The La Aurora Preferidos Hors d’Age is the result of an investment in time and world class tobacco. Twelve Years go by in the process from seed to cigar. The tobacco’s used in his years Hors d’Age was grown in 2008, but it wasn’t put into a cigar until 2019. Once the cigars were rolled they were placed in the La Aurora Aging room for two years before being released.
Cigar Review: La Aurora Hors d’Age (2020)
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Colombia, Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Toro
The Look: The La Aurora Hors d’Age brings La Aurora into a whole new packaging era. Gone are basic wood boxes, and in are lacquered high end humidor type pieces that are adorned with a plaque denoting the box number. Inside, sits 15 cigars that don’t have the prettiest wrappers though it is loaded with oils. One can nitpick the porous seams, notable veins and uneven coloring and they would be right to do so considering the price. However, having smoked previous editions the reputation speaks for itself and we can look last that. In the hand the cigar is firm to the touch, and it has a well packed foot. It’s important to note the 6 x 60 Gran Toro comes in a beautiful cigar jar.
The Notes: Once the cap is clipped there are notes of raw tobacco which reminds me of the aroma in the air at the La Aurora factory. Once I settle into the memory a subsequent cold draw reminds me of saltines, specifically oyster crackers. The aroma off the foot of the cigar has a strong cayenne pepper with a touch of paprika and well aged tobaccos. Once the cigar is lit, its exception smooth with a subtle Eucalyptus that pulls back over the first couple of puffs.
As we smoke the first third of the 2020 edition of the La Aurora Hors d’Age there are notes of wood and cinnamon with a subtle but growing nuttiness. As we approach the end of the first third, nuts become the primary notes with a moderate to long wood finish. The retrohale sees a subtle sweetness on the front end with some lingering cayenne pepper at the end.
In the second third notes of cinnamon come and go throughout while notes of cedar and nuts are equally dominant. As the second third comes to a close a subtle leather component begins to appear. There is a subtle pepper on the front end while the finish is long and woody. The retrohale serves up black pepper, but it also enhances the occasional cinnamon on the palate.
The last third sees the leather notes intensify but they don’t surpass the wood dominant flavor profile. The nuttiness of the first two-thirds doesn’t exist in the final third, nor does the cinnamon. While this might sound like the cigar lacks complexity the aged tobacco really shines. The finish is fairly long and the retrohale serves up black pepper and for the first time a hint of nutmeg.
The Finish: For me the greatest cigar ever produced by La Aurora was the original release of the Puro Vintage 2003. The La Aurora Hors d’Age comes very close to take over that declaration. It’s smooth, well balanced, amazing aroma and a great flavor profile. It’s pricey and the wrapper might have you questioning the price tag but this is the quintessential don’t judge a book by its cover. It’s definitely worth a five pack and if the price doesn’t scare you off it is box worthy.
Score: 95
Price: $25.99 / $349.99
La Aurora Hors d’Age (2020)
La Aurora Hors d’Age Foot (2020)
La Aurora Hors d’Age Burn (2020)
