San Cristobal de la Habana La Fuerza

Origin : Cuba
Format : Grand Robusto (Super Robusto)
Size : 143 x 19.84 mm (5.6 x 50)
Ring : 50
Hand-Made
Price : ~$11 each
More info about purchasing San Cristobal de la Habana cigars...

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 :
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 :
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 :
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 :
At $11 a pop, these are quite expensive. I would prefer most of the regular robustos (RASS, BRC...) over La Fuerza.

Overall Rating :
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?

This post was written by Denis aka Inspector. Click here for his latest articles and more information.