La Ley Exquisito Reserva 2018

La Ley (Mareva/Petit Corona, Robusto and Cañonazo/Toro) is an elegant boutique range from Didier Houvenaghel (DH Boutique Cigars), which deliberately prioritises balance over a ‘sledgehammer’ approach: creamy, delicately sweet and, at the same time, surprisingly deep in flavour. The blend has an international flavour – a rosado Habano wrapper from Ecuador is paired with a Nicaraguan binder from Estelí; the filler combines tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras, as well as another, undisclosed component. It is precisely this blend that ensures an exciting, multi-layered development with a very well-rounded overall profile.

International blend with a creamy signature

Typical of La Ley is its harmonious creaminess: wood and cedar, roasted notes and coffee form the backbone, accompanied by a subtle sweetness that keeps flaring up as the cigar progresses. Depending on the size, notes of cocoa, leather and earthy-mineral nuances are added. The strength is generally classified as medium – enough punch for connoisseurs, yet so smooth that the cigar also works well as an ‘anytime’ smoke.

Three sizes – one style, different dynamics

The Mareva (Petit Corona) is the focused variant for a shorter smoking experience: a slimmer diameter and precise flavours, ideal if you want to experience the creamy cedar and coffee notes clearly and directly. The Robusto feels rounder and fuller-bodied, with noticeably more volume and a longer, more varied profile. The Cañonazo (Toro) offers the most scope for development: over 15 cm in length, allowing more time for the sweet and spicy transitions and often delivering the most distinct ‘dessert’ character with honey and caramel notes.

Tasting tip

La Ley pairs perfectly with espresso, cappuccino or a mild rum. If you wish to emphasise the subtle sweetness, pair it with a lightly vanilla-flavoured whisky. A leisurely pace is recommended: this keeps the smoke cool and creamy, and allows the flavours to come through more clearly.

Tasting Report

Cigar exterior: Rosado-brown , silky, elegant band
Cigar interior: Neatly rolled, consistent draw
Smoke: Creamy , slightly sweet, medium smoke volume
Flavour: Cedar/wood, coffee, roasted notes, cocoa, leather; the Toro often has hints of honey and caramel
Burn: Generally even; for fresh cigars, allowing them to mature further can help