Por Larranaga Picadores No.1 Hand Rolled Cuban Cigars (Single Loose Cigar)
- Length: 127mm
- Gauge: 48
- Flavour: Mild - Medium
- Hand Rolled
- Wrapper: Cuban
- Filler: Cuban
- Long Filler
- Cuban
Por Larrañaga Picadores No. 1 – Single Loose Cuban Cigar Por Larrañaga has been around since 1834, making it one of the oldest surviving names in Cuban cigars. It has never enjoyed quite the same public fuss as Montecristo or Cohiba, but among experienced Havana smokers, the name carries considerable affection.
And much of that affection comes down to the tobacco.
The Picadores No. 1 is a particularly handsome example of what Por Larrañaga does well. Introduced into the regular range in 2014, it measures 127mm by a 48 ring gauge, using the Hermosos No. 4 factory vitola. It's a pleasing size, sitting between the traditional Petit Corona and the larger Robusto.
Like the rest of the handmade Por Larrañaga range, the Picadores is made entirely from Cuban tobacco, with long-filler leaves from Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río. The character is unmistakably Por Larrañaga. Caramel and honeyed sweetness are among the familiar attractions, accompanied by toasted nuts, cedar, cream and a little gentle spice. The overall impression is relatively mellow, although there's enough development through the middle and final thirds to keep things interesting. The 48 ring gauge gives the cigar a satisfying amount of body, while the five-inch length makes it manageable for an afternoon smoke. Allow somewhere around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on your pace.
The Picadores is also worth mentioning for its history. The name originally appeared in Por Larrañaga's catalogue many decades ago, and its return in the modern range revived a little piece of the marque's past.
This listing is for one loose Por Larrañaga Picadores No. 1, rather than a complete box.
A very agreeable Cuban cigar from a house that has been quietly getting on with the business since William IV was on the throne.
Which, when you think about it, is a considerably longer track record than most British governments manage.
