Released in April of 2016, Imperia Islero is the second blend offered by MLB Cigar Ventures; an extension of their original Imperia brand. The Islero was created by Mike Bellody and Manuel Quesada. The cigars are rolled at Quesada’s factory in the Dominican Republic.
The cigar is named after a very powerful Miura fighting bull.
Specifics
The Islero’s blend is comprised of an Ecuadoran wrapper, a Dominican binder and a combination of Ecuadoran and Pennsylvanian tobaccos.
The cigar is available in five vitolas: Pita 5.5 x 44, Robusto 5 x 52, Toro 6 x 50, Gordo 6 x 60 and Fundador 7 x 50/33 Double Perfecto
I received this cigar as part of my monthly Stogiebird subscription. It was the Pita vitola and I paired it with some Diplomatico Reserva Exclusio rum.
The Experience
Appearance
The Ecuadoran wrapper is dark and oily. There are a couple of almost imperceptible veins and the seams are nearly invisible. The cigar is beautiful looking. The wrapper also gives off an aroma of sweet tobacco.
The triple cap is smoothly applied and adds to the beauty of the cigar. The finished foot has a sweet, earthy scent.
The band is gold and white, depicting an eagle and a crown with the brand name and Mike Bellody’s name in a ribbon below.
The cigar feels a little on the light side but, seems normal for its ring gauge. The cigar is firm to the touch with no noticeable soft spots.
Pre-light
I gave the cap a straight cut with my guillotine and took a cold draw. The cigar had a slight amount of resistance and I picked up on sweetness and hay.
Since the Pita is a smaller vitola, I gave my (new at the time) plasma quad lighter a shot at this cigar. It worked quite well. I was impressed.
1st Third
The start of this cigar brings out a slightly earthy tobacco flavor on my palate and a smooth finish. There is a slight spice sensation on the retrohale.
2nd Third
The middle of the Islero changes to a savory tobacco flavor with a long, satisfying finish. The retrohale picks up a bit in strength.
Final Third
The end of this cigar really shines. The retrohale increases again to its strongest point and the flavors transform into a strong coffee with a slight tingle and a great long finish.
Combustion
The Islero burned evenly with a thin, dark carbon ring. The ash was firm and gray in color. The cigar produced a good amount of smoke.
[su_box title=”Summary” style=”soft” box_color=”#e1dddd”]The Islero is a beautiful, nearly perfect looking cigar. I put it in the medium to full strength and full bodied categories. It was a pleasure to smoke and I will certainly look for more to age in my humidor.
Overall, I give the Imperia Islero a rating of 93.3[/su_box]
Have you had the Imperia Islero? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!