Let's talk about this intriguing twin-pack from VegaFina's anniversary series. The 1998 Vintage 1 box contains 16 sticks split between two sizes - 8 VF 40 (6 1/8"x40) and 8 VF 42L (7 1/3"x42). Rolled in the Dominican Republic's Tabacalera de Garcia factory, these beauties blend aged Dominican/Nicaraguan fillers with Indonesian binders under that gorgeous Ecuadorian wrapper. At $156 per box, you're essentially paying under $10 per stick for well-aged tobacco - not bad for a 3-year minimum aged smoke.
The initial puffs deliver roasted cashews and wheat crackers through crisp white smoke. The 40-ring version shows brighter citrus notes, while the 42L leans into malted milk ball sweetness. Burn lines stay razor-sharp on both vitolas.
Dominican tobacco's signature baking spices emerge - think cinnamon toast with a sprinkle of cardamom. The longer 42L develops caramelized banana notes missing in its shorter sibling. Both maintain perfect draw resistance and ash stability.
Earthiness creeps in gently with damp cedar and espresso grounds. The 40-ring finishes quicker with almond skin bitterness, while the 42L extends the sweet spot with molasses undertakes. No harshness detected even when nubbing.
These age beautifully but need dry-boxing - the Ecuadorian wrapper tends to swell in high humidity. Pair the VF40 with sparkling water to highlight its citrus zing, while the 42L stands up well to aged rum. Recent CA reviews consistently rate them 87-89 points for construction consistency.
