La Aurora Preferidos Ruby perfecto

There was a time that I was a regular at the Devil's cigar auction site, trolling for cigars at prices well below the those charged by my local shops (B&Ms). Sometimes you save a bit, some times you save more, especially on some top-shelf sticks. La Aurora Preferidos tubos go for $15-17 on the shelf around here, so I was tickled to get them @ $35/fiver.

I've long since wised up about the value of local shops, and now only get stuff online when the local shops aren't stocking what I want.

La Aurora Preferidos Ruby

The La Aurora Preferidos "Ruby" perfecto is their maduro of the line. The modest cigar is not quite so impressive once liberated from the shiny tubo, but the Ruby's darkness is quite a sight. The dark Connecticut broadleaf wrapper smells of dark, composty topsoil, and is both veined and toothy.

Of course, the draw starts a little stiff, but opens up as the cigar burns and foot gets wider. The first draws bring wicked bold flavors; Leather, citrus all coated in an earthy spice. Definitely La Aurora's signature Dominican blend of fillers, harmonized with the earthy notes of the maduro wrapper. Even into the fat midsection of the cigar, the tart leather and spice flavors stay present.

While it might be easy to be underwhelmed at paying $16 for a big glossy tubo, then seeing the modest perfecto inside, the Preferidos are a good cigar even at B&M prices. Get them how you will.

Casa Fuente robusto

What goes on in Vegas WILL make its way out of Vegas. Whether it's a hushed trip to the doctor when you get home, or a nasty credit card bill in the mail; don't fool yourself, the truth will out.

Not all lingering repercussions are bad, though. In this instance, I carried back a handful of the really exspendy, and really excellent, Casa Fuente cigars.

Fair warning (as if you won't notice this in other blogs about Casa Fuente), even this meager 5x52 robusto will run you about $20.

Loads of other bloggers, with more refined taste than mine, will tell you all the florid nuances of this cigar. I'll just do so in a few bold strokes; Sweet grass overtone, with a savory spice body that's incredible. Think of a Fuente Hemingway wrapper on an Opus X. It's a great combo, and unfortunately exclusive to this pricey line of cigars.

If you're going to make the trip to Casa Fuente, might as well bring home a couple flammable souvenirs to remind you of the experience, right? Be it smoking at the Forum Shops location, or your own garage, this is one mighty fine smoke.