In 2018 the HVC First Selection Broadleaf was released in limited a 20 count box that was split with 10 Robusto and 10 Toro Cigars. The box took up a large footprint in humidors that was a bit of a logistical nightmare for retailers. In 2021, the brand would come back out in just the Toro size in a more tradition 20 count box, once again in a limited production release.
In 2024, the brand would come back out again, this time in a 10 count paper bundle in the Robusto vitola. The brand which was the first Broadleaf from HVC now shares shelf space with the HVC Hot Cake Fresh Out of the Oven Broadleaf which is an entirely different blend.
Cigar Review: HVC First Selection Broadleaf
Size: 5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Nicaragua
Factory: Fabrica de Tabacos HVC S.A.
Release Date: September 2018 (2024 Current Release Review)
Box Count: 10 (Paper Bundle)
The Cigar: This light in the hand cigar from HVC features a Broadleaf wrapper with a fair amount of brindle to it with a network of thin veins visible. Exquisite rolled the cigar features a gold, red and white band denoting HVC First Selection. There are no voice of tobacco and a slightly underfilled foot that creates an effortless draw.
The Taste: Once the cigar is cut the cold draw reveals notes of dark chocolate and earth with a subtle cedar component. The foot of the cigsar has a milk chocolate notes with a subtle nuance of figs. After we toast the foot evenly, the first note is black peppercorns.
As we work our way into the first third notes of peppercorns slide into the background as dark chocolate and nuttiness takes hold of the palate. There are some elements of hay and cedar present as well with a delightful licorice what lingers well into the finish. The retrohale is red pepper aggressive with some licorice with a relatively short finish.
The second third remains constant with notes of dark chocolate and nuts to start. At the half-way point of the HVC First Selection Broadleaf so strong espresso notes begin to develop with some black peppercorns on the finish. The retrohale sees more peppercorns wit some char from a grilled a streak that make this a mouthwatering good cigar.
The last third sees the espresso notes become dominant with a charred wood aroma that also carries over to the palate with a leathery finish. There is also some nuttiness on the palate in the form of walnuts. The retrohale continues to serve up a subtle char and an abundance of black peppercorns.
Conclusion: When the original HVC First Selection Broadleaf came out I found them to be harsh and lacking balance. This release seems smoother and more balanced which has me wondering if the blend was tweaked or they spent more time aging. Whatever the reason is, it works and it is a welcome change. The price point on these give the cigar an added value and with the HVC Hot Cake Fresh Out of the Oven Broadleaf the company has two cigars with the same wrapper and considerably different price points in their portfolio.
If you are a fan of Connecticut Broadleaf and how can you not be, these are a must have for your humidor. If you smoked them in the past and found them to be loaded with mineral flavors or lacking balance they definitely need to be revisited.
Score: 93
Price: $8.00 (Before any local or state taxes)
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