This year, I saw many companies at PCA with a new size and a new band, and a quiet hope that no one would ask too many questions.

La Aurora shows up and starts talking about family values, legacy, and a word most people cannot spell before their second espresso…or ever.

Perseverancia.

‘Perseverancia’ is the second release in their Family Creed Series.

If that name sounds a little heavy and hard(ish) to pronounce…you are not wrong.

But here is the thing. La Aurora is not playing it safe…we learned this last year when Family Creed came out.

Let’s Be Clear….This Is Not a “Line Extension”

Fuerte Sol was the first release in this series, and it got a lot of attention. High ratings. Top lists. Very much outside the normal portfolio.

So now Perseverancia shows up with expectations already attached.

That is either confidence or a very public risk. In either case, not ideal if you like quiet launches. Then again, my thoughts go to a ‘one, two’ punch of a boxer…so this just might be the way to play this.

What They Rolled Out

• Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper
• Mexican San Andrés binder
• Fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania
• Full strength
• Box pressed across all sizes

Sizes are straightforward. Robusto, Toro, Gran Toro.

No gimmicks. No weird shapes. Just a blend that looks like it wants your attention and feels familiar in your hand.

The Reality About PCA

Here is where it gets interesting.

PCA is not exactly built for subtle cigars. You are distracted, rushed, and halfway into your third conversation as you light something new. It is easy to get lost when every hour someone has a special release and free coffee.

So, I don’t fault brands that get missed in this circus environment. But this one did not get ignored.

The Big Question

All of this sounds good on paper. The story resonates. The blend hits the mark. Timing the release after last year’s hit makes perfect sense.

But none of that matters if the cigar does not show up when you light it.

Let’s say this….Fuerte Sol raised the bar….this next release has to fill some pretty big shoes.*

*Fuerte Sol was not only the #4 cigar of the year, but it was also the newest cigar to make the Essential 30 list.

Perseverancia Smoking Notes

If you thought Fuerte Del Sol was outside the normal La Aurora portfolio, that was just a warm-up. Perseverancia makes you notice it right out of the gate.

We lit up a robusto in the make-shift ‘lounge’ inside the La Aurora booth. I had the opportunity to try the Toro version back in February while it was still being tweaked. Although that cigar was good, this version reminds me how you can change a cigar’s impression by constant evaluation and experimentation. Manuel Inoa and the team nailed the blend.

Perseverancia is bold. It gets your attention. If Fuerte Sol was planting a flag in a new area for La Aurora, Perseverancia is starting to build cities*.

*I really should come up with something snappier for an analogy…but after numerous days in New Orleans, it’s all I got :)