La Hoja Reserva Limitada 1962

Straight out of the gate in 2015, La Hoja introduced a slew of changeups to their well-established brand. Not only did they scrap their existing lineup, they also rebranded themselves as La Hoja Cigar Co. 1962 (changing from La Hoja de Flores, as they had been previously known). Shortly after, La Hoja announced three new cigars: La Hoja Edición Clásica 1962, La Hoja Edición Maduro 1962, and La Hoja Reserva Limitada 1962.

The third cigar announced for 2015, La Hoja Reserva Limitada 1962, has been billed as La Hoja’s showcase cigar – a premium blend accompanied with a premium price point. All tobaccos used have been aged for up to six years, causing the cigar to be released only in limited quantities, as the appropriate tobaccos become available.

Reserva Limitada 1962 Breakdown

For the La Hoja Reserva Limitada 1962, the cigar has been blended in only one size; this is a good sign, showing La Hoja found the optimum size for this blend and wants their customers to experience it this way. On the appearance, the cigar is very similar to their other two releases, having only a different color scheme – mustard orange & royal/sky blue. The band on this cigar actually looks really nice, with the gold foil contrasting nicely against the blue.

On the construction, you’ll be pleased to find a triple cap and the cigar looks to be well-rolled. Interestingly, the cigar is lightly packed and feels weightless for its large size. I like the aroma on the pre-light, it’s not overtly pungent but has a lot going on – I picked up notes of cotton candy, sweet musk, cedar, and leather.

My first impression after ignition is a delicate oak flavor. Nothing is jumping out at me, there is no spice in the nostrils (or the palate); instead there are only smooth, cautious flavors of caramel, cream, and a candy-like sweetness that lingers on the lips after each draw.

After about an inch and a half, the ash is fighting to hold its form; it’s light and flakey and eventually falls at the 2″ mark. At this point, the smoke is steady and reserved, holding back at a dead medium on strength, flavor, and body. The burn line is wavy, but seems to self-correct itself with ease. Eventually I had to relight, shortly after the 2/3 mark.

Soon there are some flavor changes, showing charred woods and burnt nuts. This then leads to a nice coffee sweetness that reminds me of coffee ice cream. Overall though, the smoke is best described as smooth and delicate – the bulk of the cigar’s flavor dances around a woody profile.

In the final stretch, the cigar ramps up its strength, landing on medium/full. There are some additional notes of cinnamon, leather, and a slight tanginess, as well as nutmeg spice and anise in the retrohale. Eventually the smoke did have a little kick in the nostrils, but this was also around the time that some harsh flavors showed up on the palate – finishing up jut before the band-point.

Would I smoke this cigar again?

Tentatively yes. I don’t think I’m going to go buy a box any time soon, but I wouldn’t mind having a couple around for the right occasion, I think this would be great paired with my morning coffee.

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