HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary
- Size: Especiales (6 ½ x 48)
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua
- MSRP: $10 per cigar or $100 per 10-count box
- Release Date: Spring 2025
- Average Smoking Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Number of Cigars Sampled: 3
When Reinier Lorenzo founded HVC Cigars, he brought his Cuban heritage and passion for traditional cigar making to Nicaragua, creating a brand that would quickly earn respect among aficionados for its authenticity and craftsmanship. The HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary represents a significant milestone for this boutique manufacturer, celebrating a decade of excellence for one of HVC’s earliest releases.
The original HVC Edición Especial 2015 was a breakthrough release that helped establish the brand’s reputation for producing exceptional cigars. That inaugural edition featured a carefully selected Mexican San Andrés wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The blend showcased medium- to full-bodied flavors with remarkable balance between earthy richness, cedar and subtle spice notes that quickly earned it acclaim among critics and enthusiasts alike.
For the 10th Year Anniversary edition, Lorenzo returned to the foundation laid by the original while elevating key aspects of the blend. The commemorative release, limited to 1,000 10-count boxes, features a slightly tweaked blend to accommodate the cigars’ slight box press. The anniversary edition retains the characteristic flavor profile that made the original a standout while introducing deeper dimensions and a more pronounced evolution throughout the smoke.
This limited production anniversary edition stands as both a celebration of HVC’s journey and a testament to Lorenzo’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. It honors the company’s Cuban roots while embracing its Nicaraguan identity—a fitting tribute to a decade of passionate cigar craftsmanship.
Appearance: The HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary captivates with its rich, milk chocolate-colored wrapper. The Nicaraguan leaf presents a smooth, slightly oily texture with minimal visible seams and only the finest veins, indicating superior construction. Its elegant primary band features a cream-colored background with burgundy and white accents, prominently displaying “HVC Edición Especial 2015.” The secondary band combines red and black with “10th Year Anniversary” surrounded by tobacco leaves. Gold accents on both the leaves and lettering provide a celebratory, distinguished aesthetic. The soft-press format suggests generous smoke production and an effortless draw.
Feel in the Hand and Firmness: The cigar possesses a well-packed, substantial weight with appropriate give when gently compressed. Consistently firm from cap to foot without being overly rigid, it signals an even roll and ideal bunching. The triple cap shows meticulous application, while the foot reveals cleanly cut, evenly distributed filler.
Pre-Light Aromas: The wrapper releases subtle notes of barnyard, cocoa powder and cedar. From the foot emerges a slightly sweeter profile—molasses, graham cracker and delicate floral undertones. A mild earthiness intertwined with spice hints at the forthcoming experience.
Cold Draw Flavors: A clean, straight cut yields an unobstructed cold draw. Initial impressions include sweet hay, cinnamon and subtle orange zest. Cracked black pepper creates a gentle tingle on the lips, while underlying cedar and cocoa complete a promising pre-light profile.
Smoking Experience First Third: The HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary begins with a harmonious fusion of spice and sweet cedar. Retrohales deliver a refined black pepper sensation with perfect intensity to enliven the senses. Dominant flavors include toasted bread, cashew and dark honey. The smoke presents a creamy, voluminous quality that coats the palate pleasantly. An impeccable burn line accompanies a light gray ash that maintains integrity beyond an inch.
Second Third: As the cigar progresses into its middle section, spice recedes to showcase deeper, more nuanced characteristics. Leather and espresso notes emerge, enhanced by subtle dried fruit sweetness reminiscent of fig or prune, adding complexity. A rich, nougat-like creaminess develops mid-palate, elevating the sophistication. The strength gradually intensifies from medium to medium-full bodied while maintaining remarkable smoothness. Construction continues flawlessly with consistent draw and smoke production.
Final Third: The concluding third reintroduces pepper spice, now complemented by charred oak, dark chocolate and hints of anise. A rustic earthiness anchors the profile, delivering a quintessential Nicaraguan finish. Notes of salinity and lingering cocoa bitterness complete the final puffs. The cigar burns cool to the nub without harshness—testament to exceptional aging and craftsmanship.
Overall Summary: The HVC Edición Especial 2015 10th Year Anniversary exemplifies refined, flavorful Nicaraguan craftsmanship. This cigar unfolds like a three-act narrative—each third revealing layers of complexity, balance and character—reflecting the passion of the brand’s founder. Whether you’re a veteran aficionado or curious enthusiast, it offers a memorable smoking experience that balances satisfaction with sophistication.
Final Verdict: Essential for HVC enthusiasts and Nicaraguan tobacco admirers—bold without brashness, elegant without sacrificing character.
– Samples Courtesy of HVC Cigars. Review by Stephen A. Ross.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.