When the esteemed blendmaster Rafael Nodal retired the La Boheme line more than a decade ago, it was never a permanent exile. The cigar making legend simply had other plans. Originally a smash hit consisting largely of Dominican tobacco, Nodal, in concert with fellow icon AJ Fernandez are bringing the line back via AltadisU.S.A. with a new look, and a new taste. If you love the original, buckle your seat belts.Said Nodal, via an interview with Cigar Aficionado about the release: “The new Aging Room La Bohéme is a look to the future, featuring bolder flavors and unique tobaccos. It represents three of my passions: music, cigars and Cuba.”At first glance, this cigar carries all the elegance of art named after the Giacomo Puccini opera about a seamstress in Paris, and the Parisian bohemian lifestyle. The navy and gold colorway is entrancing, alongside the stunning box art of the play’s protagonist, which is also featured as part of a double-band design enveloping these chocolate brown sticks. But this is just the beginning. The wrapper itself is comprised of Broadleaf and Habano seed grown in Connecticut. This hybrid seed has never been used on a cigar by Fernandez or Nodal before, making it an especially meaningful project for the two industry stalwarts. The wrapper cloaks beautiful, perfectly-aged Nicaraguan tobacco that pulls the entirety of this project together with an array of spiciness, along with perfectly rounded notes of cedar, coffee and a hit of cream. The line is available in four different sizes which match the vitolas available for the initial line. Mimi(3.5x46), Pittore (5.12x52), Poeta (5.75x54) and Musico (6.25x60). Oliver Hyams, Vice President of Marketing for Altadis U.S.A said in a press release: “The return of La Bohème embodies Aging Room’s passion for creativity and innovation in the boutique cigar space. With Rafael’s expertise and dedication to innovative blending techniques, we are excited to offer a unique product that enhances Aging Room’s stature as a cornerstone of our premium cigar offerings.”
