun of a former co-worker whenever he used it to describe a cigar but it exists here. The finish has a hint of mocha and the retrohale is loaded with black pepper.
In the second third a licorice note develops with notes of driftwood, earth and rye. This is a cigar to smoke with a beverage as it leaves a dry mouthfeel, however the complexity of the stick really shines in the center portion of the cigar. The aroma features hints of licorice while the retrohale offers up some subtle caramel components.
The final third of the Serie A from HVC is one of the most earthy cigars I have smoked in recent memory. In addition to the earthy components there is still a lingering licorice, nutmeg and driftwood but those notes are an afterthought as the stick comes to a close. The retrohale offers up licorice, a mild sweetness and some subtle red pepper.
The Finish: Having loved the HVC La Rosa and HVC Broadleaf I was hesitant to smoke this mostly because of the band. Call me shallow, but I caved in. It is considerably different from the aforementioned cigars, but it has a nice complexity although it left my mouth dry. If I was at home smoking this I would have paired it with a bourbon and I can see the proper pairing raising this cigar a point of two. The 10 count box is priced right, so it is definitely worth trying to see if its in your wheelhouse.
Score: 90
Price: $8.69 / $76.99
HVC Serie A Perlas
HVC Serie A Perlas Foot
HVC Serie A Perlas Burn
