In May at the Tobacco Products Expo (TPE) Aganorsa Leaf launched a new vitola in their popular Lunatic Habano blend. The Hombre Libre and according to Terence Reilly of Aganorsa Leaf, “Toro is overall the most popular vitola and so it made sense to create one for our most popular brand.” Packaged in boxes of 28, Hombre Libre has arrived at retailers and it is today’s featured review.
Cigar Review: JFR Lunatic
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6.25″
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Hombre Libre (Toro)
The Look: Packed in 28 count boxes, the JFR Lunatic Hombre Libre features a flawless looking wrapper that is partially hidden in the box by gold foil. Once the foil is removed the cigar reveals a partially closed foot. The cigar features the blue, silver and white JFR Lunatic band with a second brand denoting the vitola name. In the hand the cigar is firm with a hefty weight and no voids of tobacco.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar offers up a sweetness that reminds of rice krispies and marshmallows. The aroma off the foot serves up warm apples, cinnamon and toast. Once we light the cigar the initial note is nuts, specifically cashews.
The first third of the cigar isn’t as aggressive as I’ve come to expect from Aganorsa until you retrohale when the strength of their leaf is evident. The retrohale serves up strong notes of red pepper. On the palate the cigar serves up salted cashews with a subtle cocoa sweetness that grows in intensity as the cigar progresses
As we move into the second third a peperoncini note begins to develop which provides an interesting contrast to the cacao note that is dominant. The cigar has a long creamy finish with some spices which is enhanced by the potent retrohale.
The final third sees the peperoncini note continue to dominate with notes of cashews and a subtle cacoa that serves as an afterthought. The spicy cigar becomes even spicier on the retrohale making this a spice bomb.
The Finish: I’ve always enjoyed the JFR Lunatic, but never liked the sizes offered until now. The Toro called Hombre Libre was something desperately needed in the line and it does the blend justice. It’s spicy, flavorful and downright enjoyable. It’s something that will regularly be in my humidor and enjoyed.
Score: 95
Price: $8.39 / $207.99
JFR Lunatic Habano Hombre Libre
JFR Lunatic Habano Hombre Libre Foot
JFR Lunatic Habano Hombre Libre Burn
