In 2014, Crowned Heads released the first Las Calaveras which was made at My Father Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua. In 2015 that limited edition cigar sees a regular release and new branding in La Imperiosa.
La Imperiosa as a brand dates back to the early 1900’s where it was made in Cuba. The translation of the name is “the imperative” or that which is absolutely necessary or required. The cigar comes in 24 count packages and in four sizes; Corona Gorda (5 3/4 x 46); Magicos (4 1/2 x 52); Double Robusto (6 3/8 x 50) and Dukes (5 1/2 x 54).
Cigar Review: La Imperiosa
Size: 5.75 x 46 (Corona Gorda)
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: If you needed two words to describe the look of La Imperiosa they would be dark and oily. The Habano Oscuro wrapper is as oily I’ve seen a cigar in recent memory, and the roll of the cigar is flawless. The light blue and gold band has a nostalgic feel to it and a quick google image search shows a similarity to the original Cuban band which featured a red background. In the hand the 5.75 x 46 cigar is firm with no soft spots and a very hefty weight to it.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar reminds me of sticky rice; which is used under sushi. There is a sesame like note and a hint of soy sauce. I’ve never had a cigar before that reminded me of Japanese cuisine. The foot of the cigar reminded me of plums and ea.
The first third of the La Imperiosa serves up some pepper notes on the initial light that are quickly replaced with fruit notes that are similar to plum. As we work further into the first third of the cigar some notes that are similar to charred meat off the barbecue come into play.
In the second third of the cigar the notes of charred meat remain, with elements of earth and a continued plum note that is very faint lurks in the background. At the halfway point the aroma of leather is dominant in the air and occasional black cherry note develops.
The last third of the La Imperiosa Corona Gorda continues with some notes of charred steak and summer fruits. The leather like aroma has changed to red pepper that is also evident on the retrohale.
The Burn: The draw of the La Imperiosa offered up a nice resistance that was perfect for my preferences and remained lit from first light to last puff. The combustion line was thin and the burn was perfect through out. The medium color ash was a bit flaky and held for only an inch or so at a time.
The Finish: When a cigar company claims to use the same blend as a limited edition, I often jump into the cigar with trepidation. If the tobacco wasn’t limited then why a LE. In comparing my old notes from that cigar with today’s cigar the similarity is there. I’ll chalk up the subtle differences to the thinner ring gauge. The La Imperiosa is a winner with a complexity and flavor profile that will have me coming back again and again.
Score: 92
Price: $8.39 / $178.99 at 2guyscigars.com
Bullet Points
(Random Thoughts While Smoking)
- While not pictures here, I love the boxes these come in. They have a very nostalgic feel to it. The artwork and details put into a lot of Crowned Heads products is spot on.
- While not to slight Jon Huber and gang at Crowned Heads, this cigar could be added to the Copy Cats article by David Garofalo as the band is almost identical to the original Cuban brand.
- While the cigar is the same blend as the Las Calaveras 2014 none of the sizes are the same.
- In checking with my original Las Calaveras 2014 review, this La Imperiosa has similar note; but the fruit aspect of plum didn’t make it into my original review of the LC 2014.
- As a limited edition Las Calaveras flew off the shelves; I am curious to see how these move in comparison.
- The flavors on the Corona Gorda seemed darker to me than the original LC 2014.
- Smoking time was 2 hours (have I told you I am a slow smoker?).
- I did not pair the cigar with any beverage.
La Imperiosa
La Imperiosa Foot
La Imperiosa Burn
