Back at the IPCPR Trade Show in July, Primer Mundo Cigar Company officially added La Hermandad Costa Fuerte to their lineup. La Hermandad Costa Fuerte is produced by PDR Cigars in the Dominican Republic and is available in three vitolas: Caballito (5 by 50), Embajador (6 by 52). and Consejero (6 by 60). Other offerings from Primer Mundo include the Black Label, Blue Label, Epifania, La Hermandad, Liga Miami, and Red Label.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Pinar Del Rio
Price: Around $8
Vitola: Caballito – Robusto
Size: 5 by 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Bahia
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo 98 and Dominican Corojo 2006
Drink: Water

Pre-light

Every time I opened my humidor this past month, La Hermandad Costa Fuerte stared me down with its large white band.  Seriously,  there is no way you can look past a cigar that has a band that takes up two-thirds of the stick. Not being able to handle it any longer, I decided to pull out the Costa Fuerte for review. While the band is large,  it is also quite simple, which I really like. After sliding off the band with ease, an oily Brazilian leaf is revealed. Color imperfections, veins webbing across the stick, and its dark marbleized, reddish brown color make this one rough looking wrapper.

The foot appears under filled, but the rest of the stick is firmly packed. The wrapper emits a nice cedar aroma and the foot showcases cedar, cocoa, and spice.  Cutting through the first layer of the triple cap, an open draw is presenting a clove richness, cocoa, and earth.

First third

La Hermandad Costa Fuerte is starting with a mouthful of spice that is completely saturating my palate.  At the half inch point, the pepper has toned down ever so slightly and I am picking up on a dusty cocoa and deep cedar notes. There is a tad of sweetness, but I am unable to put my finger on it. The retrohale is of intense black pepper, but not nearly as spicy as expected. Being so early in the cigar, the nicotine is not having any ill-effects on me but I can tell this bad boy is going to be strong. The burn line is thick and wavy but nowhere near the point of requiring a touch-up. The layered, salt and pepper ash is firm holding past an inch.

Middle third

The pepper spice remains at the core of the flavors as I make my way into the second third. A mineral, or metallic quality is peeking through and the cedar is now finding some room in the profile. The dusty cocoa is very noticeable on the finish of the smoke and lingers on the palate for some time. Due to the long finish, I am allowing more time and a few sips of water between each puff to refresh my palate. Also, the strength would be kicking my butt if I smoked at my normal rate. There has been little change in the burn but the ash is now a bit flaky.

Final third

Approaching the hour mark, I have entered the final third of this hefty La Hermandad Costa Fuerte. The profile has become much richer. Dirt-like, earth notes are now alongside the cedar, and the pepper has either stepped down another notch or I am just numb to it at this point. One quick touch up has brought the burn line back in-line. The flavors and strength remain full at the close of the stick.

Wrap-up

Even though the band warned me with the word “Fuerte” clearly stated, I did not expect this cigar to be such a powerhouse of pepper, spice, and strength. After the midway point, I thought for sure the strength was going to push me over the top, but throughout the entire cigar the Costa Fuerte remained right at that edge of making me sick but never went over.  The cigar performed well, as only one touch-up was required in the final third. This is not a cigar I would start my day with, but I can see myself smoking La Hermandad Costa Fuerte after a big steak dinner. Overall, I enjoyed the cigar but the time of day and the meal I eat will be the determining factors on when I will revisit it. If you enjoy spicy, full cigars, with notes of cocoa and cedar, I recommend you give the Primer Mundo La Hermandad Costa Fuerte a try.

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