Cigar Review – Vega Fina Master 2012

Limited in production to only 5000 boxes of 10, the Vega Fina Master 2012 was the last of four new blends added to Vega Fina’s American market line-up in 2012, following the Jose Seijas 2011, Sumum Edicion Especial 2010, and Fortaleza 2. Comprised of Dominican Olor and Piloto tobaccos beneath an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, the Master 2012 was named for its production team, “Grupo de Maestros”, the same skilled stogie team responsible for last years Montecristo Epic Vintage 2007. As a fan of the smooth and mellow regular Vega Fina, I was quite interested to see what the Master (5×52) had in store.

The stick was wrapped in a toothy habano leaf with a fair amount of pronounced veins. Construction looked good, and pre-light draws gave off a slightly-sweet tobacco taste, but nothing very telling.

The Master opened up to a full and creamy taste of smoky cedar with a crisp peppery finish. Smoke production was as excellent as the draw was easy. The burn line was even-Steven and a neat white/grey ash was beginning to build nicely.

The bold black pepper persisted through the first inch-and-a-half of the cigar before changing into a light, nutmeg-like baking spice in the 2nd third. Notes of cedar, bread, and smooth leather were the main flavors of the profile in this portion.

In the last third smoke was super-creamy with a faint bit of syrupy sweetness and a background note of cinnamon. These agreeable flavors swirled around each other nicely, punctuated by a bit of the black pepper every now and then until the end of the session.

The Vega Fina Master 2012 had a great burn and draw, and more flavor transitions than I would normally expect from the brand. While not wildly complex, this stick definitely cast a nice range of complimentary flavors and carried Vega Fina’s signature creamy smoothness from start to finish. I should probably mention that the cup of black dark-roast coffee I was sipping during the review was a perfect compliment. Either way, I give the Master 2012 a well-deserved B grade. If you liked the Fortaleza 2, chances are you will like this as well. It was quite good.