In case you didn’t catch it, I already enumerated my virtual tasting experience with the La Aurora team, including the brand’s Master Blender Manuel Ynoa. It was a great time and an excellent opportunity to learn some of the behind the scenes work that’s done to create a new blend like this. They went through over 70 different potential blends before settling on the one used in the Family Creed Fuerte Sol.
But it also makes sense to do a dedicated review on the numerous Fuerte Sol sticks I smoked. So, here we are. In the vein of my other reviews, this one will be relatively short and sweet with a focus on guidance. If you want to try this cigar, or something similar, I aim to provide you with an overview and some options. I want supportive more than competitive or score-based.
If you don’t already have something lit, light up, pour a glass, and let’s get smoky.
Storage and burn
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
While I don’t normally disclose how many I smoke, in this case I smoked three myself, spaced out over the course of a few weeks. I also gave a Fuerte Sol to my brother-in-law. All of them smoked well, with no burn issues, no tunneling or no concerns to speak of.
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll probably roll your eyes here — because you’ve heard it several times — but I like to share how I store my cigars. I keep my humidor’s relative humidity (RH) between 64 and 67 and the temps in my house stay around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That will give you some idea as to the conditions they’re stored in and hopefully, it will allow you to compare if and when you have your own experience.
I always let my cigars rest and the Fuerte Sol had a chance to rest for a couple of weeks in the shortest span.
As an aside, I do have to say the bands on this cigar are incredible. The design is so so good with a La Aurora family creed etched on the secondary band and a marble-like finish to it, all wrapped in golds, browns, and tan shades. Sorry, had to let my inner fanboy out for a sec there, let’s get back to it.
In terms of construction, they cut well. I used straight cuts, V cuts, and a punch for good measure. Although, Ynoa would probably have my head, he likes straight cuts. I prefer straight cuts myself, but for a review it’s always good to try a few options.
There were no burn issues to speak of, as mentioned. I had a flawless ash line for each Fuerte Sol I burned through. Very few trimmings came loose after a cut, which means they’re not too dry, and the wrapper stayed intact — no rolling or peeling off — it also means I cut it good, and they were well-constructed.
Now, on to the flavors.
Flavors and experience
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
La Aurora has been around for over 100 years at this point. I mean, obviously with the 120th Anniversary cigar, which is absolutely phenomenal. You could argue two things knowing that information. The brand really knows what it’s doing because it’s been around forever. Alternatively, the brand has been doing the same thing forever with little deviation. In such a competitive market, with so many unique blends and experiences, that last bit won’t turn out well.
That’s why the La Aurora team is taking things in a different direction from its usual haunts, filling in the gaps in its portfolio. While the 120th was a slight move in the right direction, the Fuerte Sol is a much bigger step. It’s bold, full-bodied and way out of line with most of what they carry. That’s not to say they don’t have other full-bodied blends, but this one is nothing short of a standout.
Featuring a thick, beautiful Mexican San Andres wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and mixed fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania it’s a notch up, pepper especially, from what La Aurora generally proffers.
Common flavors shared during the tasting, and in discussions with others, included cedar, wood, cocoa, baking spices, toasted marshmallow, caramel, and some subtle earth. I also, personally, tasted Anise and licorice undertones, but I was also sipping a Leon Jimenes 110 Aniversario Dominican rum with it, which is dark and super sweet. Some of those bolder baking spices toned down a little when I opted for a carbonated sweet beverage like Pepsi.
It’s a delectable treat, much like the La Aurora 120th Anniversary, but what I love about the Fuerte Sol is that I can place it pretty much anywhere in my lineup. Since it’s stronger and more full-bodied, I don’t have to smoke it first thing I can place it as a second or even third cigar in the evening, depending on what I have with it. That’s certainly not something I’ve come to expect from La Aurora, but it’s a welcome change. I hope they produce more blends like this.
La Aurora Fuerte Sol review: Closing statements
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
I enjoy most of what La Aurora puts out, and I have a history with the brand, so you’re probably expecting me to speak positively either way. But genuinely, the Fuerte Sol is a fantastic cigar, it’s flavorful, it’s bolder than the brand’s normal lineup, and the spices stick around — which is not something you generally get with Dominican tobacco or cigars. That’s not meant to be an insult. Dominican cigars tend to be milder and more relaxing, but it’s great to see blenders stepping out of that cliche.
Like the 120th Anniversary, the Fuerte Sol will maintain a residence in my humidor, but as long as it’s available, in much bigger quantities. I could see myself smoking this regularly, and by that I mean often. I’d be interested to see what the rest of you think.
Briley specifics
Recommended: Yes
Would I smoke it again? Yes, I already do.
Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
My preferred size: Robusto
La Aurora Family Creed Fuerte Sol specs
Profile: Full-bodied
Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Box count: 20
MSRP: $360 or ~$18 per stick (Toro size)
If you like this, you might also like: La Aurora 120th Anniversary, La Aurora ADN, La Aurora Hors D’age, Boneshaker Full Body Cast, Arturo Fuente Sun Grown, Casa Carrillo Pledge, Casa Carrillo Endure, H. Upmann Hispaniola, JR Cigars Revival 70s, La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 6, Padron 1964 Anniversary Series.
You’ll notice that my format is meant to be short and sweet, like this Outcast Cigars review, or the previous Aganorsa Rare Leaf Maduro review. I don’t intend to keep up with the big leagues, I’m one guy. There won’t be any scores. However, I do want these reviews to be a resource for those looking for similar smokes or experiences.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
