We know what you're thinking, and no, La Galera isn't 85 years old. However, Jochy Blanco and son's Tabacalera Palma manufacturing operation in the DR certainly is! As any self-respecting cigar family would do, the Blancos crafted a limited-edition smoking experience to mark the occasion.
The La Galera 85th Anniversary cigar brings with it a fun and unique concept, where José “Jochy” Blanco blended a cigar after the style and techniques of his father, while José Manuel Blanco (Jochy's son) blended his cigar with consulting from his father, Jochy himself. Both cigars were then packaged in one stunning display, featuring a box lid that doubles as an ashtray (limited to only 2,201 boxes in total).
What do the La Galera 85th Anniversary cigars taste like?
For Jochy's blend, the cigar makes use of an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper (a favorite leaf of his father), a Dominican Corojo binder, and Piloto Dominicano and Criollo '98 fillers from the family's Jacagua and Gurabo farms of the DR. This cigar is mild to medium in body, soothing the palate with flavors of cedar, cream, and sweet stone fruit.
On the other end of the spectrum lies José Manuel's blend, using similar interior components but being topped with a much darker Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. This cigar was inspired by Jochy's experimental nature, offering a medium-plus body and hearty flavors of earth, charred oak, and gingerbread cookies.
