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) A re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we provide a score for the Viaje White Label Project (WLP) St. Patrick’s Day Candela 2011. This was a cigar we assessed back in March 2011.
 |
| Viaje White Label Project (WLP ) St. Patrick’s Day Candela 2011 |
It was in 2011 where the original Viaje Candela cigar was released – the Viaje White Label Project (WLP) St. Patrick’s Day Candela 2011. The White Label Project concept was launched a little over two years ago and has been deemed a series of experimental blends by Viaje. As for the Viaje WLP Candela 2011, we thought this was an outstanding release in 2011 – coming in as our #28 Cigar of the Year. Now with two years more aging, we revisit this candela wrapper cigar and find that time hasn’t slowed this cigar down one bit. This still ranks among our favorites.
As mentioned, it was the Viaje WLP Candela 2011 that was the first Viaje cigar with a candela wrapper released. This has been followed up by two additional releases in 2012 and 2013. Each of these releases have been timed to be coincide with St. Patrick’s Day. The 2011 version never quite had the “Kermit the Frog” green that the 2012 and 2013 releases have. In fact, the 2011 version we pulled out of the humidor was beginning to get more brown in color. We know that the wrapper from the 2011 is different from the others, and we do know the overall blend is different. In addition to the candela wrapper, the WLP Candela 2011 has Nicaraguan tobaccos in the binder and filler.
Each year, the WLP Candela has been made in a single size. For the Viaje WLP Candela 2011, the size is a 5 x 50 robusto. The 2012 and 2013 editions are 5 x 52 robustos.
 |
| Viaje White Label Project (WLP) St. Patrick’s Day Candela Series. From top to bottom: 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions |
The pre-light to the WLP Candela 2011 has some nice complexity to it. Some of the dry draw notes include: wood, cream, grass, and what I would describe as an interesting minty spice.
Once lit, there is a strong blast of pepper to start the experience of the WLP Candela 2011. The pepper seemed to linger a little longer this time around. As the pepper subsided, it was joined by notes of chestnut, grass, cedar, cream, and citrus. The finish was very long on this cigar – and the retro-hale also had some nice notes of cream and citrus on it. This time, the end of the WLP Candela 2011 seemed to have more spice to it, but no harshness. The flavors to this cigar to this cigar are medium-bodied. The strength to this cigar is mild strength, so this cigar definitely emphasizes flavor over strength.
This Viaje held up solidly in terms of construction when it came to burn and draw. The burn and draw were excellent. The ash had a salt and pepper color. There was some flaking, but nothing major. Many candelas tend to burn on the warmer side, but no such case with the Viaje White Label Project (WLP) St. Patrick’s Day Candela 2011. The resulting nub was a real finger burner as it finished firm to the touch and cool in temperature.
 |
| Nub of the Viaje WLP Candela 2011 |
Click here for our original assessment of the Viaje White Label Project (WLP) St. Patrick’s Day Candela 2011.
Assessment: Memorable
Score: 92
Source: The cigars for this assessment update were gifted from a friend. Since there was only one release of the Viaje WLP Candela 2011, these cigars have two years age on them.
