Uploaded July 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Paul Anthony reviews the Platinum cigar from La Aurora's 1903 Preferidos range. Watch to learn all about its tasting notes and properties with our detailed review.
Check out the La Aurora 1903 Edition Preferidos Platinum Cigar Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/la-aurora-1903-preferidos-platinum
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
This La Aurora's 1903 Preferidos Platinum was reviewed using the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, a quantifiable review matrix. A link to view or download the corresponding Formula sheet for this cigar is available above, in the description.
00:24 Cigar Overview
Prior to review, these La Aurora Preferidos Platinum were seasoned for two months in a humidor with Boveda 69% RH packs.
The La Aurora Platinum Cameroon is presented in a doble figurado vitola which is 5x54. This cigar can be considered ultra-premium with the box (containing 8 individual tubos) retailed for around $210 which entails a price of $26.50 for each cigar.
01:18 Look, Feel, And Pre-Light Considerations
This La Aurora 1903 Platinum has a very even roll with slight veining and little to no soft spots. The Cameroon wrapper has a slight sheen but it doesn't appear overly oily.
The pre-light draw is subtle with straw, leather, and barnyard notes.
02:17 Lighting & First Third
In the first third, I found it to open with a slightly sharp or bitter taste though this went away after the oils in the tobacco warmed up. I largely attributed this to the double figurado vitola.
The notes I perceived in the first third were woody oak, earth, and sweet nuttiness. The retrohale contained notes of sweet earthy flavors and slight citrus.
02:58 Combustion
The pre-light draw was perfect with just slight resistance. The combustion into the first third has an ideal draw with a very even burn line. Considering the vitola, this is quite impressive.
The ash is very strong and the temperature is mostly cool, though I've found the cigar to get hot at times which could be due to me over-smoking it.
Overall, construction is phenomenal considering the doble figurado vitola.
03:55 Presentation Of La Aurora 1903 Platinum
I thought the band was quite nice if a bit simple. It possesses the La Aurora logo as well as an indication of the Cameroon wrapper. Considering the price point, the band could be a bit more ornate but I think the tubo presentation makes up for this regard.
The box is quite attractive with a Cuban feel resulting from the labels that span it entirely. Most notably, a felted tray cradles the 8 individual tubos which are simply striking to look at. Additionally, each box contains a small card with hand-written notes regarding the specific tobacco used for the cigars.
05:40 Second Third
Into the second third, the 1903 Platinum's flavor profile has evolved into a much more complex cigar. The notes I detect are cinnamon, graham cracker, and spice. The retrohale largely reveals notes of earth and citrus.
07:15 Occasion
In the final third, the uneven burn from earlier has corrected itself.
This being a medium to medium-plus cigar, I'd say this is best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening. Additionally, this would be a great cigar for a formal occasion or celebration such as a black-tie event like a wedding.
08:07: Food & Drink Pairings
Given that the flavor evolution in this cigar is so nuanced, I'd largely suggest enjoying the cigar by itself to appreciate the complexities. However, if you must go for a food pairing, I'd suggest some very light nibbles or soft cheese.
On drink pairings, consider a glass of dry champagne, low ABV rum, or scotch that is not too peaty.
09:37 Final Third & Overall Thoughts
The overall experience is likely 40-45 minutes. Towards the end of the cigar, I experienced woody, cedar, and coffee notes with earthy tones in the retrohale. The finish is slightly oily due to the Cameroon wrapper with an evolution that is top-notch, not only due to the premium tobacco blend but also the shape which directly alters the experience as you're enjoying the cigar.
Already tried the La Aurora 1903 Preferidos Platinum cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
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In this video, Paul Anthony reviews the Platinum cigar from La Aurora's 1903 Preferidos range. Watch to learn all about its tasting notes and properties with our detailed review.
Check out the La Aurora 1903 Edition Preferidos Platinum Cigar Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/la-aurora-1903-preferidos-platinum
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
This La Aurora's 1903 Preferidos Platinum was reviewed using the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, a quantifiable review matrix. A link to view or download the corresponding Formula sheet for this cigar is available above, in the description.
00:24 Cigar Overview
Prior to review, these La Aurora Preferidos Platinum were seasoned for two months in a humidor with Boveda 69% RH packs.
The La Aurora Platinum Cameroon is presented in a doble figurado vitola which is 5x54. This cigar can be considered ultra-premium with the box (containing 8 individual tubos) retailed for around $210 which entails a price of $26.50 for each cigar.
01:18 Look, Feel, And Pre-Light Considerations
This La Aurora 1903 Platinum has a very even roll with slight veining and little to no soft spots. The Cameroon wrapper has a slight sheen but it doesn't appear overly oily.
The pre-light draw is subtle with straw, leather, and barnyard notes.
02:17 Lighting & First Third
In the first third, I found it to open with a slightly sharp or bitter taste though this went away after the oils in the tobacco warmed up. I largely attributed this to the double figurado vitola.
The notes I perceived in the first third were woody oak, earth, and sweet nuttiness. The retrohale contained notes of sweet earthy flavors and slight citrus.
02:58 Combustion
The pre-light draw was perfect with just slight resistance. The combustion into the first third has an ideal draw with a very even burn line. Considering the vitola, this is quite impressive.
The ash is very strong and the temperature is mostly cool, though I've found the cigar to get hot at times which could be due to me over-smoking it.
Overall, construction is phenomenal considering the doble figurado vitola.
03:55 Presentation Of La Aurora 1903 Platinum
I thought the band was quite nice if a bit simple. It possesses the La Aurora logo as well as an indication of the Cameroon wrapper. Considering the price point, the band could be a bit more ornate but I think the tubo presentation makes up for this regard.
The box is quite attractive with a Cuban feel resulting from the labels that span it entirely. Most notably, a felted tray cradles the 8 individual tubos which are simply striking to look at. Additionally, each box contains a small card with hand-written notes regarding the specific tobacco used for the cigars.
05:40 Second Third
Into the second third, the 1903 Platinum's flavor profile has evolved into a much more complex cigar. The notes I detect are cinnamon, graham cracker, and spice. The retrohale largely reveals notes of earth and citrus.
07:15 Occasion
In the final third, the uneven burn from earlier has corrected itself.
This being a medium to medium-plus cigar, I'd say this is best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening. Additionally, this would be a great cigar for a formal occasion or celebration such as a black-tie event like a wedding.
08:07: Food & Drink Pairings
Given that the flavor evolution in this cigar is so nuanced, I'd largely suggest enjoying the cigar by itself to appreciate the complexities. However, if you must go for a food pairing, I'd suggest some very light nibbles or soft cheese.
On drink pairings, consider a glass of dry champagne, low ABV rum, or scotch that is not too peaty.
09:37 Final Third & Overall Thoughts
The overall experience is likely 40-45 minutes. Towards the end of the cigar, I experienced woody, cedar, and coffee notes with earthy tones in the retrohale. The finish is slightly oily due to the Cameroon wrapper with an evolution that is top-notch, not only due to the premium tobacco blend but also the shape which directly alters the experience as you're enjoying the cigar.
Already tried the La Aurora 1903 Preferidos Platinum cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
![How To Acclimate New Cigars: Essential First Step Before Storing
Learn from Bespoke Units Paul Anthony & Charles Philippe what to do first before storing cigars! Watch our video for a step-by-step guide to acclimating your new cigars.
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Boveda packs (all sizes): https://amzn.to/2PQTev7
CONTINUE WATCHING:
What is relative humidity? Our guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk5ixts2QYA
Learn what relative humidity ranges suit cigars: https://youtu.be/HA9WZlJsmRA
How to make a tupperdor: https://youtu.be/k30rM3SrPpI
Our videos on cigar storage:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfsWHCy_hDdo4W3Dy_JSuwg0NOeRKp4d2
READ ABOUT CIGARS:
Written version of the tupperdor guide above: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/humidors/diy/tupperdors/
All of our written content on cigars:
https://bespokeunit.com/cigars
How To Acclimate New Cigars: Essential First Step Before Storing
When you pick up some new cigars, whether singles or boxes, you dont know their relative humidity, or RH.
Therefore, you need to get them to the same RH as the container youre going to introduce them into, probably between 65% and 70% RH. In order to do this, youll first put them into a microclimate of the correct RH. We recommend using a tupperdor, that is, a tupperware-type container with an airtight seal. The cigars will go inside the tupperdor alongside Boveda packs; one standard 60g pack humidifies up to 25 cigars.
Ideally, youll use a smart sensor or calibrated digital hygrometer in order to determine when the cigars are ready. Generally, two weeks is a good amount of time, but it depends on various factors.
[01:03] Why is acclimation necessary?
If you put a new box of cigars into your humidor, it could be at, say, 50% RH. This would shock the cigars already in your humidor which were at 65% RH or higher, adversely affecting their quality. Hence, as your cigar collection grows, this will become a very important consideration.
[01:46] How do I acclimate my cigars?
The best thing to do is to put your cigars in their own microclimate separate from the rest of your collection. A simple way to do this is with a tupperdor, which you can easily put together yourself.
You use a tupperware container with a very good airtight seal, a humidification source, and a hygrometer. For the latter, we prefer a smart sensor, as this will make it easier. You need to ensure the relative humidity inside your tupperdor reaches the level inside your main collection. When it does, your new cigars are ready to introduce into the rest of your collection.
[03:21] Easiest Solution
Even easier than the tupperdor, however, is the Boveda Humidor Bag. This serves the same purpose as the tupperdor, that is, an airtight container with a humidification source.
[03:45] Storing wooden boxes of cigars
The scenario were showing here would make acclimation particularly necessary, as these nub cigars come in a wooden box. Therefore, not only the cigars themselves, but the wood of the box may be much drier than the rest of your collection.
[04:17] Conclusion
Acclimation is something a lot of you probably dont think about, and its something we didnt think about before.
However, while its an extra step in the storage process, its one weve come to find necessary. Weve arrived at our current methods after making many mistakes and trying many solutions. Still, whether your experiences are consistent with ours or not, we want to hear about them!
REMEMBER to comment! What are your experiences with acclimation and adding new cigars to humidors? Also, suggest any other cigar storage topic youd like us to feature on Bespoke Unit!
Yours,
The Bespoke Unit Team
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How To Acclimate New Cigars: Essential First Step Before Storing
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![Best Large Humidors: Store A Growing Cigar Collection
Paul Anthony and Charles-Philippe of Bespoke Unit present storage options suitable for hundreds or thousands of cigars. Watch our video to learn how you can store a large volume of cigars!
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Iris USA Remington 87 Quart [Coolidor]: https://amzn.to/2CPSljA
CONTINUE WATCHING:
Guides and information on cigars:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfsWHCy_hDdpCJLkMrlaOw9_oBxc8Gg73
Our videos on cigar storage:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfsWHCy_hDdo4W3Dy_JSuwg0NOeRKp4d2
We review cigars, both individuals and series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfsWHCy_hDdpcbnML7A9wQ8Gc1xZGeyGJ
READ ABOUT CIGARS:
Large Humidors section on Bespoke Unit with our top recommendations:
https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/humidors/best/large/
How to build your own coolidor: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/humidors/diy/coolidors/
Cigar fridges/powered coolers: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/humidors/coolers/
Cabinet humidors:
https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/humidors/cabinets/
Our main page on cigar storage:
https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/humidors/
All of our written content on cigars:
https://bespokeunit.com/cigars
Best Large Humidors: Store A Growing Cigar Collection
Like Paul, you probably started your cigar hobby with a few here and there, maybe some boxes. Paul now has around 1200-1500 sticks, therefore tupperdors and desktop humidors just cant handle his collection.
The only way out of this one is to either store them, or smoke them! We dont expect you to smoke that many cigars in a week, so well go over storage options. Well go over both cheap and expensive options, and talk about their pros and cons.
The cheapest option is to create coolidors, that is, large coolers converted to humidors. When we talk about humidors, we mean a microclimate with RH in the low-60s to 70 and a stable temperature. If, like Paul, you have a cool basement that stays around 65 Fahrenheit, its a perfect spot to keep coolidors.
The Iris USA Remington 87 Quart we recommend for coolidors stores 21 trays like we have here, or 15-20 boxes. The exact amount depends on the format of cigar youre storing, of course.
Of course, coolidors are not really a showpiece, since theyre functional but not particularly attractive. For an option that stores many cigars with a nice presentation, a cigar fridge may be a better option. Cigar fridges regulate temperature, but you still need to provide a humidification source, such as Boveda packs.
Fridges may be necessary when you cant control the interior temperature of the room. For example, Paul uses a 250-count cigar fridge at his office. Before the fridge, Paul had some cigars go mouldy at the office during one summer. The property managers turn off the HVAC on weekends, so in the summer, indoor temperatures reach 76-78 Fahrenheit!
If you like desktop humidors but want to go bigger, there are also chest-style wooden humidors.
These furnitidors are generally quite effective as humidors, but they share a specific problem with coolidors. That is, because they open on the top, a full humidor makes it difficult to get at the bottom cigars.
Thus, if youre interested in a furnitidor—i.e, humidor-as-furniture, cabinets may be your best bet. Because all of the shelves are easily accessible, you can quickly reach any cigars you need. These can get very large; our local cigar shop in Media, PA uses the Prestige Importers Reagan. This is a 4,000-count cabinet that fully controls its temperature and humidity.
It costs nearly $5,000, and is suitable for enterprise cigar storage and display. The Reagan is double-sided, while its smaller counterpart, the Remington, is single-sided. Electronic cabinets like these must be constantly powered and periodically recharged with distilled water.
If your collection is to the point where cabinets wont suffice, its time to make a walk-in humidor. This is a room built to humidor specifications, with humidification, temperature control, and Spanish cedar. These are appropriate for a collection of 5-20 thousand cigars or more.
Nat Sherman advertised a service to convert rooms to humidors in their 1996 book A Passion for Cigars. Were not sure if they still offer that, but similar services exist.
If you need more guidance on large cigar storage solutions, check out our links above for more in-depth information.
REMEMBER to comment! If theres something we missed here or on the site, let us know in the comments! Let us know your experiences with storing a sizeable collection. Also, suggest any other cigar storage topic youd like us to feature on Bespoke Unit!
Yours,
The Bespoke Unit Team
CONNECT:
Web: https://BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: https://BespokeUnit.com/newsletter/
Best Large Humidors: Store A Growing Cigar Collection:
https://youtu.be/lWsticL9RtE Best Large Humidors: Store A Growing Cigar Collection](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lWsticL9RtE/mqdefault.jpg)






