CA Report: Top New Cigars (August 19, 2024)

Fresh premiums straight from the port--new cigars from La Aroma, HVC, & Aladino at Famous Smoke Shop!

With a two-month heatwave finally over (at least in Pennsylvania) and the mercury dipping into the refreshing zone, it seems like summer is singing its swan song. It’ll be Labor Day before you know it. Back to school. Halloween. Christmas. The cycle repeats. It’s easy to get lost in the monotony of it all. And that’s what new cigars are all about remedying. A pause in the bustle. A moment to reflect. Time spent not doing anything but relaxing.

In an ever-connected world where our personal and work circles combine into one jumbled mess of stress on our iPhones, there’s no better time than late summer for smoking. It’s almost always perfect weather for it. At least temperature-wise.

While some may choose to focus instead on the imminent arrival autumn, and later winter, I’d prefer to live as much as I can in the moment. And if that’s something you’d like to do as well, I have three new cigars for your consideration. Check out my reviews of these fresh blends from La Aroma de Cuba, HVC, and Aladino!

Let’s get started.

La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua Esteli, Jalapa, & Namanji

Father and son cigar masters, Jose ‘Pepin’ and Jaime Garcia have teamed up with La Aroma de Cuba for a cigar called Noblesse. With a name meaning “of noble birth” it’s fitting that the trio crafted a blend becoming of an aristocrat. No, they don’t run cheap. Even at the box price, they’re starting just north of $17 bucks a pop. But when you factor who’s making them, or the work that goes into rolling the cigars in a Cuban-style entubado, it’s a more-than-fair justification. Maybe this won’t be your daily. But definitely worth picking up a box to enjoy during life’s special moments.

Aladino Fuma Noche

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Ecuador Connecticut
Filler: Dominican Republic & Pennsylvania Broadleaf

On my first day in Esteli, Nicaragua, I ran around screeching “Buenos días” to everyone I saw—regardless of time—completely oblivious. No wonder a few folks pointed and giggled at the Gringo. The best lessons are born from the situations we look back on and laugh. I tell you this because…that’s how I know Aladino’s Fuma Noche means ‘night smoke.’ JRE is calling the blend the “boldest Aladino yet.” I’m not sure I agree with that, but there’s no doubting that it’s strong and complex enough to compete with the boutique bros. I loved its ability to remain smooth, even with some hard-hitting pepper in the fray. Additionally, I enjoyed notes of brown sugar, and a mineral-like earthiness. One thing is for sure…it’s got nightcap written all over it. Or should I say…noche cap?

HVC Hot Cake Golden Line Connecticut

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua Jalapa & Esteli

Speaking of boutique bros, few do it better than Reinier Lorenzo of HVC. His Hot Cake line has been a special on the menu for the past few years. The latest edition—Golden Line Connecticut—highlights a softer side of a brand known for their full-flavored premiums. Golden Line smokes mellow, despite its core of Nicaraguan tobaccos, thanks to a creamy Connecticut wrapper. And for a cigar donning the most famous breakfast-friendly of wrappers, the blend’s flavors are closest to its namesake. Experience a toasty, leathery array of earthy and sweet flavors with notes of butter, vanilla, cedar, and almonds. It’s almost like you could pour some syrup on it and call it a meal. Don’t do that. Do smoke it, though!