I understand this is an older cigar and there are already reviews published on more prestigious blogs and websites. That’s okay. I wanted to give a better feel for the types of cigar reviews I’ll be doing. For me, and maybe you also, this Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Maduro review is a perfect start.
Some cigars are worth keeping stocked in your humidor, no matter how much room you have, because they’re a bastion of decadence. Every time you light one up, they provide a unique, but memorable experience. Both the Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve versions — the Corojo and the Maduro — fit that bill. They are the equivalent of an after-meal dessert. Filled with sweetness, saltiness, and flavors abound, they’re not like anything else you can find on the shelves of a cigar shop either.
But while I could wax poetic all day, the real test, tried and true, is lighting one up for yourself, delving into those flavors that assault your senses, and coming out of the other side a changed person. Not necessarily someone with new world views, but someone who knows what they enjoy, knows what they want, and they just had it.
Maybe for you it’s different, but for me, I have to resist the urge to light up an Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve every day. I also have to resist the urge to light up another, right after I’ve just had one. Nevermind the flavors, nevermind the beverage pairing, to me that’s peak excellence. When a cigar can make you feel that way, make you desire another almost immediately and you can’t stop thinking about it — that’s a winner.
Storage and burn
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
I have yet to run into construction or burn issues and I’ve gone through several boxes now, primarily the Corojo, but also the Maduro. Since the latter is what we’re reviewing here today, that’s what I’ll focus on.
In regards to storage, these are not finicky cigars because they are well-constructed. A testament to the strength of Aganorsa’s Leaf. 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.
They’re easy to cut and don’t fall apart at the head — meaning the cap and underlying tobacco don’t come unraveled after a cut. I use guillotine or straight cuts, so that’s a big deal. Moreover, they’re just as easy to light, provided you have the right tools.
Flavors and Experience
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
While the Maduro does have similar flavors to the Corojo, it’s still a unique experience. The wrapper is a San Andres Maduro from Mexico, and it blends well with the Nicaraguan binder. The fillers include tobacco from Esteli and Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua, as well. Both blends are available in three sizes: Robusto (5 by 52), Toro (6 by 54) and Torpedo Box Press (6 by 52). If you don’t know already, Aganorsa blends to size, so you will have a similar experience in all of those options.
The complexity and depth of flavor are unreal. The dark, oily maduro wrapper is responsible for a lot of toasty, delicious and sweet flavors. Every time I light one, I pick up chocolate, black pepper, dark coffee or espresso, cedar and some fruity notes like lemongrass or citrus. As you get further in, you’ll pick up nuttiness, like almonds, leather, and a creamy and pasty dough-like flavor. Depending on what you pair it with — and I hope it’s something sweet — you’ll get a lot of flavor beyond that. You might pick up some vanilla, sugar or molasses, hay, earth, and a little clove.
The flavors are dark and strong enough that you don’t have to smoke this first in your lineup. It works just fine as a second or third cigar of the day, or the evening. Moreover, I always like to have these after family dinner, so any food flavors still on your palate shouldn’t ruin the experience.
This is a definite recommendation in my book, and it’s a cigar I keep going back to. If you haven’t had an Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Maduro, or the Corojo, you’re in for a real treat when you do.
Briley specifics
Recommended: Yes
Would I smoke it again? Yes, I already do.
Will I buy more? Yes, I already have.
My preferred size: Toro
Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve Maduro specs
Profile: Full-bodied
Approximate smoking time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Box count: 15
MSRP: $232 or ~$15 per stick
If you like this, you might also like: E.P. Carrillo Pledge or Encore Black, Oliva Serie V Melanio, Aganorsa Supreme Leaf, Diesel Delirium, Any Padron
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
