Note: this is a follow up to my review of the Por Larranaga Encantos Exclusivo Asia Pacifico in March 2015.

Vitola de Galera: Dalia
Vitola de Salida: Encantos

Shape: Parejo
Body: Round
Dimensions: 43 RG / 6 3/4 inches
Presentation: Varnished box 8-9-8 / 25’s
Vintage: December 2010 / URG
Age When Tasted: 6 yrs, 4 months

CHARACTERISTICS

Strength: 6
Touch: Firm
Color: Colorado Maduro
Draw: Excellent
Burn: Even
Progression: 3 phases
Finish: Tangy, lasting
Smoking duration: 1 hour+

AROMAS

Pre-Light: Toasted bread, nutmeg
First Third: Croutons, bread, yeast, cocoa
Second Third: Grilled bread, cedar, nuts, cocoa
Last Third: Earth, nuts, burnt sugar

FLAVORS

Toasted bread, cocoa, nuts and an overall pleasant tanginess that builds to crescendo

ENJOYMENT

Due to the three stage evolution of this cigar, my inclination is to pair a beverage to complement its 2nd and 3rd phase, which are markedly more rich and full in flavor. A cappuccino (a non-alcoholic alternative) or a medium bodied rum (like Havana Club Reserva–Black Label) would be perfect.

EXPERIENCE

2 years ago, this vitola was a bit one dimensional–but I am blown away by how it has developed in flavor over the last 2 years.

An additional 2 years in the humidor transformed this vitola from a casual smoke to a cigar worthy of respect.

The pre-light aroma is classic Por Larranaga–toasted bread and nuts.

Subtle flavors of croutons, nuts and cocoa in the first third gave way to flavors of earth and burnt sugar, followed by a pleasant and lingering tanginess–a tanginess that reminds me a bit of a Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No. 2.

I’m super pleased at the way this vitola has evolved–7 years of age seems to be the sweet spot.