La Palina 1896 Gold Connecticut

La Palina has intrigued me ever since I learned of the label’s connection to the radio industry. La Palina was founded by Bill Paley. His father was William S. Paley, a name of historic significance in media. He ran the Columbia Broadcasting System – CBS. The “1896” on the band commemorates the year Sam Paley founded La Palina.

La Palina 1896 Gold Connecticut is a box pressed Nicaraguan with a Connecticut Shade wrapper.

Flavor profile: wood – cedar transitioning to mostly oak, pepper, spice (nutmeg?), vanilla, almonds, butter, earth, leather, and an orchard fruit note. I’ve only tasted what could be cherries, berries or pears twice before this in a cigar. Very interesting flavor to experience. It didn’t last long. That orchard flavor was gone by the second third. The flavors are balanced – some complexity. Although smooth and mellow, it’s a medium strength and medium-mild bodied cigar. It kept me interested through my morning cup of Arabica.

The draw was a bit tight. Out came the Perfect Draw. The burn line was erratic and the cigar needed a few touchups to even out. I found this a reasonably good smoke. I’d rate it a good budget stick in the Room 101 Big Payback Connecticut and Charter Oak Connecticut class. All pair well with morning coffee. Now this was gifted to me. Having not paid for it, it's easy for me to call it a "budget stick."

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