It had been a busy Friday, the kind where the to-do list felt endless and the clock moved too fast. But as evening crept in, this cigar gave me exactly what I needed: a moment to breathe.
I had a small window after the gym and before dinner with the family at our favorite BBQ joint. Honestly, I wasn’t sure which I was more excited for, the smoked brisket or this smoke. Spoiler alert: the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso stole the show, a decadent cigar desired by seasoned connoisseurs alike for its balance of power and finesse
So I grabbed this box-pressed beauty, poured a small bourbon, and stepped outside. There’s something about a well-made cigar that turns noise into silence. As the first draw rolled across my palate, the day’s chaos faded, leaving only the small, important things: good flavor, a quiet sky, and a reminder to appreciate what matters most.
This is my La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso review, a decadent cigar known for its dark chocolate richness, cracked black pepper spice, and the masterful blending of José “Pepin” Garcia.
Profile: Medium-to-full-bodied cigar
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro (oily Mexican wrapper, box-pressed
Binder: A premium binder of Nicaraguan tobacco chosen for balance and strength
Filler: Aged filler tobaccos cultivated on select Garcia Family estates in Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A., Estelí, Nicaragua
Sizes Available: Belicoso (5.5" × 54), Robusto (5" × 50), Churchill (7" × 50), Magnifico (6" × 52), Valentino (6.2" × 48), Duque (5.25" × 48)
Notable Feature: Part of Ashton Cigars celebrated La Aroma de Cuba brand, this vintage blend has earned consistent praise with 90+ Cigar Aficionado ratings and recurring Top 25 recognition
Flavor Highlights: Dark chocolate, espresso bean, leather notes, cracked black pepper, roasted nuts, subtle sweetness, long finish
Price Point: Typically around $10 per single; boxes in the mid-$230s, an excellent value for a premium, award-winning blend
La Aroma de Cuba is steeped in history. Once a beloved Cuban label, its revival under Ashton Cigars, and the blending expertise of Pepin Garcia, breathed new life into the brand. Rolled at My Father Cigars S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua, the de Cuba Mi Amor line pairs aged Nicaraguan tobaccos with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper for a profile that’s rich, balanced, and unforgettable.
The Belicoso earned a 95 rating and was named #2 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2011, with a Top 25 placement again in 2023, proof that this blend continues to impress both seasoned connoisseurs and new cigar lovers.
Many reviewers call it the standout of the La Aroma de Cuba Cigars series, and I have to agree, Pepin Garcia nailed it. For me, lighting up this cigar on a busy Friday underscored what makes Mi Amor special: it’s a smoke that can turn a hectic day into a quiet moment of gratitude. That’s the kind of magic only a great cigar can deliver.
Fresh out of the cellophane, the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso is nothing short of stunning. Its Mexican San Andrés wrapper is a rich, dark chocolate brown with a satiny, oily sheen that practically glows under the light. The box-pressed Belicoso shape feels elegant in hand, firm, with no soft spots, and just the right amount of give when gently squeezed.
The ornate band, with its vintage Cuban-style artwork, adds a touch of old-world charm and hints at the blend’s heritage. At the foot, a pre-light aroma of cocoa, earth, and a faint sweetness sets the stage.
The cold draw reveals espresso bean, almond, and a whisper of cracked black pepper, signs you’re in for a complex and decadent cigar experience.
The Mi Amor Belicoso opens with a burst of dark chocolate and cracked black pepper, it's confident but never harsh. Thick, creamy smoke coats the palate, while espresso bean and roasted almond peek through. Let me tell you, this cigar hit the spot immediately.
Retrohaling lifts the pepper without overwhelming, adding a lively kick. The burn line is razor-sharp and the good draw is effortless, hallmarks of Pepin’s precision.
By the end of the first third, the flavors begin to settle into a smooth rhythm: rich cocoa at the core, a firm undercurrent of spice, and enough sweetness to remind you why this cigar is a standout among both cigar aficionados and casual smokers.
Moving into the middle, the dark chocolate core deepens into espresso and malted chocolate. The initial pepper softens a bit; a gentle sweetness rounds the edges. Subtle leather notes join toasted almond and a faint hint of roasted coconut.
Smoke stays creamy and full. Construction continues to impress: steady burn, stack-of-dimes ash, and an open draw that never runs hot. This is where the blend shows its versatility, bold enough for bourbon, refined enough for coffee or port.
In the last third, black pepper returns over espresso and earth, while that dark-chocolate thread keeps the profile tethered. A touch of cedar and roasted nuts adds nuance. The long finish lingers with cocoa and spice.
The draw remains smooth; the burn stays sharp, only a tiny touch-up needed near the nub. Start to finish, it’s a great smoke that never loses composure.
The La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso is a masterclass in build. This cigar feels substantial in hand; seams are tight and clean. From toast to nub, the good draw stays right in the pocket, never too loose, never tight, delivering consistent, flavorful smoke.
The burn line tracks true, with only the slightest correction late. The ash holds firm in tidy stacks, a testament to well-sorted filler tobaccos and skilled rolling at My Father Cigars.
At around $10 per single and mid-$230s for a box of 25, the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso offers a outstanding value for a cigar of its pedigree. Its rich flavor profile, flawless construction, and reputation for consistency make it a premium experience without the ultra-premium price tag.
While it may not be an everyday smoke for every budget, it delivers an indulgent experience that rivals cigars priced significantly higher. For both seasoned connoisseurs and cigar lovers looking to elevate their humidor, Mi Amor Belicoso is an easy recommendation.
From first draw to final puff, the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso delivers a decadent smoking experience: dark chocolate richness, espresso undertones, cracked black pepper spice, and refined leather notes, all carried on creamy smoke with a long finish.
It’s no surprise Cigar Aficionado has showered it with love, #2 Cigar of the Year (2011) and a Top 25 nod in 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a new cigar lover building a humidor, this is a favorite cigar contender that earns repeat slots.
| Category | Rating (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Flavor | 8.9 |
| Construction | 9.1 |
| Burn / Draw | 9.0 |
| Value | 9.3 |
| Overall Rating | ⭐ 9.0 / 10 |
(That lines up perfectly with Cigar Aficionado’s praise, including its #2 Cigar of the Year (2011) and Top 25 ranking in 2023, a clear sign that Mi Amor Belicoso is one of the world’s favorite cigars.)
A consistent Mi Amor Belicoso that proves why La Aroma de Cuba’s Mi Amor line belongs in the humidor of every fan of Pepin Garcia’s blending legacy and the La Aroma de Cuba brand.
The La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso isn’t just another premium smoke, it’s a benchmark of Pepin Garcia craftsmanship. If you’re chasing dark chocolate depth, cracked black pepper sparkle, and a silky long finish with a good draw, this box-pressed Mexican San Andrés beauty is just what you need.
Buy the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso today and see why it’s a must-have for every serious humidor.
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