#28

This epic encounter uses the word “candela” – and yes a candela cigar makes my 2011 Top 30 Cigars of the year.

Coming in at #28 is the Viaje WLP (White Label Project – St. Patrick’s Day) Candela.   Similar to how manufacturers tried to raise the bar making more fuller blends with Ecuadorian Connecticut, some companies have tried to do the same with the mildest of all wrappers – the Double Claro (a.k.a Candela).   Make no bones about it, the Viaje WLP Candela is a very good cigar – and has its own unique space for Double Claro cigars.

The White Label Project (WLP) is a line that has seen several releases this year releases by Viaje this year.  The cigars in this line are considered somewhat experimental to varying degrees.  Of all of the blends released under this umbrella, the Viaje WLP Candela was the best in the WLP series.  It was released just in time for St. Patrick’s Day in 2011.

The Viaje WLP Candela maintains a traditional mild strength profile for a candela-wrapper cigar.   It’s distinguishing characteristics are its flavors.   The flavor notes for this cigar include: citrus, cream, chestnuts (yes, chestnuts), pepper, and cedar.  For the most part, the depth of the flavor notes allow this cigar just inch into the medium area of the spectrum for body.  The Viaje WLP Candela serves up a nice amount of complexity.

While some Viaje releases have not been ready to smoke when they arrive on retailer’s shelves, this one was. As time passed, these cigars just got better with age – making for some good consistency.

Click here for the full assessment done on this cigar.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Candela
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

Vitolas Available

Robusto: 5 x 50 (only size)

Recommended Vitola: Robusto (default)