Origin : Cuba Format : Grand Robusto (Super Robusto) Size : 143 x 19.84 mm (5.6 x 50) Ring : 50 Hand-Made Price : ~$11 each
San Cristobal de la Habana La Fuerza is the second review in our San Cristobal series. Slightly longer than a regular robusto, this gordito measures 5.6 inches with a 50 ring gauge. A few weeks ago, I thoroughly enjoyed the Oficios and I was looking forward to trying another vitola from the brand, having high expectations.
Appearance : [rating:4.5/5]
This is some nice presentation. The wrapper is neat and has an attractive colorado color. The cigar has a pleasant smell of fermented tobacco. The pre-draw is woody and has some resistance.
Construction : [rating:3.5/5]
I felt that the cigar lacked smoke, and it is probably not because of the draw which, as I already said, was on the tighter side. La Fuerza burned relatively well but, again, nothing to be excited about. Overall, a pretty average construction.
Flavor : [rating:3.5/5]
The beginning brings an array of toasted notes; unfortunately they do not last long. The first third is earthy with a slight floral taste. The flavors are not very expressive, the smoke is medium-bodied. It’s an easy cigar, quite round in the second third. However, I found the last third really too young, very tannic and hardly enjoyable. I let it rest in the middle of the last third.
Value : [rating:3/5]
At $11 a pop, these are quite expensive. I would prefer most of the regular robustos (RASS, BRC…) over La Fuerza.
Overall Rating : [rating:3/5]
I probably was expecting too much from this cigar, after the excellent Oficios. San Cristobal La Fuerza could benefit from 3-5 years of aging, but when young (these were from ’08) they are not a very interesting option, at least for me. What is your experience with this smoke?
Helpful?
0
0
Joe L.
–
Loved the SC La Fuerza. Not a complex cigar from the half dozen year olds I smoked all from June 2017. And I am not one to describe a cigar very extravagant way but I must say the particular vitola reminded me of pancakes and syrup or molasses. I loved it. But I never by CC blind. Either in Cuba and open a couple a boxes to find the wrapper I like or FOH on their 24:24 listings in th evenings.
Armaniac
–
I think this cigar should be revisited by all. It is unfortunate the OP had a negative experience but lately, the La Fuerza production has been outstanding.
HUC
–
I have had a box of these LA Fuerza. The first 10-12 were as you described. The remainder I let sit in the humidor for 6 months. Age changed this vitola for the better. They gained significant character and were 4/5 stars! With age, it is a wonderful and distinctive smoke. Goes great with port.
Stephen P
–
Nice review as usual. It’s a nice looking wrapper. I need to get to Canada at some point.
Rich
–
Thanks for the review. It would be interesting to know if and how much these would improve over 3-5 years.
Keith1911
–
Thanks for the review.
DJ
–
Nice review. Getting them shipped from Switzerland, though… I mean, there is interest, there is fascination, and there is obsession…
Cigar Inspector
Origin : Cuba
Format : Grand Robusto (Super Robusto)
Size : 143 x 19.84 mm (5.6 x 50)
Ring : 50
Hand-Made
Price : ~$11 each
San Cristobal de la Habana La Fuerza is the second review in our San Cristobal series. Slightly longer than a regular robusto, this gordito measures 5.6 inches with a 50 ring gauge. A few weeks ago, I thoroughly enjoyed the Oficios and I was looking forward to trying another vitola from the brand, having high expectations.
Appearance : [rating:4.5/5]
This is some nice presentation. The wrapper is neat and has an attractive colorado color. The cigar has a pleasant smell of fermented tobacco. The pre-draw is woody and has some resistance.
Construction : [rating:3.5/5]
I felt that the cigar lacked smoke, and it is probably not because of the draw which, as I already said, was on the tighter side. La Fuerza burned relatively well but, again, nothing to be excited about. Overall, a pretty average construction.
Flavor : [rating:3.5/5]
The beginning brings an array of toasted notes; unfortunately they do not last long. The first third is earthy with a slight floral taste. The flavors are not very expressive, the smoke is medium-bodied. It’s an easy cigar, quite round in the second third. However, I found the last third really too young, very tannic and hardly enjoyable. I let it rest in the middle of the last third.
Value : [rating:3/5]
At $11 a pop, these are quite expensive. I would prefer most of the regular robustos (RASS, BRC…) over La Fuerza.
Overall Rating : [rating:3/5]
I probably was expecting too much from this cigar, after the excellent Oficios. San Cristobal La Fuerza could benefit from 3-5 years of aging, but when young (these were from ’08) they are not a very interesting option, at least for me. What is your experience with this smoke?
Joe L.
Loved the SC La Fuerza. Not a complex cigar from the half dozen year olds I smoked all from June 2017. And I am not one to describe a cigar very extravagant way but I must say the particular vitola reminded me of pancakes and syrup or molasses. I loved it. But I never by CC blind. Either in Cuba and open a couple a boxes to find the wrapper I like or FOH on their 24:24 listings in th evenings.
Armaniac
I think this cigar should be revisited by all. It is unfortunate the OP had a negative experience but lately, the La Fuerza production has been outstanding.
HUC
I have had a box of these LA Fuerza. The first 10-12 were as you described. The remainder I let sit in the humidor for 6 months. Age changed this vitola for the better. They gained significant character and were 4/5 stars! With age, it is a wonderful and distinctive smoke. Goes great with port.
Stephen P
Nice review as usual. It’s a nice looking wrapper. I need to get to Canada at some point.
Rich
Thanks for the review. It would be interesting to know if and how much these would improve over 3-5 years.
Keith1911
Thanks for the review.
DJ
Nice review. Getting them shipped from Switzerland, though… I mean, there is interest, there is fascination, and there is obsession…