La Riqueza

[Hank Koestner]

I found a new delicious cigar(IMHO). I smoked Pete Johnsons(Tatuaje) new blend La Riqueza last night, the number 2 size 55/8 X 46. Wonderful! This cigar has much flavor, and could be said to be full bodied, but I will place it firmly in the medium body range. Rich, layered complex flavors, everything you might want in a smoke, without being high on the strength scale. This one will have a place in the humi. I have 2 other sizes to try, the No.1 6 X 42 and the No.3 5 x 48. ED 15 was a little too rich for this cigar, as the complex flavors go on steroids together. I think a medium bodied rum with rich flavor, on the drier side, or an agricole will pair well with this one. More on this later as I taste them.

Also, as a sidebar, the Drew Estate Liga Privada # 9 was also excellent, another that falls in the medium range.

[Rum Runner]

Sounds like the La Riqueza is a keeper Hank. Interestingly, the Stogie Fresh website I noted in my previous thread did a recent podcast review of this line with some notes on email exchanges with Pete Johnson about him using a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper...Which, as a high school student growing up in the Connecticut River Valley, I used to help pick during the summer months.

[Hank Koestner]

Thanks for the link, Rum Runner, that was great info!you rock.gif

[Lew Barrett]

I bought two of each size based on your review Hank. I have yet to smoke them, but will do so soon.

[Hank Koestner]

I hope you like them, Lew! Tonight, I smoked the #3,5 x48. It started off much stronger than the #2, but after an inch it smoothed out and became delicious. At first, earthy flavors really dominated. This one is more full bodied, but still very good. I poured Appleton 12 with Saranac Ginger Beer, a 50/50 mix, and it blended well with the cigar. Also, after that, a little 12 by itself, and that was great too. Appleton 12 is on my list as a good cigar rum.glass.gif

[Lew Barrett]

I'm smoking a #3 right now, and I do like it! Agreed, this is a relatively powerful smoke. Great tobacco flavor that hasn't let up since first puff. Fine construction, a firm but not unpleasant draw (mine may be just a touch on the wet side) with a beautiful dark wrapper, tiny , even burn line and no corrections or re-lights required. Dark gray ash, not flakey. A big nicotine blast that's sure to get the eyes rolling! I'd say....winner!

[snowboardin58]

Thanks for the review! I havn't ventured past Tatuaje for Pete Johnson(even at the Pete Johnson event!), but now I REALLY have the urge to get a La Riqueza!

[SuperCorona]

Pete was at my favorite shop tonight, but I had to work late and missed seeing him.

I'll grab a few LaRiqueza this weekend.

[Hank Koestner]

I will be curious to see what you think, Super Corona. I don't think there is anything I have ever tasted from Pete Johnson I did not like.cigar.gif

[SuperCorona]

Finally got up to my favorite shop and grabbed a #1 today. I found it to be medium strength with very nice Nic flavors similar to a natural Padron Londres. I wish I'd had some rum to try with it. I think Clement VSOP would be a nice match.

[Hank Koestner]

Yes, your description is right on, SuperCorona. The body is light enough to be an afternoon cigar, with enough flavor to stand up after a meal in the evening. I am going to try your suggestion of Clement VSOP.cigar.gifBtmup.gif

[Rojo Camacho]

just saw this thread. i smoke all of petes stuff. the la riquezas are really good. if you get a chance to snag a noella reserva, do it, they are awesome. i finished off my bottle of flor de cana 12 y o with these cigars. something about nica tobacco and nica rum, they go well together.

[Lew Barrett]

I am going to promise myself to catch up on all the rum news in the next few days but I'll start here!

First...I am alive and well, still smoking and drinking. LOL!

Second; I had a La Requezea double corona recently (two, in fact) and let me say they are one of the best new smokes of the year. Unlike the earlier releases, these are NOT box pressed.

I'll review it later, but for now, let's just say....smoke 'em if you got 'em. They are delicious! Powerful, complex, they have all the good notes and flavors of a top vitola. CA rated them 87.....a gross under-rating imo, and should be ignored. Wonderful cigar that Pete Johnson nailed square n the head. They are different than the box pressed.

[Rojo Camacho]

I am going to promise myself to catch up on all the rum news in the next few days but I'll start here!

First...I am alive and well, still smoking and drinking. LOL!

Second; I had a La Requezea double corona recently (two, in fact) and let me say they are one of the best new smokes of the year. Unlike the earlier releases, these are NOT box pressed.

I'll review it later, but for now, let's just say....smoke 'em if you got 'em. They are delicious! Powerful, complex, they have all the good notes and flavors of a top vitola. CA rated them 87.....a gross under-rating imo, and should be ignored. Wonderful cigar that Pete Johnson nailed square n the head. They are different than the box pressed.

nice, the la rikky's are very good. the non-box pressed are the cabinet selection if i remember correctly. i think i may have one tonight!

[Lew Barrett]

Yes, it's a cabinet selection. My local supplier (J&J Cigars, Seattle) says he can't keep them in stock. I bought a handful after I smoked my sample stick, and may have to buy a box. That's an oddity for me because I am not normally a fan of such big cigars.

[Steven St-Amour]

hank, I agree with you that Appleton 12 yo has the qualities to blend with a wide range of cigars, even if I have to cheat once and a while and add a touch of ginger beer or press the drink with a few drops of water. I also found that my Mount Guay1703 has similar characteristics that allow me to blend my drink to complement my cigars. Specially these days where everyone is telling me to get away from my Cubans and explore Dominicans. I wont tell you that some nights in the hot tub that I don't cheat and soak up with a fine R&J or Bolivar with a small 3 finger of rum