Initial Thoughts:
Sometimes we review a cigar that's a stand-alone. Other times, like today, we review a cigar in a different vitola than we've had or reviewed before. And that's pretty fun! While we've reviewed the Laguito No. 6 in the past, today we're smoking the La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 1.
Right off the bat, I became skeptical of this cigar. At $23.00, not only is it expensive, but with a 7 x 38 vitola (ie lancero) I didn't expect to smoke it for all that long. But… I'm open to the possibility of a great experience, so let's dive in.
The La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 1 looked amazing. Visually, it was flawless. The Ecuadorian wrapper was smooth and sexy, and the cigar looked delicious. The pigtail end was crisp and clean, and I was eager to get that thing cut and lit.
After cutting the La Palina Goldie lancero with my guillotine, the draw was disappointingly tight.
CigarScore:
Brand: La Palina
Line: Goldie / Laguito No. 1
Size: 7 x 38
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch
Price: $23.00 – Luxury Cigar Club
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Smoke Time: 83 minutes
Through the middle of the cigar, I was frustrated that the flavors I tasted weren't as delicious as the aromas I smelled before lighting it. I also tasted flavors that made me think the La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 1 could have benefitted from some additional aging time in a humidor.
Also, the somewhat tight draw put a damper on the experience.
After switching to water (and away from Four Roses Bourbon), the flavors became more pure and I started to taste new things. In the final third, I tasted a little creaminess, something spicy-sweet, and some spice on the retrohale.
Final Thoughts
After smoking the La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 1 for 83 minutes, I liked it. I think. But what I don't like is the price.
However, there was some nice complexity in this cigar. When I stopped drinking bourbon and switched to water, the flavors became sweeter and spicier, and more enjoyable.
But, overall, this cigar hits all the right points. While I wish it cost less, that's the only real drawback to this cigar. So, the La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 1 Lancero earns a CigarScore 5.
