The La Palina 125 Años marks, as you can guess, the 125th anniversary of the brand, which they celebrated last year. Founded by Samuel Paley, the grandfather of the now owner of La Palina, Bill Paley.
The cigar is a Nicaraguan puro made at the Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.. It is sold in 37-count glass jars inspired by packaging the company used in the 1920s. Three hundred jars were produced, with additional 300 bundles of 37 cigars.
The wrapper is of a Maduro color, that is smooth to the touch with only a few small veins present. Construction is excellent, and the filling is generous., with almost no give when squeezed.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 165 mm (6 1/2″)
- Wrapper: Nicaragua
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $25 | €-
La Palina 125 Años: the cold draw reveals aromas of hay and light spices, both relatively muted. Once lit, the cigar opens with leather, earth, and white pepper.
The leather and earth combo are the primary flavors up front, followed by hazelnut and white pepper. There is also a subtle and sweet creaminess lingering in the background. Strength is medium-light (2/5).
The sweet creaminess comes through more often in the second third. Leather and earth are still the main flavors, with hazelnut and white pepper close behind them. A balsamic herbal note appears later on, and the strength remains unchanged.
The balsamic herbs become more evident in the last third, while the leather note still leads the profile. The hazelnut and white pepper are still present, while the earth and creaminess have disappeared. The strength is now at a solid medium level (3/5).
Overall, the La Palina 125 Años is a balanced and elegant smoke. The dialed-back strength lets the profile shine, which is well defined but also nuanced. While the evolution might be minimal, the progression of the flavors keeps you engaged throughout the smoke.