Introduced to the Habanos. S.A. portfolio in 1997, the same year the Patek Philippe Aquanaut was born as reference 5065A and 5066A, Vegas Robaina cigars are a tribute to the Robaina family who had been cultivating tobacco since 1845 in the region of Vuelta Abajo in Cuba. The name 'Vegas Robaina' is composed of two words where the word 'vegas' is the Spanish word commonly utilized in Cuba to refer to plantation fields and the word 'Robaina' is Don Alejandro Robaina's —descendent of the Robaina family— last name.

This medium to full body Cuban cigars are fully hand made and rolled with 'tripa larga' —long filler tobacco— from the 'Cuchillas de Barbacoa' plantation situated in the San Luis district of the Vuelta Abajo region. Introduced in 1997 as a tribute to Cuban tobacco farmers through the figurehead of Don Alejandro Robaina whose reputation for producing the finest wrapper leaves was legendary.

Vegas Robaina is available in five different 'vitolas' —cigar types— that include the Clásicos, the Don Alejandro, the Familiar, the Famosos and the Unicos. While the Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro is the longest cigar in this brand with a length of 7 5/8", the Vegas Robaina Famosos is a perfectly sized cigar —not too short or too long— with a length of 5"and a 48 ring gauge. Famosos fall under the 'Hermoso No. 4' category as it is just a tad bit thinner than a 'Robusto' —which is a 5" cigar with a 50 ring gauge.

With a medium to full body, and a burning time slightly under an hour, Vegas Robaina Famosos are the perfect cigar for when you are heading to happy hour and not necessarily as an after dinner cigar. This cigar with a beautiful dark caramel to milk chocolate colored wrapper is a real treat without being too complex or overpowering. As far as price, it really doesn't get much better. In a nutshell, this cigar packs a lot of quality and flavor for the money.

With a nutty and somewhat sweet start, Vegas Robaina Famosos is one of those totally unexpected and pleasantly surprising cigars for those that know nothing about the brand. Well balanced with an even and steady burn, this cigar can go head to head against a Cohiba Siglo III or a Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill. Its nice white ash confirms the great provenance of its filler, binder and wrapper leaves that were grown in rich, nutrient-dense soil. A steady burn with an occasional burnout here and there, and a perfect draw are some of the main characteristics of this fine cigar.

Peppery and chocolate notes in the first third with leather and oak notes towards the end. An exceptional cigar that is just as understated as a Patek Philippe Aquanaut on the wrist. Go here to read our hands-on review of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167A on rubber strap and here for the Aquanaut ref. 5167/1A on stainless steel bracelet.

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