Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro

It seems summer is finally coming to an end. Temperatures have dropped the past week and was a nice 55 degrees (F) early this morning. A strong, chilly wind has been blowing all day and the sky an overcast gray. Ah the makings of fall weather.

This afternoon, I picked out a Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro to smoke while I relaxed under the walnut tree. I had been looking forward to putting fire to this impressive cigar as I do love the Vegas Robaina line. I unfortunately have no idea of the age as this came in a fiver and the vendor couldn’t give me a date.

The construction to the medium brown wrapper was good other than a small piece missing at the head (can see it in the pictures). There was a nice triple cap and the foot showed possible overfilling. I found a slight give when squeezed in certain spots, however I found a few spots that were extremely hard as well. I was really hoping this thing wouldn’t be plugged. I punched the cap and sure enough found a tight draw. I was able to get some air through, however it took drawing really hard to do so.

I put fire to the foot and blew on the glowing embers to get the burn even. The draw was just way too tight, and I struggled to get any smoke out of the cigar. About a half inch in, it did loosen up enough to get some smoke out, however still not like I would have liked it. When I did get a good draw, there was a sweet, floral taste to the medium smoke. I also found some notes of earth, possibly lightly toasted nuts. Hints of cedar came through as well.

Unfortunately, the draw continued to be tight throughout the entire smoke. Even with massaging and rolling it. I did get smoke out of it, however it took some serious puffing and then a strong draw to get it. The ash was very dark throughout and very rough looking, however had a good burn with the exception for the slight run at the beginning.

I’m hoping to have a better experience in the draw with the next one as I believe this would be an excellent smoke when burning good.

Great review as always Greg. Sorry about the draw problems :thumbs:

Good review Greg! Looks like you had a few friends with you under that tree?

Sorry about the draw, but the pics make it look like quite a delectable smoke. I had the same idea this weekend- break out the Churchill's (for all we know this will be the last chance until next year).

Thanks for the review!

Love cicadas.

Hate tough draws.

Wilkey

Tight draw sucks ass... I had a punch the other night with a real tight draw and I couldn't deal with it.


You have spoiled me though. If I open a review and don't see nice pics then I get really dissapointed! lol

I remember when Cubans used to draw. I remember when out of a box of 25 you would have a few plugged smokes. These days I find more and more plugged cigars coming out of that island. Overproduction, poor quality control, inconsistent rolling. These days there is an unacceptable amount of plugged cigars being produced. Its getting to the point where getting a good one is cause for celebration. Its an absolute shame.

Great review

c1garfan said:

I remember when Cubans used to draw. I remember when out of a box of 25 you would have a few plugged smokes. These days I find more and more plugged cigars coming out of that island. Overproduction, poor quality control, inconsistent rolling. These days there is an unacceptable amount of plugged cigars being produced. Its getting to the point where getting a good one is cause for celebration. Its an absolute shame.

Great review

Click to expand...

I would say it is the exact opposite mate. Cuban quality control is stricter now than it was, and they are turning out better smokes each year. Of course, the famous 99-02 period of shame was what forced them to change their methods with dealing with a higher demand. Judging by the '06 and '07 box quality, I would certainly say they are much improved and rather good quality on average.

Of course, you risk a plugged smoke when you smoke a Cuban Cigar, they haven't quite nailed the quality control compared to some NC premiums, but buy yourself a draw poker and deal with it. Flavour wins over construction in my book.



That being said... shame about the plugged cigar. Vegas Robiana are one of the more notorious brands for a tight draw. It is always best to have a draw poker on hand when you pick up a CC.

I really do need to get some draw tools. I have a couple of small screwdrivers and had been using a bamboo skewer until the wife threw it away. I had thought about making something out of a hanger, too flimsy though.

I fired up a Cohiba Especiale 2004 last week. It was completely plugged. I mean there was no draw whatsoever in this thing, and boy was I ticked off too (considering what I paid for it). Draw tools? Nope. I unraveled the whole thing, pulled the balled up tobacco out that was right at the head, and re-rolled that sucker! Wasn't as pretty, but damnit I was able to smoke it! And, VERY good too I might add. :laugh:

Kingantz said:

I really do need to get some draw tools. I have a couple of small screwdrivers and had been using a bamboo skewer until the wife threw it away. I had thought about making something out of a hanger, too flimsy though.

I fired up a Cohiba Especiale 2004 last week. It was completely plugged. I mean there was no draw whatsoever in this thing, and boy was I ticked off too (considering what I paid for it). Draw tools? Nope. I unraveled the whole thing, pulled the balled up tobacco out that was right at the head, and re-rolled that sucker! Wasn't as
pretty, but damnit I was able to smoke it! And, VERY good too I might add. :laugh:

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Hahaha!! What a king! That's the sort of McGyver solution that has to be admired.

Nice job.

I don't know why, but a lot of plugged smokes I get taste a little better than usual (once they are fixed up). Odd thing that.

p.s. I use a metal skewer to great effect, but the portability sucks.

I've actually considered using a drill with a very small bit. Wonder if that might work.

Kingantz said:

I've actually considered using a drill with a very small bit. Wonder if that might work.

Click to expand...

That's more Tim Allen than Richard Dean Anderson.

Still, I like it nonetheless.

Macion Grey said:

c1garfan said:

I remember when Cubans used to draw. I remember when out of a box of 25 you would have a few plugged smokes. These days I find more and more plugged cigars coming out of that island. Overproduction, poor quality control, inconsistent rolling. These days there is an unacceptable amount of plugged cigars being produced. Its getting to the point where getting a good one is cause for celebration. Its an absolute shame.

Great review

Click to expand...

I would say it is the exact opposite mate. Cuban quality control is stricter now than it was, and they are turning out better smokes each year. Of course, the famous 99-02 period of shame was what forced them to change their methods with dealing with a higher demand. Judging by the '06 and '07 box quality, I would certainly say they are much improved and rather good quality on average.

Of course, you risk a plugged smoke when you smoke a Cuban Cigar, they haven't quite nailed the quality control compared to some NC premiums, but buy yourself a draw poker and deal with it. Flavour wins over construction in my book.



That being said... shame about the plugged cigar. Vegas Robiana are one of the more notorious brands for a tight draw. It is always best to have a draw poker on hand when you pick up a CC.

Click to expand...

The fact that you're from another country has an influence on the smokes you get. Its very possible you have access to better cigars. I can only speak for my experience. Personally I find the quality has gotten worse over the last few years. Might be my source, who knows. As far as tools go, they are useful, but I don't spend top dollar on a cigar to use tools. I understand Kingant's frustration, especially when he paid so much for the Especial. You expect a quality product. I don't buy a Ferrari to work on it in my garage because it has engine trouble after leaving the dealership.

[/quote]

The fact that you're from another country has an influence on the smokes you get. Its very possible you have access to better cigars. I can only speak for my experience. Personally I find the quality has gotten worse over the last few years. Might be my source, who knows. As far as tools go, they are useful, but I don't spend top dollar on a cigar to use tools. I understand Kingant's frustration, especially when he paid so much for the Especial. You expect a quality product. I don't buy a Ferrari to work on it in my garage because it has engine trouble after leaving the dealership.
[/quote]


Good Reply Bro.
My thoughts exactly.

c1garfan said:

Macion Grey said:

c1garfan said:

I remember when Cubans used to draw. I remember when out of a box of 25 you would have a few plugged smokes. These days I find more and more plugged cigars coming out of that island. Overproduction, poor quality control, inconsistent rolling. These days there is an unacceptable amount of plugged cigars being produced. Its getting to the point where getting a good one is cause for celebration. Its an absolute shame.

Great review

Click to expand...

I would say it is the exact opposite mate. Cuban quality control is stricter now than it was, and they are turning out better smokes each year. Of course, the famous 99-02 period of shame was what forced them to change their methods with dealing with a higher demand. Judging by the '06 and '07 box quality, I would certainly say they are much improved and rather good quality on average.

Of course, you risk a plugged smoke when you smoke a Cuban Cigar, they haven't quite nailed the quality control compared to some NC premiums, but buy yourself a draw poker and deal with it. Flavour wins over construction in my book.



That being said... shame about the plugged cigar. Vegas Robiana are one of the more notorious brands for a tight draw. It is always best to have a draw poker on hand when you pick up a CC.

Click to expand...

The fact that you're from another country has an influence on the smokes you get. Its very possible you have access to better cigars. I can only speak for my experience. Personally I find the quality has gotten worse over the last few years. Might be my source, who knows. As far as tools go, they are useful, but I don't spend top dollar on a cigar to use tools. I understand Kingant's frustration, especially when he paid so much for the Especial. You expect a quality product. I don't buy a Ferrari to work on it in my garage because it has engine trouble after leaving the dealership.

Click to expand...

I don't spend top dollar either. I use a metal skewer to fix my draw.

And in analogy world: A super car is notoriously finicky. You cannot hop in your Ferrari and just drive to the shops. You have to warm it up and spend some time getting it ready to rock. Once you take the time to get it right, you are rewarded with an excellent experience.

Treat a Cuban Cigar in the same way. A little extra effort maybe, but worth spending that little extra time getting it ready.