La Aurora Cameroon

La Aurora holds the distinction of being the oldest cigar brand produced in the Dominican Republic. Grown in the same fields of the Cibao Valley for more than three generations, it is the best selling brand within the country, and has been almost since its release back in the early 1900s. Making use of the same growing fields throughout its history has been one of the keys to the brands legendary consistency. Preferidos was the name of the cigar that first established the cigar-making tradition of the Dominican Republic back in 1903. It has survived largely unchanged through today, under the keen ownership of the Leon family, who began farming in the Cibao Valley in the 1880s. It is a time-tested cigar that is these days only produced in limited quantities. The La Aurora line recently was named one of Cigar Aficionado’s top 50 cigars for 2004—yet another distinction enjoyed over its centenarian lifespan. Note the dark West African Cameroon wrapper, which supplies many of the earthy, almost leathery notes. Look for well-placed herbal flavors, along with complex, mineral-like influences released by a blend of Dominican fillers. This medium-bodied cigar finishes with a wonderful balance of firm spice, lingering tobacco, and woody flourishes—the kind of expertly created balance that can only come from being the oldest cigar line in the Dominican Republic. Enhance your smoking experience by pairing with a well-balanced, yet very hoppy brew such as Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale.