Vitola: Toro Box Press- 6” x 54 ring gauge
- MSRP $10.60
- Samples provided by Villiger Cigars
Background
La Meridiana was introduced by Villiger to the European market in 1998. It was Heinrich Villiger’s way of paying tribute to some long lost Cuban heritage. The name was taken from what once was one of the largest factories in Havana until 1898, when Pedro Murias had to sell the factory. This Meridiana is a Nicaraguan puro featuring “complex flavors without overpowering the palate of the smoker. The uniquely distinct hue of the wrapper and flavor are born out of a special aging process of the tobacco which takes approximately four years.”
La Meridiana is made in 5 sizes, each of which is available in 10 count boxes. It began shipping to Villiger retailers in March 2019. “Meridiana” is Spanish for meridian, which is a line of longitude on a map, connecting north and south poles. They are also using the designation “El Mundo de Tabaco” on this cigar, which is “the world of tobacco.” This was originally a company that Villiger founded to import non-Cuban cigars to Europe, although it seems now that it’s being used as a sub-brand to import a European non-Cuban cigar to America.
Villiger sent me 3 samples of this blend, along with a pairing supplements that I hope to incorporate into a later article. This review is based on the second of these I have smoked.
Prelight
The banding on this one is tricky. The main band looks like two separate bands, but it is actually just one with a “tobacco colored” line running around it. The top of the band is very much like other Villiger bands I’ve seen of late, while the bottom of the band has a warm orange and brown color with gold foil and black lettering. The general appearance is nice looking without going over the top. The foot band has the “El Mundo del Tabaco” wording with a dark red background that features a lighter red world map.
The wrapper leaf of the cigar was dark chocolate brown, but with some red mixed in that did give it a slightly unusual appearance. It was oily to the touch and had a very nice softly rounded box-press to it. The aroma from the wrapper was pungent and earthy, while the foot of the stick had a little cedar mixed with the earthiness.
I clipped the head of the stick and got a very good draw, that had notes of earth, cedar and a coppery/mineral note, along with a peculiar note that made me think this is probably made in the Joya de Nicaragua factory.
Flavor
While lighting up I realized that the cigar this most reminded me of was JdN’s Antaño Dark Corojo. Not exactly, of course, but there were certain similarities in body and flavor profile. This Meridiana had a strong earthiness and substantial cedar note at the outset, along with a saltiness that was a little odd, but very pleasant. Red pepper presented on the palate and burned long after each puff, along with a subtle sweetness. The retrohale was roasted nuts and black pepper. The cigar was full-bodied and quite full-flavored right from the the start.
As I got into the second third, the earth backed off a little, allowing more of the savory, salty and sweet flavors to come through. With the continuing pepper spice on both palate and nose, it was reminiscent of good BBQ, without being overt. The cedar in the flavor profile was a steady presence, as well.
In the last third, La Meridiana had more salty and sweet notes leading the way with cedar dipping in its influence. There was a still a good amount of pepper spice.
Construction
I had an excellent draw, very even burn line and solid ash.
Value
The price tag on these is very good for the experience they deliver.
Conclusions
Villiger has done a good thing bringing La Meridiana to the States. It is a complex full-bodied cigar with a great mix of sweet, savory and peppery notes. Since it has some flavor hallmarks I associate with Joya de Nicaragua’s products, I wasn’t sure how I would like it, but I found it enjoyable from beginning to end and I would definitely buy these again.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4.5/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9.5/10
