Lirio Rojo translates to "red lilly" from Spanish. The 2019 limited release of the Lirio Rojo is a new size, a 6 3/8 x 42 lonsdale vitola rolled with a 109 cap, which is basically a combination of a belicoso cap and a normal cap. In previous years, this cigar was only produced in a corona vitola. However, while the vitola size and the cap used on the cigars were changed for 2019's release, other details remained the same (i.e. the blend remained a Nicaraguan puro that was sold in cabinets of 50 without bands.)
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This cigar was enjoyed with H2O
Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible
The Lirio Rojo has a nice oily colorado wrapper, supple with some firm spots, some softer spots but nothing particularly concerning. The cap cut easily without cracking, and pre lite notes indicated well cured tobacco with a hint of molasses.
Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible
The Lirio Rojo lit easily and evenly, with light ash accompanied by dark streaks, with intermittent flakiness. It produced moderate volumes of smoke throughout. The burn was somewhat wavy wavy, and the first few ash dropped off after just over 1/2". The burn remained wavy the entire cigar, but never so much that a correction was even a consideration. After the middle, the ash stayed on a bit longer, up to 1" or so, and the color and occasional flakiness to the ash remained the same.
Construction: 26 Points of 30 Possible
This example is a nice size, lumpy, with nice light veins on the wrapper. It had a light colored spot in the wrapper about half way down, and had cigar mold press lines visible on most sides. The cap was neatly applied and bunching in the foot doesn't look very tight. After clipping with my cutter, I was pleased the draw resistance is perfect, and remained perfect through the entire smoke.
Flavor and Aroma: 45 Points of 45 Possible
Plesant medium bodied first puffs. Almost no tingle on the tongue except a hint of black pepper, initial notes are mostly wood with a bit of unsweetened chocolate. After a bit, I experience occasional hints of dried cherry. Further into first 3rd, occasional milk chocolate and hazelnut, the cigar seems to settle into medium body, medium flavor intensity. As I smoked into the middle third, wood drops away and is replaced by more dried fruit and spice. Towards the end of the first third I enjoy a rich retrohale that is a notch into punchy territory. The flavors evolved, becoming smoother and creamier as the cigar burned into the middle third. I particularly enjoy the wonderful retrohale in the middle and last third. Notes of milk chocolate, hazelnut, walnut, dried fruit and spices continue into the last third with rising punchiness and body. Nary a hint of ammonia or other signs of a rushed product, this tobacco is perfectly cured, aged, rested and ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
The Lirio Rojo burned for 75 enjoyable minutes and I set it down after burning it down to a little over an inch. Its not the most beautiful cigar ever made, but this cigar is a great size that showcases its blending in exceptional fashion. I rate the Lirio Rojo 2019 as "buy it now". I'm grateful to Deener for sponsoring this critique and giving me the opportunity to experience it.
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