Viaje Oro Reserva VOR DT

By now it is pretty common knowledge that the Viaje Oro Reserva No 5 was named the #2 Cigar of the Year (2010) by Cigar Aficionado.  In reality since a Cuban cigar was named #1, this was the top cigar that is available to us living in the United States. It was this announcement that put Andre Farkas’ Viaje company on the map of the mainstream cigar world.   Prior to IPCPR 2011, Farkas made an announcement that a new vitola for the Viaje Oro Reserva VOR blend was being released.   This cigar is will be a double torpedo (perfecto-like) vitola and this is called the Viaje Oro Reserva VOR DT.  I was a fan of the VOR No. 5 and while the VOR DT is a nice follow-up, I’m thinking I still prefer the large robusto vitola of the VOR No. 5

The original word on the VOR DT was that this was going to be a limited release.  However, Andre Farkas was quoted in Cigar Aficionado as stating this will be a “regular production cigar”. Now how many cigars will be produced on an annual basis is still something to be determined.

Here is a further break down of the Viaje Oro Reserva VOR DT:

Blend Profile

Like the VOR No 5, the VOR DT is an all-Nicaraguan puro.  The Reserva blend is a variation of Viaje’s core Oro line.  The difference is that it contains slightly different in older leaf and aged ligero in the tobacco.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 99
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas Available

Here are the two vitolas of the VOR blend.  It is worth noting the original #5 is now a very difficult cigar to find and not one in regular production.

VOR No. 5: 5 1/2 x 52 (box-press)
VOR DT: 5 3/4 z 52 (double torpedo)

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

Given the VOR DT is a double torpedo, I defaulted to a straight cut.  Upon taking the pre-light dry draws, I definitely detected a combination of chocolate and caramel.  There also was a tiny hint of cedar in the background.   The prelight draw was very satisfactory so it was on to light up the VOR DT.

Flavor Profile

While I often assess one vitola of a cigar, I do realize each vitola tastes different.   It is almost like different shapes of macaroni – same ingredients, but different tastes among the shapes.  With some vitolas in a blend, the flavor differences are greater than others.  I mention this because I did see a significant difference between the VOR DT and VOR No. 5,

The initial flavors following the light-up of the VOR DT were a combination of cinnamon and pepper with some caramel undertones.  It was definitely a unique start to a cigar.  The flavor profile settled to one that was more of a sweet coffee.  The pepper subsided into the background for the remainder of the first third.

In the second third, there was a definite increase in the pepper notes.  This is similar to what the VOR No. 5 did.  I definitely think the pepper got more pronounced with the DT.  I also was able to detect the pepper strongly through my nasal passages.   On the last third, the coffee morphed into more of a classic cocoa taste (cocoa notes were also something that were very pronounced on the VOR No. 5).  The spice also diminished again.  The finish wasn’t 100% smooth, but it wasn’t harsh either.  My nub was a little soft, but cool.

Burn and Draw

The burn on my VOR No. 5 was outstanding.  I wish I could say the same thing about the VOR DT, but cannot.   My VOR DT had a major issue with tunneling several times during the cigar experience .  The burn rate was fine and the cigar didn’t burn hot, but I the tunneling was enough to have an impact on flavor.

I have found many times Viaje Cigars need some age at least 8 to 10 weeks.   I don’t think this VOR DT tasted “green”, but I question if this was part of the burn problem.  I had given this VOR DT about 4 weeks aging (as opposed to the 8 to 10 weeks I normally give it), so cannot say if a few more weeks would have made a difference.

The draw had no issues – it was excellent in my book.

Strength and Body

The Viaje VOR DT had a good mix of strength and balance.   This cigar definitely has more nicotine than one might think.   I would not hesitate to put this into a medium to full category in terms of strength.   It’s also similar for the body.  The flavors were robust and easily fall into the medium to full category in terms of body.

Final Thoughts

The two reasons why I put the VOR No. 5 ahead of the VOR DT are: 1) The tunneling problem on the VOR DT; 2) The Double Torpedo vitola.   With #2, I just am not a fan of any type of torpedo vitola.  I lot of times I think they look nicer than they actually smoke.   However, while these were some shortcomings, the Viaje Oro Reserva VOR DT was still a very flavorful cigar experience.   I’m thinking this cigar’s profile can suit both the experienced enthusiast and the novice looking for medium to full strength/body smokes. While I still like the VOR No, 5 better, I’d still give this smoke another try.

Summary

Burn: Fair
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium to Full
Body: Medium to Full
Assessment: Nice to Have

Source: This cigar was purchased from Outland Cigars in Charlotte, North Carolina.