VEGAS ROBAINA Petit Robustos Exclusivo Francia (Regional Edition France 2010) Tasting and Review

Length: 10.2 cm
Ring Gauge: 50
Factory Name: Petit Robustos
Vitola: Petit Robusto
Type: Petit Robusto
Presentation: Box of 10 cigars (Only 3,500 Serial Numbered)
Release Date: Planned for 2010 but was available end of 2011
Price: $150

As I was debating on what to smoke for my night cap, I wanted something full bodied yet short with familiar taste to end the day but nothing came to mind. So as I was reaching for the Upmann half corona, I knew this wasn't gonna cut it! Then I remembered I have these firecrackers resting in my humidor and it is exactly what I was looking for.

If you have smoked these before then you will know whats coming...

The Construction - Smooth matte colorado claro wrapper with a couple of tiny veins running through it. This Petit Robusto is not tightly packed but has slight firm resistant body with an almost evenly constructed cap. 

The Draw - Good loose draw with the help of the wide punch. You can pick up the very distinctive earthy scent and a hints of leather.

The First Burn - brings in a taste of raw leather with a peppery finish. A mixture of cloves and nutmeg are dominant with a liquorice candy notes as I let the smoke come out of my nose and mouth. Smoke if silky and light, the ash is dark and grey.

The Middle Burn - cloves continue to be present and gives that tingling sensation in the back of the mouth, taste of antique wood and spicy raw peppercorns that finishes with a somewhat bitter aftertaste once you let the smoke out. Yet, you can still pick up on that ever so lightly sweet liquorice candy notes as well. The smoke continues to be smooth and ash is holding up pretty good.

The Final Burn - welcome back the raw leather along with spicy peppercorns and cloves taste. This smoke continues to leave a bitter aftertaste on the tongue probably from the excitement of flavors coming out. I swear its like eating a jalapeno pepper! As the ash continues to hold on strong, I just had to drop it before I get carried away... those who know me, I would totally keep it till its nubbed! but that's not for tonight.

Although not much character development towards the end except for the intensification of notes I have mentioned which keeps juggling back and forth. pretty straight forward with its characteristics and full body flavor, this Petit Robusto is a beautiful firecracker to be enjoyed by people who love spice! 

The Pairing - to properly balance this heap of spicy notes, Nespresso's Rosabaya de Colombia is the way to do it. With intensity level 6, the Rosabaya complements the Petit Robusto profile with its subtle acidity and winey notes.

Enjoy!