If you follow this website you know I have become a big fan of La Galera which is part of Indian Head, owned by Jochy Blanco. For decades, Jochy Blanco was known only to those in the industry. The average consumer did not know he was behind so many Dominican brands either in terms of producing or supplying the tobacco. Last year, 2015, Jochy stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight with his purchase of Indian Head.
The Cigar Authority has reviewed La Galera Connecticut, La Galera Habano, La Galera Maduro, and La Galera 80th Anniversary. The only cigar left is today’s review of the 1936 Box Pressed. How will it compare? Will it be another winner of epic proportions, or will the streak end?
There is only one way to find out, and that is to read on….
Cigar Review: La Galera 1936 Box Press
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic (Criollo ’98)
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Vitola: Robusto (Chaveta)
Cutter: Lotus Jaws
Lighter: Vertigo Twister
The Look: The La Galera 1936 is the perfect example of what I like to call a brindle wrapper as it is different shades of brown. Box pressed to perfection the cigar which features two bands is silky smooth to the touch. The cigar is firm, balanced and well packed from the La Canela region of the Dominican Republic where the binder and filler is grown.
The Notes: Ever enjoy the cold draw so much that you worry you might suck all the flavor right out of the cigar? Thus is the case with this stick with notes of raisins, caramel and a hint of cinnamon. The foot of the cigar is earthy with traces of manure. Now before you react, this is considered one of the highest compliments for tobacco.
Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is an initial cocoa like sweetness to the cigar with some subtle spices that become more potent on the retrohale, and are very reminiscent of red pepper flakes. As we continue to smoke the first third there is some licorice that joins the mix alongside some dried fruit elements.
In the second third some fruity sweetness continues while the red pepper flakes become subdued. As the cigar continues to the half way point where the cigar goes through a flavor change introducing notes of espresso to compliment the subtle licorice on the finish which is moderate in length.
In the final third the cigar still holds on to some subtle red pepper on the retrohale, but the primary notes are rich espresso with a bit of earth. The moderate finish maintains a faint licorice note as the cigar comes to a close.
The Finish: La Galera has yet to disappoint me with all their blends, and while I am still partial to the maduro, this one is a close second for me. The notes are easily enjoyable and the draw was perfection. While I chose to review the robusto, I enjoy the Toro most which is called El Lector. The La Galera Box Press is big on value, and even bigger on flavor.
Score: 92
Price: $7.39 / $136.99
La Galera Box Press
La Galera Box Press Foot
La Galera Box Press Burn
