2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #27: La Palina 125 Años

“This was quite an enjoyable cigar. I found this cigar to have some nice balance from start to finish and the flavor nuances seemed to click throughout the smoking experience.”

Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
County of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: TABOLISA
Toro Extra: 6 1/2 x 52
Price: $25.00

Sponsor: No
Samples Provided for Initial Review: No
Review: La Palina 125 Años (2021) (9/21/22)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 5 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022)

Coming in at #27 is the La Palina 125 Años. The story of La Palina Cigars is one that is well-known. The brand was founded back in 1896 by Samuel Paley under his Congress Cigar Company. When Samuel retired in 1926, the La Palina brand pretty much retired with him. In 2010, the La Palina Cigars as we know it was resurrected by Samuel’s grandson, William C. Paley. 2021 would mark 125 years since Samuel Paley founded the brand, therefore La Palina Cigars decided it would release a commemorative cigar to mark the occasion – and the La Palina 125 Años was born.

The La Palina 125 Años is the first La Palina offering to be produced out of TABOLISA, the factory owned by Oliva Cigar Company. The cigar consists of 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos. The cigar has been released in one size – a 6 1/2 x 52 Toro Extra. Originally the cigar was released in glass jars as a limited release, but this past year it has been added as a core line offering under boxes with the same blend. While the blend is identical, it is worth noting we ranked this cigar from the 2021 offering (which under our criteria is eligible).

The La Palina 125 Años delivered a flavor profile of cedar, dank earth, chocolate, natural tobacco, fruit, and white pepper. This is something quite different than anything we’ve seen from La Palina before, but the flavors click. The flavors delivered are medium-bodied and countered by medium strength.

For La Palina this is the fifth time it has landed on the Countdown – and the company’s first appearance since 2013. If you are following along at home, we have unveiled four cigars thus far on the Countdown and this is the fourth cigar produced out of Nicaragua to land on the Countdown.