Far from being a household name in the US, Villiger Cigars actually has been one of Europe’s top cigar companies since it was established in 1888 by Jean Villiger in the small town of Pfeffikon, Switzerland. From humble beginnings, Villiger now manufactures and sells more than 1.5 billion cigars annually, world-wide. Under the leadership of the third generation of the Villiger family, the company prides itself in its commitment to quality in all their products made in many countries around the globe.
To christen its new premium cigar factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, Villiger has taken one of its value brands, La Libertad, and completely recreated it from the ground up. The results? FANTASTIC!
The “new” La Libertad features a beautiful Nicaraguan Criollo wrapper, covering a Dominican binder from the DR’s Cibao Valley. Nicaraguan filler tobaccos include seco leaf from Jalapa and ligero from Esteli. The finished cigar comes together to provide a medium to full bodied treat.
La Libertad now comes in three sizes; Corona (5 3/4 x 43), Robusto (5 x 52) and Gran Toro (6 x 54).
With upgraded packaging, the “new” La Libertad has a chocolate colored oily wrapper that produces abundant flavor. After smoking about an inch, you notice the cigar produces an even burn with tight white ash (the sign of a very well made cigar.) While La Libertad is medium to full bodied, it produces a full, but extremely smooth experience.
I’ll personally be surprised if this new rendition of the La Libertad doesn’t make it onto many of 2022’s end of year Top Cigar lists.