Ah twitter. As countless spouses and employers will agree, it can be a huge waste of time. But from time to time a couple of 140 character exchanges made on the popular microblogging website create something real and tangible. One of these things is the cigar I’m reviewing today, the La Aurora 107 Lancero. It’s a vitola the folks at La Aurora never planned to make, but after weeks of public discussion on twitter, and serious commitments from fans to buy the cigars if produced, the wheels were put in motion on the 300 boxes that were released last week.

As for the specifics on 107 line in general, I’ll let the official press release fill in the details:

The 107, which uses a Sun Grown Ecuador wrapper over 6 year old fillers and binder from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, will come in boxes of 21 with a suggested retail price between $6 to $8, plus any local taxes. There will be 3 sizes: Robusto (4.5×50); Toro (5.5×54); and a Belicoso (6.25 x 52). The 107 will only be available at brick and mortar tobacconists.

Now let’s get down to business.

Cigar Stats:
Size: 6 7/8 x 40
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sungrown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Smoking Time: 1 3/4 hours
Beverage: Water
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Price: MSRP $7.05

The Pre-Smoke
In addition to really showcasing the qualities and flavor of the wrapper leaf, the lancero is a very elegant looking vitola. And the 107 Lancero is no exception, though on closer inspection it does have a slightly rustic appearance, mostly due to the volume, but not the size, of the veins in the leaf. I found a few spots on the cigars that looked like they could be flaws, but turned out to be just unusual coloration around the veins.

The cigars felt a little softer to the touch than most sticks, but were consistent. The wrapper aroma was pungent, fatty smelling compost and the cold draw was easy, with a little tart sweetness to it.

The Burn
Of the four or so cigars I smoked for this review, I had a flawless burn experience in all but one of them. That particular smoke required a relight near the end of the second third. Otherwise, the 107 drew perfectly, burned evely, produced attractive ashes, and was very low maintenance.

The Flavor
With the 107 Lancero, I noted more of a gradual evolution of flavors that makes discussing the profile in thirds seem inappropriate. So instead I’ll outline the cigar as a whole.

The cigar began with a combination of tart and syrupy citrus, earthy and nuts with a little bit of spice. As the it progressed, the citrus flavor lost the tart edge, and began to taste a little like light cedar with orange frosting. Nuts and spice continued to linger in the finish. In the final leg of the cigar (a little before the final third), the sweet orange citrus and wood element faded, and a more earthy nut flavor took over the profile.

The Price
I’m a little surprised at the price of the 107 Lancero. It’s a limited special edition, as well as a tough vitola to make, and yet, it’s not priced like either of those is a factor. In short, it’s a deal.

The Verdict
I’ve enjoyed most of the La Aurora 107 vitolas I’ve had so far, but for my money, the Lancero is the best one of the bunch, and the one I’d recommend you try if the option is available. It’s a well made, great tasting, nicely priced treat. The combination of price, quality and flavor are the trifecta of box-worthiness. Unfortunately, it’s a cigar that may not be around for long, so if you’re interested in trying one, I recommend acting quickly.

And for another take on the 107 line, be sure to check out Mike’s review of the 107 Robusto.

Liked It: Box-worthy
Buy It Again: Yes
Recommend It: Yes

Tower of Burn
Here for your viewing pleasure is my trademark Tower of Burn.