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Stogie Reviews: Isla de Cuba Classic Belicoso

16 Apr 2008

I wanted to be one of first to review this new Honduran-rolled boutique cigar, so please bear in mind that I only smoked one Isla de Cuba Classic Belicoso for this review. Based on the experience, though, I’m looking forward to trying more.

Isla de Cuba Classic BelicosoThe Isla de Cuba Group is a Tampa-based manufacturer that was launched in February to bring old Havana favorites back to the U.S. market. With Classic and Aged Maduro lines (five vitolas each), President Darryl Lieser says the “brand is based on the legendary 1956 Montecristo No. 3.” You’ll probably be able to read more about that claim once the full Isla de Cuba website is up and running.

The 6.12 inch by 52 ring gauge Classic Belicoso boasts a beautiful Connecticut Ecuadorian wrapper with a light yellow hue and few veins. The portrait-style band is nostalgic and beckoning, and the cigar is fairly firm to the touch. I’m not sure if this is intentional, but I noticed a slight trumpet-like shape (a feature that’s much more pronounced in stogies like the Puros Piramide).

To its credit, the similarities between the Classic Belicoso and the Puros Piramide end there. Toasting the foot sets the tone with an agreeable floral aroma. The first few puffs are surprisingly spicy as the Nicaraguan and Dominican binder and filler tobaccos start to work their magic. Sweet hay and jasmine move to the forefront until the halfway mark, which is milder and characterized by notes of butter and almond. The culmination of this 100-minute smoke sees a return to the initial spice.

My draw was a bit tight so, after ten minutes of smoking, I re-clipped the head further than I do most torpedo-shaped sticks. It opened right up. The burn is set-it-and-forget-it straight with a wonderful mascara sheen, and the ash holds for about an inch.

You can find these at JR for $151.95 per box of 25. I think that’s a pretty fair price for well-built mild- to medium-bodied cigar with a delicious flavor profile and an all-around quality feel. I give the Isla de Cuba Classic Belicoso four out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

9 Responses to “Stogie Reviews: Isla de Cuba Classic Belicoso”

  1. Padronnie Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 3:18 am #

    Interesting… I hadn't heard of these before.

    Now I want to try them. Does anyone know if JR stores sell these as singles?

  2. Ricky R Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 5:21 am #

    I don't know about JR stores, but I too would like to get my hands on a few singles before buying a box. Maybe the Isla website will have info on that once it's finished.

  3. Maddog Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 9:36 am #

    Just to let you Know that i heard about these cigars from the General and have been Dying to try them out but have not been able to find them any where in my neighborhood. I will try JRs. Thanks Maddog

Trackbacks and Pingbacks

  1. Cigar Insider: Darryl Lieser of Isla de Cuba Cigar Inc. - Monday, May 5, 2008

    […] now, the cigars are available in two versions. The natural, the one Lieser feels is most reminiscent of that ’56 Monte, has an Ecuadorian Connecticut […]
  2. Stogie Reviews: Isla de Cuba Aged Maduro Robusto - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

    […] month I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to review the Isla de Cuba Classic Belicoso. I found it to be an excellent smoke with a delicious flavor profile and an all-around quality […]
  3. Live Updates From the IPCPR Trade Show (Day 3) - Tuesday, July 15, 2008

    […] from Nicaragua, Honduras, and other “secret” Central American tobaccos. Much like the Classic and Aged Maduro lines, these offerings from Isla de Cuba did not disappoint, and I look forward to […]
  4. Stogie Reviews: Isla de Cuba Blend 376 Robusto Extra - Monday, September 22, 2008

    […] flavors of the Blend 376 are reminiscent to, but not the same as, the original Classic blend. The cigar is toasty with leather and lots of nut flavors—both peanut and cashew come to […]
  5. Stogie Spirits: Jameson Irish Whiskey - Wednesday, November 5, 2008

    […] with whiskey. So, for pairings, look to the medium-bodied spectrum. My recommendations include the Isla de Cuba Classic, Bolivar Royal Corona, Gran Habano #3, Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill, and Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino. […]
  6. Stogie Spirits: Canadian Club Classic 12 Year Old - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

    […] is plenty to pair up with a fine cigar. I’d recommend the Arganese Edición Especial 2008,  Isla de Cuba Classic, EO Cubao, Oliva Series G, or Romeo y Julieta Vintage, all which have prominent cream or cedar […]