Cigar Reveal #195

Havana City Cigars
Selección No. 1

The HVC Selección No.1, though unimpressive in appearance, surprises with a complex flavor profile. Aromas of sweet licorice and wood set the stage, while the cold draw hints at Nicaraguan tobacco with milk chocolate, red pepper, and lemon notes, albeit somewhat muted. Upon lighting, it offers sweet cedar, chocolate, earthiness, and a potent red chili pepper accent. As it progresses, strength intensifies, becoming notably high by the halfway point. The final third brings out cedar and chocolate more prominently, but the nicotine kick can be overwhelming. Overall, it's a flavorful, robust cigar that may impress seasoned enthusiasts but demands caution due to its strength.

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Selección No. 1
Anatomy

  • Nicaragua (Jalapa)
    Nicaragua (Esteli)
  • Nicaragua

  • Mexico San Andres

Selección No. 1
Flavor Notes

First Third

Cedar

Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tarts

Lemon Sweetness

Cedar

Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tarts

Lemon Sweetness

Second Third

Earth

Oak

Red Chili Pepper

Earth

Oak

Red Chili Pepper

Final Third

Black Licorice

Molasses

Soy Sauce

Black Licorice

Molasses

Soy Sauce

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Reviews + Notes

Halfwheel

There's no category on our scoresheet that is designed to evaluate strength. It's not there because 99.99 percent of the time, it shouldn't matter. This is one of those rare times when it might matter. I enjoyed the flavors I tasted from the Selección No. 1, the construction was pretty good, but the strength made this uncomfortable to smoke. In this case, the score will be justified, but despite a decent score, I have little desire to smoke another Selección No. 1 anytime soon. 

Score: 88

Cigar Dojo

Would I Smoke This Cigar Again? I have and I will. The HVC Selección No. 1 is the best regular-production HVC project in some time (since the HVC Serie A, perhaps), which is saying quite a lot for this boutique-minded company that shows absolutely no signs of slowing. I’ve only smoked this blend in the Esenciales format, and am looking forward to trying the others.

Stogie Press

The HVC Selección No. 1 Poderosos is a cigar that is not for the faint-hearted. It offers a smooth strength that gradually builds up while delivering enticing flavors and aromas from foot to nub. It strikes a perfect balance between flavor and strength, never sacrificing one for the other. The early notes of cocoa, oak, and sweetness are delightful, while the fruit notes in the second third gradually intensify. The final third delivers a pleasing almond note that lingers until the finish. This cigar is best enjoyed by experienced cigar enthusiasts and may be overwhelming for beginners. This is worth grabbing a fiver of and I rate this 92.