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La Sirena Porthole review

La Sirena Porthole

The porthole is a special edition cigar by La Sirena. (5,000 of each Vitola)  it was released in June 2015 and retails for six -Seven bucks.

Cigar Reviewed:  La Sirena Porthole Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro Corona

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Factory: La Zona Cigar Factory

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 5 x 44 Vitola Corona,

The full name is La Sirena Porthole ECUADORIAN HABANO OSCURO CORONA.  A name which mimics the old saying the more keys the less important you are.  Unfortunately the same goes for this cigar.  Now don't get me wrong, it's not a Bad review, or cigar, but it definitely does not live up to the pomp and circumstance of the name nor the the fact it is limited.

Since it is called the porthole I thought it appropriate to do my review from one the Newly Beautified Buffalo, NY Waterfront  Park at New Times Beach.

When I pulled this out of the package I immediately noticed a sweet, light barnyard smell with just a hint of cocoa. The foot had a scent of leather and woodyness, but nothing too intense this lack of intesity was a precursor to what was coming for the entire smoke.

As for the appearance and construction It had a dark wrapper expected of a Habano, but it was missing the reddish muddled hue that is the typically predominant trait of a Habano.  It looked somewhat rough, not a nice tight cigar and was soft and airy in spots.

The single flimsy cap pulled off, and I didn't even have to cut it.  Not a great first impression!

The initial cold draw was lightly peppery and definitely had a leathery cocoa flavor.

It lit up nicely, with not much flame or fanfare.  The first several draws were a bit sharp, possibly do to the wind, but the fourth it smoothed out and I tasted a light hay, leathery, cocoa once again. The peppery taste seemed to have disappeared or at least backed off greatly The retrohale  seemed to give off a light tar taste, like a freshly paved driveway, or railroad ties after a day of sitting in the sun. 

The first thrid was uneventful the flavours stayed muted and little changed there was nothing complex, but it gave off a nice aroma of the leathery tobacco, with light cocoa.  

I was sitting on the Buffalo, NY Waterfront and the sweet wild grasses and trees seemed to compliment the aroma from the Porthole.

The first third and halfway through the second third it finally ashed with a crazy coast line that needed maintenance.  I have no idea how this oddly burning loosely wrapped stick held on to that ash for so long and in the wind, but it did, and it was a very dark ash.

I got a bout half way through the final third and the tar flavour stared to appear in the draw.  The cigar wan't very hot, but the flavour started to become too sharp. It was at a nub so I couldn't really continue, so perfect timing I suppose.

The rest of the stogie:
The Porthole was good. A six dollar cigar at best, it was consistent, and apparently better constructed than it seemed

but boring in my opinion.  This could be a good smoke for a newbie. It was definitely a medium body and stayed that way.  I heard from a few people to age it a bit, however that did not seem to help.  The second porthole I had was identical. Meh! that's about the extent of it. nothing exciting nothing complex, not would I would expect from a special, limited edition, but everything I would expect from a 6 dollar cigar.  For my money I would rather go with a Drew Estate Liga Privada at $7-$9.00 Papas Fritas or even an Asylum Schizo (prices at about $3.00 retail).