After Dapper Cigar Co. launched the La Madrina brand in 2018, it expanded the brand with a lighter-wrapped offering late last year, called La Madrina Shade.
Like the regular La Madrina, the Shade is rolled at the same factory, namely the Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. La Madrina Shade line comes in four sizes, and each size is sold in twenty-count boxes.
The cigar is dressed in a golden brown Colorado Claro wrapper that is smooth to the touch. Only a few minor veins are present, and the filling is uniform.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 159 mm (6 1/4″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
- Binder: Mexico
- Filler: Dom. Rep., Nicaragua, USA
- Price: $12.40 | € –
La Madrina Shade Belicoso: the cold draw reveals aromas of barnyard and hay, with a faint spiciness also present. Once lit, the cigar opens with a mix of grass, cream, and nuts.
Further into the first third, the nuts (mainly hazelnut) and cream combo make up the core flavors, followed by a subtle white pepper note. Some hints of wood are also present, and the strength is medium-light (2/5).
There is not much happening in the second third, both in terms of flavors and strength.
The last third is a long repetition of the previous one, meaning that nothing changes in the final third.
Overall, the La Madrina Shade Belicoso is a smooth and balanced smoke that can be enjoyed, especially in the morning. This is a good smoke for somebody who is trying to get into cigars. That being said, the profile and strength are as linear as can be, and for the seasoned cigar smoker, this becomes boring quickly.