La Barba Cigars are a treat worth waiting for. Produced to a philosophy to get it right, even if you don't get rich, it can feel like a lifetime between new releases.
But with a trio of great boutique cigars under their belt so far, it's well worth getting your hands on La Barba Purple to pass the time until their next launch, especially if you're trying boutique cigars for the first time or just want an elegant and enjoyable cigar that puts the tobacco in the spotlight.
Who owns La Barba Cigars?
Located in the Dominican Republic, Tabacalera William Ventura is the premium, family-owned cigar manufacturer that is owned by William Ventura and his son Henderson.
The pair take their time to get it right, leaving fans to wait several years between releases.
The result is a small but perfectly formed back catalog: La Barba Red, La Barba Ricochet, La Barba Purple, and the limited edition Caldwell collaboration, La Barba Caldwell X One & Only.
What other cigars are La Barba known for?
Before we proceed with our La Barba Purple review, let's take a look at the other cigars in the La Barba line-up so far:
La Barba Red
Wrapped in Dominican Corojo rather than the Habano leaf used on the Purple, La Barba Red is still a mellow, medium-strength stick produced using a secret recipe for both the filler and the binder.
La Barba Ricochet
La Barba Ricochet is an international creation using filler tobacco from the US, Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic, binder from Indonesia, and wrapper from San Andres in Mexico. Peppery and fruity, it pairs perfectly with a glass of good red wine.
What is the La Barba Purple Cigar?
The current La Barba Purple was released in 2016, when the La Barba Cigars product range was fully updated. But it's only cosmetically different from the Purple of the previous 2-3 years, with refreshed packaging and a change from 10 to 12 sticks per box which makes it even better value.
What can I expect from the cold draw?
The cold draw brings a no-nonsense aroma of tobacco with a hint of wood. If you're just starting to explore boutique cigars for the first time, La Barba Purple makes an excellent benchmark to build on. But it's not just for beginners - the pureness of the tobacco taste will delight experienced smokers too.
What flavors should I expect?
Natural tobacco remains throughout the smoking journey, but there are other flavors and aromas to watch out for too.
First third
Early on, the tobacco takes center stage, with a hint of sweetness. In the background are woody notes, including traditional cedar. Peppery retrohales spice things up but overall, La Barba Purple is a classic tobacco smoke for purists to enjoy.
Second third
Toward the middle of the stick, an earthiness starts to emerge and the tobacco taste fades slightly to join the woody background. The pepper from the retrohales can now be detected directly on the palate, and this combination of pepper and earth becomes the standard for some time.
Final third
As it should be, the final third is where the flavors really hit their stride. The cedar and tobacco reemerge, this time with more leathery tones and hints of cream and spice.
It's still a simple flavor profile, but there's a little more complexity toward the end, and overall if you're a fan of minimalist flavors, just done really well, you're likely to love La Barba Purple.
What is the strength profile like?
La Barba Purple has a mellow body and medium strength. The flavors are balanced, delivering plenty of elegance rather than a knockout punch, but that's no bad thing.
It's a perfect smoke for during a walk or a drive, when you might prefer a cigar that you can enjoy without needing a beverage by your side at all times.
How is the cigar constructed?
La Barba Purple has a lightly oiled surface and some visible mottling to the wrapper. There are visible veins and, if you look closely, visible seams.
Overall, the appearance is simple and classic, with a neatly finished triple cap, and the sturdy construction leads to a stick that is satisfying to hold.
Final thoughts
We love this cigar. It's subtle rather than complex, but the attention to detail is there. The tobacco deserves its place in the spotlight and delivers delicious flavor throughout.
It's gentle enough to smoke without a drink, but pairs well with craft beverages including pale ale and bourbon.
For more brilliant benchmark cigars, read our guide to the Top Boutique Cigars for Beginners.
