I’ve heard quite a bit over the years on social media about La Barba Cigars, especially the Purple.  I haven’t been able to get my hands on any as none of my local shops carry their lines.  Luckily, I was on a cigar media trip in Europe with Logan from Cigar Federation where he raved about the new Purple line.  Graciously, he sent me a sampler when we returned from our trip in the corona size, which is my favorite size.  Found in 2010 by Tony Bellato and Craig Rossi, their first line of cigars had quite a buzz on social media and the Purple was no different.  What was different was the unique blend of the Purple line.  With the help of Robert Caldwell of Caldwell Cigars and Henderson Ventura, the cigars are made at Tabacalera William Ventura in the Dominican Republic using some special tobaccos.

• Wrapper:  HVA (Habano Vuelta Arriba) Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder:  Dominican Corojo
• Filler:  HVA Habano, Dominican Corojo and Carbonell
• MSRP:  $9.00

The cigar had a perfect draw with pre-light notes of rich earth and cedar.  After lighting up, the flavors immediately assault your palette.  I got notes of rich earth, cedar, spices, graham cracker and a buttery sweetness.  As it neared the mid point, the buttery sweetness note became more clear to me as a caramel flavor and white pepper developed from the spices I got from beginning of the cigar.  I still got the rich earth and cedar, but the caramel with the graham cracker notes reminded me of a sweet treat we had in Europe called stroopwafels.  The last half the cigar was pretty much the same, but the white pepper died out and it got a little earthier.

Overall, I really liked the cigar…..a lot.  I want a box of these.  For $9.00, it’s well worth it.  If your cigar shop has these, don’t miss these.  They are exceptional cigars.