Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/scored cigar. Today, we provide a numerical score to the  Pinar Del Rio Liga Especial Reserva Superior  . This was a cigar we assessed almost a year ago in October, 2011 .

Pinar Del Rio Liga Especial Reserva Superior

In 2011, Pinar Del Rio Cigars launched the Pinar Del Rio Liga Especial Reserva Superior.   This is an annual limited production cigars that is highlighted by its all ligero blend in its filler. 

The blend features a Dominican Habano wrapper over a double binder consisting of Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobacco.  The all ligero blend consists of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan (Esteli and Jalapa).

Last year three vitolas were launched in the series – a robusto, a toro, and a Gran Toro.  Prior to the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, Pinar Del Rio launched a special Salomon vitola with a tweaked blend that has a double wrapper that (in addition to the Habano wrapper) includes a natural wrapper at the cap and foot.  For this assessment update, we focus on the robusto from 2011.

The flavor profile of the Pinar Del Rio Cigars launched the Pinar Del Rio Liga Especial Reserva Superior consists of notes of leather and pepper.  I could also detect notes of chocolate and espresso as well.  Given this has a ligero filler, the pepper played a key role – particularly in the second half.    Despite the spicy second half, the pepper never became “too much” during this smoke.   The flavors were full-bodied.  The ligero also makes this a full strength cigar.  I found the balance to be excellent between the strength and body as I was able to enjoy the strength and flavor of this cigar.

At the same time, the all-ligero blend does make the burn a little more difficult as it did require several touch-ups.  The draw was excellent from start to finish.

Click here for the original assessment done on this cigar.

Assessment: Nice to Have
Score: 89