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Customizable VegaFina 1998 VF 52

This 5.3"x52 Robusto from VegaFina's commemorative 1998 series brings Dominican craftsmanship to your humidor. The slightly box-pressed parejo shape feels substantial without being cumbersome. Let's break down what makes this customizable smoke stand out in the medium-bodied category.

Essential Specs

  • Brand: VegaFina
  • Format: Robusto (Box of 25)
  • Size: 5 1/3" x 52 ring gauge
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian
  • Binder: Indonesian
  • Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Colombian
  • Strength: ★★★☆☆

Burn Journey

First Third: Immediate cedar and roasted nuts with white pepper sparkles. The Indonesian binder adds a dry herbal note that contrasts with the underlying molasses sweetness.

Middle Third: Transition to leathery depth while maintaining nutty core. Coffee grounds emerge at the halfway point - more espresso bean than brewed cup.

Final Third: Mineral tang joins the party without overwhelming. Retrohale reveals hidden baking spices, though some find the last inch gets slightly ashy.

Construction Notes

  • 94% of test cigars needed no touch-ups
  • Firm ash holds for 1-1.5" intervals
  • Custom cellophane maintains 68-72% RH well

Similar Profiles

  • Arturo Fuente 858: 5.5"x43, milder nutmeg/caramel balance
  • Romeo 505 Nicaragua: 5"x50, earthier with cocoa powder finish
  • H. Upmann AJF: 5"x54, creamier texture but less spice definition

Origin Insights

Rolled at Tabacalera de García (world's largest cigar factory), these use aged Dominican Piloto Cubano filler as the foundation. The Ecuadorian wrapper adds just enough oil to complement without dominating - a conscious choice to keep the blend approachable.

When to Reach For It

  • Mid-morning smoke with black coffee
  • Introductory cigar for whiskey drinkers
  • Custom message option makes it wedding/birthday viable

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