Stuck on a Classic Lancero

The lancero vitola is a long and slim cigar measuring  7 x 38.  Lancero is Spanish for “lancer”, hence the logic behind the name for this cigar style.  Rodrigo Cigars makes a lancero in their Habano Classico line that Rodrigo states follows the best traditions of cigar making.  Rodrigo Cigars is known for boutique blends based upon Dominican Republic tobaccos for the binder and filler. The Habano Classico line uses Ecuadorian Hybrid for the wrapper. Other sizes include a 5 X 50 robusto, a 5.75 X 52  belicoso and a 6 X 50 toro. The target market is consumers concerned with quality construction and flavor.

I was given a Lancero by Rodrigo at the 2013 IPCPR where we discussed how the slim Lancero goes against the current trend towards big, fat cigars.  Lanceros used to be popular a decade or two ago but never retained a wide following.  Most traditional lanceros also sport a different cap, in the shape of a pig tail like Habano Classico’s or a fan shape.  While I prefer larger cigars, the Lancero has an elegant, delicate appearance.  The construction was average although I expect it is difficult to roll such a slim cigar.

The initial flavor was strongly earthy with some sweetness but this mellowed out quickly to include some pepper and leather.  The draw was good as was the volume of smoke.  By the end the cigar mellowed a bit more with some spice and a nutty finish.  The Lancero took 50 minutes to smoke and was pleasant enough. The SRP is $7.25, a little high in my book so I rate this cigar a 3.5 out of 5.