Por Larrañaga Leones Edición Regional España: A Classic Spanish Exclusive

Konstantin Denishev
Oct 12, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Mar 13

The Por Larrañaga Leones Edición Regional España is a special release crafted exclusively for the Spanish market as part of the Edición Regional series. Originally scheduled for release in 2021, the Leones finally hit the market in September 2023, much to the delight of collectors and enthusiasts. This cigar is a tribute to the Por Larrañaga brand’s long-standing tradition of crafting elegant, balanced cigars, dating back to its founding in 1834.

Flavour Profile

The Por Larrañaga Leones offers a smooth and medium-bodied experience. The first third of the cigar greets you with the brand's signature notes of creamy sweetness, predominantly featuring honey and caramel, accompanied by delicate hints of toasted nuts. As you progress through the cigar, subtle hints of cedar, earth, and baking spices begin to emerge, adding complexity to the overall profile without overpowering the palate.

As the cigar enters its second third, the sweetness mellows, and you are introduced to deeper, more layered notes of coffee, cocoa, and light spice, which remain well-balanced throughout. The final third brings a more pronounced touch of leather, along with an earthy richness that lingers, leaving a satisfying finish.

Vitola Details and Interesting Facts

Here are the specifications for the Por Larrañaga Leones Edición Regional España:

Factory Name: Coronas Grandes
Dimensions: Ring gauge 42 x Length 155 mm (6 1/8 inches)
Construction: Handmade, long-filler cigar using premium tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region
Bands: Classic Por Larrañaga band with a secondary Edición Regional band for Spain
Packaging: Presented in numbered boxes of 10 cigars, with a limited production of 50,000 boxes
Release Date: September 2023

The Coronas Grandes (or Lonsdale) vitola is a traditional and elegant format, offering a longer smoking time with a moderate ring gauge that enhances flavour delivery without overwhelming the smoker. This vitola is a classic choice for those who enjoy balanced cigars with a nuanced flavour profile.

The Importance of Edición Regional Cigars

The Edición Regional series allows specific markets to have exclusive access to cigars that are not part of the standard production. These cigars are often crafted to suit the taste preferences of the region they are designed for, making them highly desirable among collectors. The Leones is no exception. With its delayed release, the anticipation surrounding this cigar only grew, making it an even more prized addition to the Spanish market and cigar collectors worldwide.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The Leones stands as a fine example of the quality craftsmanship expected from Por Larrañaga. Each cigar is expertly rolled, featuring a smooth wrapper with minimal veins. The draw is impeccable, providing a smooth, even smoke from start to finish. The burn is consistently even, and the ash holds firm, reflecting the precision with which these cigars are constructed. The Vuelta Abajo region, from which the tobacco is sourced, is renowned for its aromatic richness and ensures the Leones carries a premium flavour profile throughout.

Perfect Pairings

To complement the smooth, creamy flavours of the Por Larrañaga Leones, try pairing it with a well-aged rum or a single malt Scotch whisky. The sweetness and depth of an aged rum, or the smokiness of a fine whisky, will enhance the cigar’s nutty, honeyed notes while balancing its more complex coffee and cocoa undertones.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic pairings, a rich espresso or a cappuccino will bring out the cigar’s earthy richness and subtle spice, making for a refined and well-rounded experience.

A Smoke Worth the Wait

Though delayed, the Por Larrañaga Leones Edición Regional España is well worth the wait. It offers a premium smoking experience, blending tradition, craftsmanship, and a smooth complexity that makes it a standout within the Edición Regional series. Whether you’re an experienced smoker or someone just beginning to explore Cuban cigars, the Leones offers a refined and elegant journey through Cuban tobacco.

Rating for Por Larrañaga Leones Edición Regional España

Here’s how the Por Larrañaga Leones Edición Regional España scores based on my rating system:

Appearance: 9/10 – An elegant, well-constructed cigar with a classic Por Larrañaga look.
Aroma: 8/10 – Light, inviting aromas of honey, cedar, and nuts.
Flavour: 18/20 – Balanced, with a smooth progression of creamy sweetness, earthiness, and spice.
Draw: 9/10 – Effortless, providing a smooth smoking experience throughout.
Burn: 9/10 – Consistently even, with a firm ash.
Construction: 10/10 – Impeccable craftsmanship from start to finish.
Strength: 7/10 – Medium-bodied, making it approachable yet refined.
Finish: 9/10 – A lingering, satisfying finish with earthy and leathery notes.
Overall Experience: 9/10 – A premium, well-balanced cigar that captures the essence of the Edición Regional series.

Total Score: 88/100

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