Stogie Reviews: Butera Royal Vintage Mira Bella

The fourth installment in our four part series, Stogie Guys Week in Review, is as delicate in taste as it is in appearance. But the Butera Royal Vintage Mira Bella is no lightweight pushover – it’s an attentive smoker’s delight.

This elegant six and ¾ inches by 38 ring gauge cigar is a slender combination of six inimitable Dominican Republic tobaccos draped in a smooth Connecticut Shade leaf. The cappuccino-colored wrapper sports few noticeable veins, and the caramel-tinted band is a worthy – though untraditional – companion.

After lighting, the first thing I noticed was an extremely mild and airy taste. In fact, the flavor was almost indiscernible without smoking through the nose. But once I did that, creamy almond, milk, and vanilla tones shone through.

While the flavor was light in the first phase, it surprisingly (and fortunately) pleased my entire palate. From bitter to sweet, from acidic to salty, this stogie satisfied all taste buds – a testament to the harmonious blend of tobaccos.

Midway into the smoke, the stogie became a bit spicier, and the flavors – now more nutty than creamy – became pronounced. Notwithstanding this increase in taste, I would still recommend pairing this cigar with wine, not hard alcohol (I chose a savory Robert Mondavi zinfandel).

The construction qualities are the only serious drawback. The stogie requires constant surveillance to maintain an even burn, and it regrettably has a knack for going out at random.

Even so, the Butera Royal Vintage Mira Bella is a pleasurable stick – especially if you’re in the mood for something light. I’d love to give it a higher rating, but considering the poor physical properties for a $7 cigar, I’m forced to give it a respectable – yet disappointing – three and ½ out of five stogies.

–Patrick A