It’s time for another cigar from the Aladino stable. I invite you to read my review of the Aladino Connecticut Robusto.
It’s time to explore the lighter side of the Aladino brand. I won’t hide the fact that I’m not a huge fan of lighter wrappers, though they can certainly surprise you. I’ve smoked cigars with lighter leaves in the past that left a lasting impression – some of which I’ve even returned to more than once. Will that be the case this time? Let’s see.
Aladino Connecticut Robusto
The Connecticut line made its debut in 2019 during the cigar trade show in Las Vegas. It was a natural extension of the brand’s portfolio, joining the Corojo, Maduro, and Corojo Reserva lines. The cigars are produced at the Las Lomas factory in Honduras and rolled exclusively with tobacco grown on the brand’s own farms. The blend features a light Connecticut wrapper, with a combination of Habano and Corojo used for the binder and filler.
The line is offered in the following vitolas:
- Queens Perfecto (5 1/4 x 46),
- Robusto (5 x 50),
- Toro (6 x 50),
- Churchill (7 x 52).
In today’s review, I’ll be sharing my impressions of the cigar in the Robusto vitola.
A Few Technical Notes
The cigar comes in a Robusto vitola, measuring 5 inches in length (about 12.7 cm) with a 50 ring gauge – a classic Robusto size. The Ecuadorian wrapper is on the lighter side, with visible veins. The cigar feels well packed, with no soft spots under the fingers. It’s finished with a very well-executed band in white, silver, and black, giving it a clean, polished look.
The Cut
Before making the cut, I take a moment to nose the cigar and prepare the senses. Overall, the aroma is very pleasant. From the wrapper, I pick up notes of cream and wood, which together form an inviting combination. There’s also something I often describe as a cheesy sweetness – a mix of sweetness, milk, and a rich, appetizing creaminess. I open the cigar with a perfect-cut, incidentally a gift from Justo Eiroa. The flawless draw immediately puts a smile on my face. On the palate, the unlit cigar delivers a pleasing note of cedar wood.
The Smoke
I warm the foot of the cigar using a soft-flame lighter and bring it to life with a series of short, gentle puffs. I then set it aside for a moment to let it settle before diving into the tasting. Right after lighting, I’m greeted by a note of coffee. That flavor quickly shifts into something best described as milky. On the nose, it’s pleasant and creamy, without even a hint of pepper. Soon, cedar wood joins the profile, nicely balancing the blend. There’s also a mineral undertone that adds a refreshing lift to the overall experience. The coffee note mentioned earlier remains present, though more in the aftertaste than up front. A subtle sweetness emerges as well, eventually taking on a clearly creamy character – both in flavor and in texture. The mineral quality now shows up more on the nose than on the palate. The flavor profile turns slightly citrusy, with a spicy accent reminiscent of orange peel. I also pick up some bread-like notes, accompanied by a touch of sweet honey.
Strength & Body
Strength sits comfortably in the medium range.
Aroma & Smoke
The cigar produces satisfying clouds of dense, aromatic smoke. In its aroma, I find wood and cream – both in the scent and in the texture of the smoke, if such a thing can even be said.
Construction & Burn
Construction is solid enough that I almost forget where I left my lighter. Although the draw tightens noticeably, it doesn’t slow the burn, which actually feels faster than one might expect. The cigar burns quite evenly.
Final Thoughts on the Aladino Connecticut Robusto
My overall impressions can be summed up in one concise sentence: cream with a hint of citrus and cedar wood. I find myself wondering whether it has dethroned the Camacho Connecticut – though I’d need to smoke them side by side to be sure. The flavor profile is engaging and never boring, with plenty of aromatic smoke and a fairly even burn. The only real drawback is the pace of combustion.
That said, I can easily imagine smoking this cigar alongside a morning coffee after a light breakfast – something I actually consider a strong point. I enjoyed this cigar. A successful Connecticut.
This cigar was provided for review by Szymon Kwiatkowski of Premium Cigars.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
