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Cigar of the Week

Cigar of the Week: Cuba Libre Magnum

(Note: This review originally appeared on CigarJack.)

Cuba Libre Magnum cigar

Brand: Cuba Libre
Line: Cuba Libre
Vitola: Magnum (Robusto 5.5 x 55)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Medium-to-full
Strength: Medium-to-full
Box Price: $75 (Box of 20)

Famed tobacconist Nestor Plasencia must have received news of Fidel Castro stepping down before the rest of us.

Well, that’s probably a stretch, but the Cuba Libre is a fairly new offering from Plasencia, who left Cuba at a young age, and is being offered at a decent price pretty much all over the Web. (Thanks to Steve from Cigars International for getting this out to me.)

The box-pressed “Magnum,” or robusto, has a slightly oily wrapper that’s toothy — but extremely attractive — and is highlighted by the cigar’s red, white blue and gold band. It’s a good looking cigar.

It has an easy, slightly creamy prelight draw. Once I lit the sucker up, it peppered up a tad on me, but the spice was smoothed out by its nutty, almost earthy, sweet finish. (Gotta love that Corojo wrapper!) The Cuba Libre stayed this way through the end.

There were no burn, ash or draw issues here, as I smoked it down to the nub. (Through several of these, I’ve found they stay cool.)

Verdict: While it doesn’t pack the punch of the Punch Rare Corojo, it makes up for it with its smoothness. It’s not an overly complex smoke, but I have to say I enjoyed this one from start to finish. My question: What’ll happen when the other Castro steps down? Will Plasencia stop making these cigars? I hope not.

Similar cigars: Most medium-bodied Plasencias.