Viaje Platino Reserva VPR DT (Double Torpedo)

When it comes to Viaje, the line of cigars that probably is the best known among the general consumer base is the Oro line.  Most notably, the Viaje Oro Reserva VOR has become the best well-known because of its #2 rating by Cigar Aficionado magazine.   The Oro has a sibling line known as the Platino.   This series bears a resemblance to the Oro in physical appearance and in blend characteristics.   The big difference with the Platino line is that I consider it an “amp’d down” version of the Oro.   Recently, I provided an assessment of the Viaje Oro Reserva VOR DT (Double Torpedo).  In this assessment, I will provide information on its sibling – the Viaje Platino Reserva VPR DT.  This cigar proves to be a nice alternative to its stronger Oro sibling.

The VPR DT is a new vitola in the Viaje Platino Reserva series.   The previous release was the Viaje Platino Reserva No .6.   This was a box-press toro-sized vitola.  The VPR DT is a double-torpedo vitola and it was released simultaneously with its Oro countepart (the VOR DT). Like the VOR DT, the original word on the VPR 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.

Finally, when it comes to the Oro and Platino, it is usually easy to tell the difference between the two because the Oro has a gold ribbon and the Platino has a silver ribbon.  With the Reserva edition of these cigars, it becomes more challenging to tell the difference.  You basically have to look closely at the Viaje logo and if you see gold in it, it is the Viaje Oro Reserva (VOR).  If you see silver in it, it is the Viaje Platino Reserva (VPR).

Blend Profile

Like the VPR DT is an all-Nicaraguan puro.  Like the Reserva blend of the Oro series, the VPR is a variation of Viaje’s Platino line.  The difference is that it contains slightly different in older leaf and aged ligero in the tobacco.   Now as far as the Viaje Platino Reserva VPR DT goes, while the blend may seem identical to the Viaje Oro Reserva DT, it does not have as much strength and body – thus it is “amp’d down”.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 99
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas Available

Here are the two vitolas of the VPR blend.  It is worth noting the original #6 is now a very difficult cigar to find and not one in regular production.

VPR No. 6: 6 x 50 (box-press)
VPR DT: 5 3/4 z 52 (double torpedo)

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

Since the VPR DT is a double-torpedo, I defaulted to a straight cut.  When I commenced the pre-light draw, I detected a mix of cocoa and grass notes.  I considered the dry draw to be average – i.e. not bad, but not having me do handstands.  It was then on to fire up the VPR DT and see what else would come to the table.

Flavor Profile

The VPR DT yielded some spice right out of the gate.  The spices can be best summarized as a combination of white pepper and cedar.  I soon noticed the spices diminish and notes of nut, coffee, and cream emerge.  One thing I noticed off the bat was that not only did the VPR seem “amp’d down” in terms of strength, but the flavor notes had less body as well.

At the cigar experience moved through the first half, the nut flavors moved into the forefront.  In addition to the coffee and cream, I did detect some acidic citrus notes in the background.   Once I passed the halfway point of the VPR,  I noticed a return of the white pepper/cedar spice.   The spices never quite pushed out the nut flavors and the spices would hold secondary right until the close of the cigar.   Overall, the finish was pleasant and not harsh.  The nub was soft and lukewarm.

Burn and Draw

While I had some burn issues with my VOR DT, the VPR DT did not cause as many burn issues.  I believe this is because the VPR DT had more age in the humidor.   I would have liked to have done less touch-ups on the VPR DT.  There were no issues with the burn rate and burn temperature as these were ideal for a cigar experience.  The draw was ideal as well.  I normally don’t care for torpedo vitolas, but this one drew very well.

Strength and Body

Yes, the VPR DT is a notch down in strength and body.   The VPR DT is not going to be a nicotine bomb like other cigars in the Viaje line, and it is definitely assessed as medium.  As for the body, the depth of the flavor notes is not quite where it was for the VOR DT.  For the majority of the smoke of the VPR DT, I assess this as a medium with a medium to full at the close.

Final Thoughts

One might think because the flavor notes are not as deep in the VPR DT as the VOR DT that this might be an inferior cigar.   I did not find that the case with the VPR DT.  The adjustment in the strength for the VPR balanced out this cigar perfectly.   While I wouldn’t categorize this a a true “smooth” smoke, it is still one of those smokes that is good when you don’t want something too powerful.   I have stated that I am not a fan of torpedo vitolas.   When it came to the VOR series, I preferred the VOR #5 box-press robusto over the VOR DT (Double Torpedo).  While I didn’t try the VPR #6 Toro, I do believe I would have preferred that vitola over the double torpedo.   Overall, a cigar I wouldn’t mind having again – and one that I do think can appeal to novice and experienced enthusiasts.

Summary

Burn: Good
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Low
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium (Medium to Full at the end)
Assessment: Nice to Have

Source: This cigars for this assessment were purchased from Outland Cigars in Charlotte, North Carolina.