In today’s review, I’ll share my thoughts on a cigar that’s part of a very exclusive release from the Aladino brand. This one’s a bit of a hidden gem – a limited project known simply as Aladino Project Lomas. Let’s take a closer look.
I’ve already mentioned the cigar that’s the focus of today’s review. I received it directly from the hands of Justo and Vivien Eiroa – the creators behind the Aladino brand – during a special event I had the pleasure of attending. It was a memorable evening, full of energy and excitement, marking the very first visit of the Aladino family to Poland. It also gave me the incredible opportunity to conduct an interview, which you can find here.
The cigar came in a simple paper sleeve stamped with the word “CLASSIFIED”, signaling a top-secret project. No details were disclosed – aside from the fact that this cigar will eventually become part of the brand’s official portfolio. I wasn’t told the blend or the release date, but I was lucky enough to light one up – and today, I’ll share my first impressions of this mysterious smoke.
Aladino Project Lomas
While nearly everything about this cigar is strictly confidential and wrapped in a thick cloud of mystery, there are a few details I’ve managed to uncover. The new cigar, known under the codename Project Lomas, is a Robusto rolled entirely with tobacco grown in Honduras. The name comes from the Las Lomas plantation located in that very region.
What makes it even more interesting is that this experimental line was actually being developed prior to Aladino’s official launch in 2016. From what I’ve learned, this unique blend is not commercially available – it’s reserved exclusively for special events, like the one I was fortunate enough to attend.
A few technical specs
Project Lomas comes in a Robusto size, and while I didn’t measure it precisely, it looks like a standard-sized Robusto at first glance. The wrapper is on the darker side, though not overly so. I assume the cigar is rolled using 100% Honduran tobacco, but this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
It features a simple, no-frills band – fitting for a pre-release, experimental blend. While it’s not the kind of band that stands out visually or makes a strong impression, it serves its purpose. After all, this cigar wasn’t made to impress with presentation – it was made to be experienced.
The Cut
Before cutting, I always take a moment to engage the senses – examining the cigar, taking in the aroma, setting the stage for the experience to come. The wrapper gives off an inviting scent: sweet cream, wood, and a touch of dry earth in the background.
Unfortunately, I quickly discovered how delicate this wrapper really is. While photographing the cigar, I managed to damage the leaf just by sliding it back into the cellophane. I’ve done this countless times and I’m typically very careful, but this wrapper proved particularly fragile – it began to flake and split in a few places. Even later, when removing it again, it cracked slightly despite my best efforts.
Cutting was done with a straight cutter. The cold draw was noticeably tight, though not to the point of frustration – just snug enough to raise a mental note. In terms of flavor, I picked up some early peppery spice.
The Light
I toasted the foot with a jet flame lighter, taking a few gentle puffs to get things going. Once lit, I gave the cigar a moment to settle before diving in. The first draw greeted me with a dry, earthy note, which quickly evolved into dark chocolate. Coffee joined the profile soon after – smooth, slightly roasted – and there was also a mineral quality reminiscent of rich volcanic soil. It reminded me of flavors I’ve encountered in cigars from a different part of Central America.
Then came something unexpected: a subtle fruity note, slowly developing into a flavor that distinctly resembled plum. It was the first time I’d detected that in a cigar, and I made sure to jot it down in my notes. As the coffee intensified – reminiscent of Arabica beans – the fruity character remained in the background, adding depth to the experience.
Retrohaling delivered a clear mineral impression, along with a rare but welcome hint of vanilla, adding a soft, creamy counterpoint to the core flavors.
Strength & Body
I’d rate the cigar medium-to-full. It stayed mostly medium-bodied throughout, but definitely picked up toward the end. Not a cigar to tackle on an empty stomach.
Aroma & Smoke
On the nose, the smoke offered a pleasant mix of wood, sweet cream, pepper, and a delicate touch of vanilla. There was plenty of smoke, and it was satisfyingly dense.
Construction & Burn
The burn line stayed fairly straight, though the wrapper did crack in a few spots. Despite that, the ash held on firmly – you actually had to work to knock it off.
Final Thoughts on the Aladino Project Lomas
I genuinely enjoyed this cigar, despite the cracking wrapper and a draw that leaned on the tighter side. I wish it hadn’t cracked – that certainly took away from what could’ve been an even more enjoyable experience. The flavor, though, was excellent: rich, balanced, and layered with complexity. The cracks didn’t interfere as much as I feared – I was bracing myself for a flute-like smoking session, but to my surprise, it remained entirely smokable. Still, the construction issues are worth mentioning.
And it wasn’t just me – I spoke with someone else who also smoked it and noticed the same fragility in the wrapper. It’s a shame, because when a cigar tastes this good, you want everything else to live up to it as well.
Ultimately, it was the flavor that saved the experience. I know this blend has more to offer, and I was left with the feeling that I hadn’t quite seen it in its best light. In fact, I regret not smoking it during the event where it was gifted to me – it would have been special to enjoy it in the company of its creators. If I get the chance again at a similar gathering, I’ll definitely take it.
This cigar was a generous gift from Vivien and Justo Eiroa, the minds behind Aladino. Thank you both.
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
