CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario Cum Laude"

 

About La VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario Cum Laude

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, VegaFina introduced the VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario Cum Laude, a special limited edition crafted by the renowned Grupo de Maestros of Tabacalera de García in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Known for master blending since 1984, this group, the heart of the brand, has created a unique cigar that stands out in the VegaFina lineup​​​​. The cigar is a 6 1/2 x 52 toro extra with a pigtail, a size not previously used in the VegaFina range​​. It maintains the same blend as the regular 1998 line, featuring an Ecuadorian wrapper, Indonesian binder, and filler leaves from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Colombia, but with added intensity and complexity


CigarPursuits Review
VegaFina 1998 25 Aniversario Cum Laude


Appearance & Construction: 15/15

The toro size, at 6 1/2 x 52, boasted a smooth, well-rolled Ecuadorian wrapper. Very good construction  with no soft spots and a finely crafted pigtail end. It's these small details that often herald the quality of the craftsman.

Aroma: 14/15

On the pre-light aroma, the wrapper exuded inviting notes of cocoa and sweetness. The cold draw gave me hints of pepper and nuttiness. It was engaging and inviting.

Flavors: 30/35

Upon lighting, the cigar greeted me with an initial burst of black pepper, soon layered with rich cocoa notes and a hint of salinity. As the smoke progressed, it unfurled a complex tapestry of flavors. The toasted almond notes, intertwined with hints of maple and oak, were particularly delightful. The balance and harmony of these flavors were impeccable, culminating in a satisfying, slightly peppery finish.

Burn & Smoke: 15/15

The smoking experience was characterized by a consistent, very good burn. The ash was white and firm, a sign of well-aged and well-constructed tobacco.

Overall Enjoyment: 19/20

In conclusion, the VegaFina 1998 25th Anniversary is a harmonious blend of medium flavors and medium-to-full strength. Its limited-edition nature makes it all the more special. I would highly recommend it to anyone who cherishes a well-rounded, luxurious smoking experience. If you happen to come across it, don't miss the chance to indulge in this masterpiece.


Conclusion

The VegaFina 1998 25th Anniversary Cum Laude is an exceptional smoke, meriting a personal rating of 93/100. Its blend of complex flavors, excellent construction, and balanced strength makes it a standout choice for any cigar aficionado. A limited edition gem worth seeking out.

Bonus - Perfect Pairing

I recommend pairing it with an Old Fashioned cocktail. The Old Fashioned, with its rich blend of bourbon or rye whiskey, a touch of sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, complements the cigar beautifully. The whiskey's warm, woody notes and slight sweetness enhance the cigar's cocoa, nutty, and toasted almond flavors, while the bitters in the cocktail add a layer of complexity that matches the cigar's peppery finish.

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