They finally made a cigar to fit the band. That was the first thing to enter my mind when I was given one this past Saturday. The cigars were a parting gift as we celebrated Arielle Ditkowich’s 25th birthday as well as her father Danny’s 50th birthday. Danny is a partner at Tobacco Plaza, a shop I often visit when on Long Island. The event which took place as Oheka Castle (used to represent Xanadu in Citizen Kane) was attended by close friends and family.
The size A (for Arielle) of the La Sirena is a limited edition cigar to celebrate this milestone in Arielle’s life. No word on who will have these to sell, but it will be a tough to find cigar for sure. They are scheduled to start to shipping in 2 weeks.
Cigar: La Sirena
Size: 9.25 x 48 (Size “A”)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium/Full
Facebook: La Sirena Cigars
Twitter: @lasirenacigars
Number Smoked: 2
La Sirena Series A
Appearance and Construction: One thing that caught me off guard is how good this cigar looks. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper was glistening with oils and despite a few veins it feel like silk under the fingers. The roll is perfect, right down to the cap that is almost flat enough to remind you of a cigar from south of the mainland, Cuba. In the hand you would expect to feel some more weight, but it does not feel light, either. I’ve managed to clear 3 hours to smoke this cigar, and I assume I will need every minute of it.
La Sirena Series A, Foot
Flavor & Notes: Just smelling the wrapper put me in heaven with some incredible chocolate to the nose, and the draw matches that as well. The foot however, kind of threw me for a loop with nothing but tobacco. Once the cigar is lit, I was blown away by how smooth it is. There is no pepper on the light which is a bit different for a My Father production, but it is a nice change as well. As we continue down the first third the profile is rich, bold and complex. About an inch in some spice develops to join notes of chocolate, berries and a hint of leather. The second third of the cigar has some of that Nicaraguan zing, which reminds me of berries. The chocolate notes become more of a dark chocolate and begins to develop some espresso on the finish. What really sets this cigar apart from the other sizes is how smooth and balanced it is. I find myself needing to slow down because I am smoking it a little fast because of how tasty it is. The A is a flavor bomb of epic proportions. Just after the half way point the cigar picks up some in strength as the leather note kicks it up notch. As I got to the last third, the leather was the primary note but there was some coffee, a faint wisp of chocolate and some licorice to round things out.
La Sirena Series A, First Third
Smoking Characteristics: At a little over 9″ I expected the cigar would need to be re-lit or a touch up at some point. I had little hope for a cigar of this size to burn well. Well, I was wrong. This cigar stood lit from first light til last exhale. The burn line was crisp and the carbon line grew smaller as the cigar progressed. The ash started out very light in color before becoming a medium gray towards the middle. The cigar produced ample amounts of smoke on exhale and in the resting position while the aroma was slightly spicy. The draw was absolutely perfect.
La Sirena Series A, Second Third
Conclusion: One of the issues I had with La Sirena was brand recognition. The band was so big you had to take it off almost immediately leaving those around you having no clue what you are smoking. While this might sound a little vain, it can really hurt a brand. A lot of people will try a cigar based on what someone else is smoking. Well, the new La Sirena cigars have a hidden band underneath the insanely large original. This is a nice touch and a smart idea. The A might just be the best size in the line and I’ve already called Danny to put in a pre-order for a box when they come in.
La Sirena Series A, Final Third. Removal of the large band reveals a secondary label for brand recognition.
Rating: 94
Price: $TBD
Disclaimer: I was giving these cigars as samples. Both Miami Cigar & Company as well as Arielle Ditkowich are close personal friends of mine. Despite this, my review is as honest as they come. I have no problem putting my foot in my mouth if needed.
Some pictures from the party…
The entrance driveway into Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle and the rising moon
The Mermaid: Arielle Ditkowich, Brand Ambassador
Myself (Barry) & Arielle
Arielle (25) & Her Dad, Danny (50) getting ready to make a wish
A painting of La Sirena from some guests/friends at the event... Can you spot the hidden mermaids?
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