THE CIGAR
ALAN:
This week, Scott chose the Vivalo Serie Exclusivo.
THE CIGAR IS MORE THAN TASTE
ALAN:
Patrick Vivalo joined the cigar industry in 1997. In 2002, he became a sales executive for Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, and more recently was in charge of inside sales. While with Rocky Patel, Patrick had the opportunity to create and blend a personal cigar at the factory in Honduras. It was a 6 x 44 lonsdale, which came to be known as the Vivalo Serie Exclusivo.
In 2013, while on a factory tour led by Patrick, two retailers (Tinder Box of Waldorf, Maryland and Dan's Cigar Lounge in Rosedale, Maryland) tried his personal blend and then contacted Rocky about carrying the cigar as an exclusive. The release was announced in April of 2013. And while Rocky Patel Premium Cigars produced the Vivalo Serie Exclusivo, Patrick Vivalo retained the rights to his name. In September of 2014, the cigar line went national, and was expanded to a total of five vitolas.
Early this year, Patrick announced that he would be leaving Rocky. He formally left on February 27th, and launched his own cigar brand, Vivalo Cigars, on March 1, 2015. The brand had an official launch at the 2015 IPCPR Trade Show and Convention.
THE CONSTRUCTIONALAN:
The Vivalo Serie Exclusivo is a Nicaraguan puro, meaning that the blending tobaccos all come from the same country - in this case, Nicaragua. The wrapper is a Jalapa Colorado Shade, the binder is from Esteli and the filler leaves are from the regions of Esteli and Jalapa - and all from Nestor Plasencia's farms.
What's interesting is that the cigars are manufactured in Honduras. More importantly, each vitola has its own flavor profile but shares common characteristics of the blend with the others. In other words, each ring gauge and length is different in strength and taste. The Lonsdale is considered the mildest offering in the line, while the Robusto Grande is considered the strongest. The lineup also includes a Robusto, a Belicoso and a Gordo.
In this review, we enjoyed the Robusto Grande, which has the strongest flavor profile.
Overall, the construction was meticulous, with the Jalapa Colorado Shade wrapper sporting a rich medium brown color with a lustrous red tint.
THE DRAW
ALAN:
The Vivalo Serie Exclusivo Robusto Grande exhibited a slight resistance in the draw but produced a large volume of smoke, making this vitola easy to enjoy. As the cigar warmed, the draw become even easier.
THE CIGAR TASTE PROFILE
ALAN:
The Vivalo Serie Exclusivo Robusto Grande was a somewhat complex smoke, but balanced. I noticed a predominant flavor of rich coffee. Notes of cedar and white pepper played with the senses, while hints of creamy milk chocolate emerged. As always with Nicaraguan tobacco, an earthiness abounded with rich, flavorful and satisfying smoke, demanding yet another draw. I found the flavor to be very fulfilling without seeming overpowering.
DOES IT GET A BUY RECOMMENDATION?
ALAN:
This would make for a great dinner cigar, or one for accompanying an evening coffee. Experienced smokers – and even newer smokers ready to branch out – would doubtless enjoy this vitola. It was just an enjoyable cigar. And therefore, the Vivalo Serie Exclusivo Robusto Grande gets a Cigar Guys Radio Show buy recommendation.
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Cigar images courtesy of: vivalocigars.com
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Alan ‘The Cigar Savant’ Friedman
Co-Host, Cigar Guys Radio Show
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