Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Sungrown (Aged 2 years)
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 5 x 52 Robusto Box Pressed
Strength: Medium
Price: $22.00
My cigars received 3 months of naked humidor time.
BACKGROUND:
Released right after PCA July 2023.
Regular production.
Nicaraguan leaves grown by Oliva.
Commemorates the 75th birthday of La Palina chairman William Paley XXVII.
THE WHOLE MEGILLAH:
A real pretty box press. But it seems that the draw has been pressed out of existence. I hear a tiny high-pitched whisper. I believe it is my PerfecDraw. It is not. It’s my conscience telling me to take the offer from Billy Paley to give the cigar a stellar rating in trade for my own show on CBS. I ask if I will be required to memorize lines. I am told yes. I decline. My PD is standing on one foot waiting to go pee, so I grab its brother and rotor rooter the cigar until there is no clear and present danger. Whew…
Instant Caramel. OK…close, but I’m no Jack Lennon.
Denseness is the first impression. I can go with that. Nice construction always sees my amygdala take notice.
I took a look at the La Palina website. No mention of this cigar. Considering its importance to its owner, the asleep-at-the-wheel designated IT guy should be fired.
Strength is medium. A lovely easy going morning cigar perfect with a cup of Joe.
My gaydar picks up notes of creaminess, vanilla, white chocolate, slight tinge of lemon citrus, white pepper, caramel, and sweet pretzel. Nice.
I loved the early Family Series that La Palina offered over 10 years ago. Expensive for their niche in time, but excellent cigars. Paley conceded he screwed up by introducing these not ready for prime-time cigars too early. I disagree. The follow up knee jerk reaction was to pummel the consumer with a litany of shit blends that have piled up like cords of wood. I don’t think Paley’s grandpa would be proud of what little Billy did with their name. But then CBS did expel The Smothers Brothers and The Richard Pryor Show off the air in the 60’s for being controversial. So, the family name ain’t that pristine.
Slow roll. Nice complex balance of sweet v. savory. The obscure richness hangs in the background waiting to pounce like Harvey Weinstein on a gorgeous starlet. What a piece of shit. Weinstein…not the cigar.
I like this blend. Very similar to a good Casdagli blend. Totally off the grid for what one expects from an Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper and Nic guts. If I’d have guessed the ingredients, I’d have guessed wrong.
It is -1 outside and fucking idiot me sits with the window open to vent smoke. No idea what’s wrong with me. Sammy has built an igloo in his frankincense and myrrh bed.
With another 6 months of humi time, this cigar will exceed all your needs as a demanding smoker. There are no financial deals out there on this cigar’s price.
It’s steady as she goes for the 22 Simoleans. Is this cigar worth it? It seems so. Is it stunning beyond all imagination…nope. But you can taste the sweat and tears put into making this cigar worthy of your consideration.
Almost 60 years later, I find myself still traumatized from my reaction when I reached into my girlfriend’s bra and discovered Kleenex. My dreams are full of disappointment.
The flavor points are on a consistent glide path. No abrupt changes. Not a flavor bomb. It is a fine display of cohesive tobaccos working together in world that seeks harmony and peace.
Sometimes you feel like a nut…sometimes you don’t.
30 minutes. 1-1/2”. The seasoning builds. The summit is in reach. The second half will tell all.
The char line is impressive. Like Dr. Rod sticking to his guns that The Eagles are a fine band. They’re OK.
Here in Milwaukee, I played with a 7-piece soul band. But the very white keyboard player insisted on singing most of the songs. He was terrible. Meanwhile, the incredible girl backup singers were left out of the picture. We never made it out of intense rehearsals because of his stupidity. I left for greener pastures.
Playing classic R&B tunes was supremely uplifting. Nothing better. If you’ve ever played Jackie Wilson’s ‘Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher’ you know what I’m talking about.
Sweet and creamy vanilla rules the day. Followed by subtle notes of baking spices, white chocolate, caramel, honey, citrus, malt, white pepper, a scoche of peanuts, and shortbread cookies.
Know what will stop me in my tracks as a reviewer…not death, but rather the inability to remove a stubborn cigar band.
The halfway point arrives. I expect world domination.
And the blend delivers…a huge dollop of complexity arrives. Richness is delivered on a Tasmanian platter.
If I had Ben Rotem’s dough, I’d buy a 10-count box of these sticks. Sponsor LCC carries these cigars. I’m so tempted to pull the trigger on a fiver. Do I want to eat. Do I want these cigars. Do I want to pay bills. Do I want these cigars…a King Solomon conundrum.
The second half is stunning. Another 3-6 months and these cigars will sing the light fandango and turn cartwheels ‘cross the floor.
You can call me Al. Why am I soft in the middle.
Great cigar. I take a gander at my decade old reviews of LP’s Family Series cigars and think I want to revisit them sooner rather than later. Truly the best of Paley’s outcrop.
This is probably stupid, but I pulled the trigger on two fivers in the Family Series blends. The first is the Goldie Prominente Series 3 Limited Edition from LCC. The second is the Family Series Pasha from SBC. Both expensive cigars in the $20+ range. I’ve not reviewed them so I can write them off as business expenses. Fuck me. I shouldn’t be allowed to use my debit card this early in the morning. Writing cigar reviews is a dangerous sport.
I’m nubbing the 1948. Supremely delicate and flavorful. Not a lick of harshness. Nicotine never shows itself. A wonderful warm richness throughout. Billy’s missteps are forgiven, and grandpa looks down smiling. Anniversary cigars always tend to disappoint. This one does not.
The 1948 and other blends in the La Palina line can be purchased from my sponsors: Small Batch Cigar (10% off with promo code ‘katman’), Luxury Cigar Club (15% off with promo code ‘katman’), and Cigar Page.
RATING: 95
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