I understand that most cigar manufacturers want to break into the premium cigar market. There's nothing wrong with their wanting to make a few bucks more on their sticks--after all, we're not Communists. I do have a problem with premium cigar makers who also do us a "favor" by dumping "cheap" inferior sticks on an unsuspecting public. Just because cigars are inexpensive doesn't mean they have to be inferior and, believe it or not, you can still make more money than you can spend. Just ask the Padrons, Perdomos, Ricos, and Ernesto Padilla.
All of this is a roundabout way of saying that I recently tried 2 of La Aurora's less expensive sticks, with mixed results. First, the cigars weren't actually cheap. The AURORA ECUADOR and the AURORA BARREL AGED retail for about $7 bucks. They both burned well with a good, but not great draw. So far so good. I was intrigued by the Ecuador's beautiful wrapper and was not disappointed by its taste, but the Dominican filler was bland and unremarkable. What a waste of a perfectly good wrapper! If you want more taste for much less, skip this one and go straight to the PDR Exclusivo or the Gran Habano Vintage 2002 for a lot less money. If you want to splurge and spend a couple of extra bucks, then the Diamond Crown Maximus is your ticket.
CS Rating 3.0
The AURORA BARREL AGED is a horse of a different color--literally! The Dominican wrapper actually bled so much on my fingers I thought it might need a transfusion. No big deal for me, but if it is for you, don't remove the label. This is also a mild stick which has more flavor than the Ecuador. I still prefer the above alternatives if this is your preferred flavor, but I would not turn this one down.
--Mamey
CS Rating 3.5
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