La Barba Red cigars are exceptional boutique cigars by Tony Bellatto and Craig Rossi, a perfect pairing of master tobacconists whose La Barba Cigars blends have staked a claim at the top end of the handmade cigars market. La Barba Purple and Ricochet Cru paved the way for this medium-strength Dominican Republic puro that's set to claim a permanent place in your humidor.
Fresh from being hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic at the famed Tabacalera William Ventura factory, let's take a look in more detail at the flavor profile of this premium cigar. Our La Barba Red review will give you a good idea of the tastes and aromas to watch out for once you get your hands on this top-quality savory stick.
In this La Barba Red cigar review, we'll be taking a look at the Corona Gorda, a 5.75 x 46 vitola with a just-right smoke time of around 75 minutes.
Brand overview
La Barba Cigars was founded by Tony Bellatto. Known first as a sommelier, Bellatto grew up around wine and cigars, before studying for a distinction degree from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.
While running Havana House, the Niles, OH location of his father's retail empire, Bellatto began to add boutique cigars and wines to the store's stock list.
These very limited production items proved a popular part of the portfolio, and Bellatto went on to start producing his own premium handmade cigars in collaboration with Caldwell Cigars and Tabacalera William Ventura.
This La Barba Red review focuses on a Dominican Republic puro that has become a must-try among top-shelf boutique cigars, gracing the humidors of self-respecting aficionados the world over.
With several vitolas to choose from, in singles and boxes of 12, it's a great option if you want to try something new, or if you're already a fan and need to re-stock.
Cigar specs
- Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
- Strength: Medium
- Wrapper: Dominican Corojo
- Binder: Dominican
- Filler: Dominican
- Smoke Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (Corona Gorda)
- Sizes Available:
- La Barba Red Corona (5.75 x 46)
- La Barba Red Toro (6 x 54)
- La Barba Red Petite Lancero (6.5 x 40)
Cold Draw
Our La Barba Red cigar review starts with the cold draw. On the nose, La Barba Red offers a chocolatey scent from the foot, while the cold draw itself throws out earthy, peppery, and spicy tones once the cap is sliced. It's a savory blend with hints of sweet crackers and sets the stage for the smoking experience to follow.
Flavor profile: first third
Right off the bat, La Barba Red hits with pepper on the nose, but this fades throughout the first third. The profile stays spicy and savory, with cinnamon and cedar entering the fray in the first half-hour. The cedar swells as the first third progresses, producing voluminous creamy smoke with sweetness on the retrohales.
Flavor profile: second third
Into the middle of the stick, the aroma takes on a syrupy quality while the flavor profile remains savory. Nutty tastes emerge in the background, developing throughout the next 30-40 minutes.
The chocolate present on the cold draw can now be tasted too, balanced by those baking spices. Finally, the earthy base takes on a leathery quality. Overall, La Barba Red continues to offer a rich, savory profile with just a sprinkling of sweetness.
Flavor profile: final third
As the final third blazes away, the level of spice begins to rise, a fitting crescendo for an expertly crafted premium cigar. This is where the medium strength starts to push the needle a little higher, and La Barba Red ends with a definite bang, not a whimper.
At a total smoke time of about 75 minutes, La Barba Red Corona Gorda is an excellent value, while the Toro and Petite Lancero vitolas offer even more bang for your buck.
Conclusion
Savory spice and all things nice, that's what La Barba Red is made from. The sweetness on the retrohales adds the nuance needed to elevate this cigar from premium to absolute top-shelf.
The Dominican Republic puro construction offers something different from most boutique cigars on the market, with a nailed-down flavor profile that knows exactly what it's doing out of the gate, and right through to the nub.
With the choice of vitolas and pack sizes, this is more than just a premium handmade cigar. It's an experience you can enjoy again and again, and worthy of a regular place in your next and future orders from Cigars.com.
