Viaje 2015 Collaboration Review

2015 Collaboration
Company: Viaje & PDR
Wrapper: Ecuadorean
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Toro (6 by 52)

The Viaje 2015 collaboration was done with PDR and is featured in a toro size (6*52). It is constructed with an Ecuadorean wrapper, Dominican binder, and a mix of Dominican and Nicaraguan filler. The release was limited to 600 boxes, so in other words if you have the opportunity to smoke one of these, go for it before they are gone. As for the specifics of the cigar, let’s see what flavor notes and complexities the cigar has to offer with a Viaje 2015 Collaboration Review.

Prelight

The white foot band was removed with ease, there does appear to be a slight crack at the foot of the cigar. This will most likely have no effect on the performance. That fact accounted for, the wrapper does seem to be quite thin. The foot is releasing a fruity and light leather note with some white pepper in the background. There is a superbly done triple cap on this cigar. Visible seams and minimal veins, very clean cut and no loose tobacco which is a promising sign. No pepper on the prelight but there is a prominent earth and more subtle leather.

1/3

The primary flavor is a deep clean earth with leather on the finish and very thick creamy smoke. The smoke’s creaminess does play into the flavor profile. There is a white pepper adding to the profile, it is only detectable significantly on the retrohale at this point. Pretty quick clean finish, but the cigar does hold a medium to full body. No strength at this point and the burn line is straight. As the first third progresses the leather has come up and the earth, cream, and light white pepper are blended for the finish. Extremely white and solid ash is developing. There is a light fruity note showing up at the end of the finish that is reminiscent of plum. The burn has gotten slightly crazy, no need for a touch-up yet though. The cigar is showing great complexity, leather is still primary, with the blend of finish notes still bringing plum to mind.

2/3

As the second third starts a cedar has come up accompanied by the leather, very thick and creamy smoke. There is still a subtle fruity note on the finish and the retrohale is enjoyable and shows that there is a white pepper present. The white ash is still holding but is a little flaky, I did tap Italy this point. The burn has not been perfect but has not needed any touch-ups. As this third continued the fruity note dropped off and was replaced by white pepper leaving a tingly mouth feel on the finish. Still medium to full body and strength has reached low. The white pepper has come up on the finish and does have an element of black pepper to it. As the cigar is ending the second third the cedar and pepper mix dominate the profile.

3/3

As the final third begins the complexity that was present in the first third seems to be returning. A cacao softer note has been thrown into the mix with the cedar and pepper. Strength has held at a low, and the body is still at a medium to full. No major changes to the profile occurred as the nub was reached.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Conclusion: 87

This is a cigar that could be smoked daily, unfortunately it is limited production. The transitions were great, and the array of flavors was all over the map and wonderfully complex. The suggestion holds, if you have the opportunity to smoke one of these creations take it. It smokes above its price point which adds to the enjoyment. Medium to full body and low strength with plenty of complexity throughout the smoke.
Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com