Editors note: With this staff review, Top25Cigar will start using a 100 point numeric scale when rating cigars. This goal is to be consistent with our public Cigar Review Database which uses a 10 point numeric scale, and will soon move to 100 point as well.

In 2004, La Aurora, the oldest cigar maker in the Dominican Republic released the limited production “Cien Años” (100 years) line of cigars. Only 300,000 were produced in four shapes: coronas, belicosos, churchills and robustos. The centennial cigars were created as a tribute to the Leon family and the company.

The 100 Años is a Dominican puro using Dominican grown Corojo seed wrappers and Dominican fillers made up mostly of Corojo tobaccos. The limited production is a result of the low yields from the Corojo wrapper. Only about a third of the harvested wrapper tobacco is usable according to Jose Blanco, director of sales.

Jose updated us on availability for the publishing of this review: "The main challenge with 100 Años has been the wrapper. The yield on Corojo is not good but the flavor is out of this world so we continue to grow it. As you know we use true Corojo it is not a hybrid seed. This year (2006) we will have 3 shipments, 1 in March 1 in mid June and the last 1 in October. A lot of people think that we are running out because of the number on the bands. However, the we started with the highest number and it is going down."

The La Aurora 100 Años Corona is a sleeper cigar. This is a good looking cigar with a smooth, dark, almost oscuro wrapper with slightly uneven color. The band is nice but reserved. Not a lot of Bling Bling, which is fine...we like to smoke them not photograph them.

The 100 Años was firm to the touch, but not hard. The cap was finished nicely. The pre-light draw was perfect. Once lit, the cigar had a slow, even burn. Construction was perfect. additionally, the corona lit easily and has an earthy aroma that is strong but not overpowering. The firm ash was a whitish-gray.

The La Aurora 100 Años Corona is a cigar smoker’s cigar. This is a full bodied cigar that provides taste much greater than its size. The first draw provided a strong, earthy flavor. The cigar was so strong that it bordered on overpowering our taste buds, but never became harsh. As the smoke progressed, the palette started to adjust and the complexity began to surface with some coffee flavor mixed with the earthiness.

The 100 Años Corona is a well made, full bodied cigar for the experienced cigar smoker. This cigar is like a vintage scotch which should be sipped and savored rather than consumed as a beverage. The 100 Años is a strong cigar, but it never becomes harsh as some other one dimensional “full bodied” cigars do. The complex earthy and coffee flavors are rich and full. The long finish makes you wait for the next draw.

We place this cigar in the same class as the Padron 1926 Anniversario maduro or the newer Graycliff Espresso lines. Full bodied, complex, and satisfying. A great after dinner cigar with a single malt scotch. This is a cigar that is worthy of the Leon family’s centennial celebration of La Aurora.