2016 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #24: LH Maduro Lancero

“ I’ve enjoyed smoking the LH Maduro blend in the larger sizes, but with the lancero, I found things went to another level.”

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Criollo Maduro
Binder / Filler: Includes Nicaraguan, Peruvian, and Brazilian
Country of Origin: Costa Rica (Tabacos de Costa Rica)
Lancero: 7 1/2 x 42
Price: $9.50
Review: LH Maduro Lancero
Brand Appearances on Countdown: 1 (2016)

Coming in at #24 is the LH Maduro Lancero. This is a new 7 1/2 x 42 line extensions to the LH Maduro line.

LH Cigars was founded by Nick Syris and Omar Nasr. The duo originally began offering cigars from Cuba to Lavida Habana lounges in the Middle East. In 2014, LH Cigars turned its sights to the U.S. market working with the Tabacos de Costa Rica to produce for the U.S. market. LH currently offers three blends: LH Claro, LH Colorado, and LH Maduro. Earlier this year, the company introduced the Lancero offering to each of its three blends.

The LH Maduro Lancero is LH Cigars’ first appearance on a Cigar Coop Countdown. It also becomes the first Costa Rican made cigar to make this year’s Countdown. In addition, it is the second lancero offering to qualify for the Countdown, although the 42 ring gauge is larger than most lanceros.

The blend of the utilizes an Ecuadorian Criollo Maduro wrapper over a blend of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos. Ecuador continues to reign supreme as the wrapper of choice on this year’s countdown as this is the third cigar disclosed from this country.

The LH Maduro Lancero delivers notes of chocolate, earth, white pepper, and cedar. The chocolate notes have a nice richness to it. While not an overpowering cigar, this is definitely one of the bolder offerings in the LH Cigars portfolio. The flavors start out medium to full-bodied before progressing to full-bodied in the second half. This is countered by medium to full strength.

Overall, this is one of this gems that truly “flew under the radar”. The 7 1/2 x 42 ring gauge format really shines for the LH Maduro line. As a result, it earns the #24 spot on our “Box Worthy Thirty”.