There are a few companies recognized by the shape of their cigar, but there is none as synonymous as the Preferido and La Aurora. The company which was the first cigar factory of the Dominican Republic in 1903 has been making this shape of it’s cigars since its inception. Today it is available in seven different blends, but today we serve up the Ruby.
Cigar Review: La Aurora 1903
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca
Binder: Dominican Republic (Cibao Valley)
Filler: Dominican Republic (Cibao Valley), Brazil, Africa (Cameroon)
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Preferidos (Ruby)
The Look: The La Aurora Preferidos come in 8 count or 24 count boxes with the cigars packaged in a colored tube that correspond to the specific blend. In this case, the red tube denotes the Ruby which features a rustic looking Brazilian Araprica wrapper. The cigar which is rolled to perfection has no voids of tobacco.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Ruby Preferido offers up notes of chocolate and coffee. The aroma off the wrapper and foot is pretty nondescript. One we toast and light the foot there is a toasted wood component that is joined by notes of chocolate and cinnamon. As the first third comes to a close there is a continued sweetness with hints of coffee.
The second third sees the coffee notes become dominant as the cigar sees the sweet fade away and leathery components grow in intensity. As the first third comes to a close there is a hint of raisins that tries to develop.
The last third sees the leather notes become dominant with the occasional raisin showing and a strong espresso on the finish.
The Finish: At one time the La Aurora Preferidos was the premier cigar of the Dominican Republic and perhaps the industry. However, as the cigar industry has evolved one can no longer say that without heavy debate. While I still have favorites in the line, the Ruby isn’t one of them. It also isn’t at the bottom of the line and it is a good offering of what the Dominican Republic has to offer.
Score: 90
Price: $25.00
La Aurora Preferidos Maduro
