La Madrina is a line from a fairly young company called Dapper Cigar Co. The line itself is made at the NACSA (Nicaragua America S.A.) factory in Esteli.
• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Size: 46 x 143 mm (5,62’’)
• Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
• Binder: Mexican San Andres
• Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, USA
• Price: $9.50
The wrapper is of a Colorado Maduro shade, oily and smooth to the touch. Veining is minimal. What is really captivating is the artwork on the band. Minimal, yet elegant, it is impressive how sharp the band looks. Said bands are made in the Netherlands by the famous company called Vrijdag Premium Printing (Opus X, Padron, Cohiba bands are some of their works).
La Madrina Corona Gorda: the cold draw reveals flavors of spices and cocoa. Once lit, the cigar starts out with notes of cedar.
A few puffs in to the first third a intense cocoa note takes over, paired with coffee and leather. Black pepper is slowly starting to build up. Strength is a solid medium (3/5). The smoke leaves a scratchy sensation in the back of the throat.
Transitioning into the second third, the smoke becomes creamy and very sweet, with a distinct dark chocolate note in the forefront. Notes of leather, coffee and almonds are present in the background, which is supported by black pepper. Strength increases slightly (3,5/5).
Dark chocolate dominates also the final third. The background flavors of leather, cedar, coffee and almonds are well balanced between each other and create a very pleasant mix of aromas. Smoke remains creamy and smooth. Everything is supported by just the right amount of black pepper. Strength stays slightly over the medium (3,5/5).
Overall, there isn’t much bad to say about La Madrina, except the scratchy sensation that the smoke leaves in the back of the throat throughout the first third. It is rather disturbing and gets in the way of an otherwise very balanced smoke. The remaining thirds are complex and very enjoyable. Construction and combustion are both perfect.
Rating: 88