Cigar Review: La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Reserva Maximo
19 Dec 2012
Perusing the shelves of one of my favorite local tobacconists last weekend, I was looking for something new to try, perhaps a cigar that debuted at the 2012 industry trade show but had since managed to escape my clutches.
I almost didn’t notice the section of Mi Amor Reserva cigars. The image on the band was all too familiar to me. Without actually reading the second band, I could have easily mistaken the cigars for one of the other La Aroma de Cuba lines that have long been on the market and graced my humidors. I did a double-take and purchased a few.
I bought three Maximos (5.5 x 54) for $9.25 each. One of four Mi Amor Reserva sizes—the others being Romantico (6.9 x 50), Divino (6.25 x 52), and Beso (5.625 x 48)—it is crafted by Don Pepin Garcia at My Father Cigars.
La Aroma’s distributor, Ashton, calls this blend “the finest, most exclusive La Aroma de Cuba to date.†It is intended to be a stronger version of the original Mi Amor line, which was introduced in 2010. The filler and binder are Nicaraguan and the thick Cuban-seed oscuro wrapper is from San Andreas, Mexico.
It’s hard to comment on the appearance of the slightly box-pressed Maximo without mentioning how the ornate bands of red, gold, and yellow look fantastic against the dark exterior leaf. I’m not the first one to point this out, and I won’t be the last. Beneath the bands is a mottled, textured wrapper dotted with imperfections that are likely a result of the high priming of the leaf.
The pre-light fragrances of cocoa and cayenne spice give way to a bold flavor of black pepper spice and dry cedar. After less than a half inch, though, the profile settles in strength to take on a more balanced taste of dark chocolate, earth, nut, and cream. While the nicotine kick remains low from beginning to nub, the body is full.
With excellent construction, a chalky texture, solid balance, and full body despite low strength, the Mi Amor Reserva Maximo is an outstanding smoke and my new favorite among La Aroma de Cuba’s fine portfolio. It will be interesting to see how this young cigar changes with age. As it stands now, it’s already worthy of a rare rating of four and a half stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Not feeling this one after smoking toro size at an event. It followed the mi amor robusto and could not hold a candle to it…IMO. Add in the price, and it really gets ugly….too many better choices at my local for a few dollars less. Great review….you guys should taste more Scotch and tell us about it…lol!
I agree w/ Chas, I was not blown away by the Reserva, I felt like the flavors were very muted and not nearly as good as the original.
Interesting. I really loved this cigar, so I'm much more in line with the review. C'est la vie.
It is definitely bolder than Mi Amor. I am suprised Pepin Garcia didn't use all Mexican tabacco like Mi Amor. I thought the ending to the Reserva was a little harsh in comparison to Mi Amor!
I have to change my opine a bit, smoked one from a fresh shipment and it knocked my socks off! Perhaps my first was rep car stock.
Love this cigar. I smoke one after dinner at a cigar bar near my house often.