La Galera Habano | Gordo Pilones | Box of 21

La Galera - Spanish for tobacco kitchenEver heard of Jochy Blanco? You should have. He’s a fourth generation tobacco grower and cigar manufacturer in the Dominican Republic, and his Tabacalera Palma factory was one of the first established factories in this country many years ago. He grows some of the finest Dominican Tobacco out there and has been producing cigars for countless other brands that you’ve likely enjoyed before. In 2016, Jochy decided it was time to create a brand of his own to be the new flagship brand of Tabacalera Palma, and La Galera Cigars were born. If you’re the type that pays attention to the presentation, La Galera Habano does it incredibly well – from the band artwork to the box – it’s a beautiful cigar. And the tobaccos used are just as good. La Galera only uses proprietary, aged tobaccos grown on Jochy’s farms in the Cibao Valley, with the only exception for wrapper leaf. In this case, an Ecuador Habano wrapper is applied atop a Dominican Corojo binder and Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, and Pelo de Oro long-fillers. It falls in the medium-bodied spectrum but is full on flavor, with heavy notes of pepper, some earth, wood, and a touch of fruity sweetness. These cigars are by no means cheap, but for the quality tobacco and construction, the asking price is more than fair. Good news! La Galera Habano has received numerous 91-point ratings. One review noted: "Draped in a dark, toothy wrapper, this cigar starts spicy and leathery but warms to show big notes of vanilla, nuts and tangy wood. A rich, brawny cigar."