La Aurora 115 Anniversary Limited Edition Belicoso

La Aurora first debuted the 115 Anniversary collection in the fall of 2018 at the annual InterTabac trade show (held in Dortmund, Germany). The cigars were made to celebrate the company’s milestone 115th anniversary (famously being the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic), with the line consisting of two limited-edition and four regular-production cigars. Despite the 2018 announcement, the eventual release wasn’t until 2019, as the limited-edition cigars made their way to retailers earlier this spring. The four regular-production cigars (featuring an altered blend) were then debuted in late June at the annual IPCPR trade show (held in Las Vegas, NV).

La Aurora 115 Anniversary Limited Edition Belicoso Breakdown

The La Aurora 115 Anniversary collection can prove a somewhat tricky lineup to navigate. The two versions of the brand feature similar titles: La Aurora 115 Anniversary Limited Edition and La Aurora 115 Anniversary Edition. The former collection features a limited-edition belicoso and gran toro (3,040 apiece), while the latter offers four core-line sizes with prices ranging from 1,600 to 1,760 MSRP. The packaging and blend information differ slightly as well, as the former two arrive in more ornate displays, including a flat layout of 15 cigars (belicoso) and a commemorative 30-count jar (gran toro). The limited-edition cigars boast an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, Dominican binder from the Cibao Valley, and fillers of the Cibao Valley and Brazil. Meanwhile, the regular-production cigars use a less-specific Ecuadorian wrapper, Brazilian binder, and fillers of the Cibao Valley, Brazil, and Nicaragua.

Appearance

The 115 Anniversary Limited Edition Belicoso has a very attractive look. With contrasting elements of matte, metallics, and holographic paper, the appearance feels reminiscent of Cuba’s most elaborate presentations. There is also a sub-band that designates the cigar as “Limited Edition;” a helpful addition, considering that the same belicoso format is offered in the regular-production variation of the brand. The construction is not immaculate, though it’s nothing to scoff at either. The cigar’s head shows a impressive, long and consistent taper; but the deep red-hued wrapper has loose seams and enough protruding veins to give an overall lumpy appearance. There seems to be a consistent medium-plus bunch from head to toe, having a good overall feel but perhaps coming up short for the price point.