Description

Bonita Bonita Bonita Aged 3+ Years – Tabacalera La Isla

Size: 5×50
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Dominican Republic
Fillers: Dominican Republic
Flavor Notes: Honey, coffee beans, leather, chocolate, cedar, raisins, salted popcorn, toasted almond, cream, vanilla bean, florals, black pepper, cardamom, citrus, stone fruits, brown sugar, browned butter, peanut shell, graham, aged cedar, cereal, white pepper, bread.
Pairing Notes: Light roast coffee black, Lowland Scotch, VSOP Brandy, Cognac, floral teas, roasted nuts, crackers with goat cheese, dried cranberries, dried plums, dark chocolate-covered raisins, after fried chicken.
Manufacturer: Tabacalera La Isla (Dominican Republic)

Privada Storytelling

Bonita Bonita Bonita comes to us from one of the most buzzed-about new factories in the Dominican Republic, Tabacalera La Isla, founded by Hostos Fernández Quesada. If the name sounds familiar, it should—Hostos is both the cousin of Terence Reilly of Aganorsa and the nephew of Manolo Quesada of Quesada Cigars. With a family lineage this rich in cigar heritage, Hostos took a bold step into independence, launching La Isla to craft cigars that combine tradition with modern flair.

Privada was among the first to partner with La Isla, choosing this maduro blend from early test runs. The habano sibling cigar ended up in our playful “Cigars We Hate” program, but this San Andrés robusto was an instant love affair. Over 3 years of age have polished its flavors, showing just how serious La Isla is about quality. While other clubs rushed in later, we were first to stake our flag on the island—and Bonita Bonita Bonita remains one of the gems of that discovery.

Flavor Journey

• First Third: Opens with a savory medley of salted popcorn, toasted almond, cream, vanilla bean, and fragrant cedar. Black pepper, cardamom, and delicate florals weave throughout, while the retrohale delivers subtle caramel, citrus brightness, and more florals over a cedar backbone.

• Second Third: Flavors deepen into stone fruits, stronger citrus, and a bouquet of florals. Umami elements emerge—brown sugar, browned butter, and a dash of vanilla—giving this portion a gourmand quality rarely found in a maduro robusto.

• Final Third: Peanut shell, honey graham, aged cedar, and cereal grains define the finale. White pepper tingles on the retrohale while bread and roasted notes close out the experience. A cigar full of dynamism, demanding patience and appreciation as it reveals layers of complexity.

Why It Belongs in Privada

Bonita Bonita Bonita is proof that Privada leads where others follow. Before La Isla became the industry darling, we were already placing Hostos’ work in members’ hands. This release is both a showcase of San Andrés maduro’s potential in Dominican craftsmanship and a testament to Privada’s commitment to finding brilliance before the rest of the world catches on. Aged over 3 years, it’s an introduction to the future of Dominican boutique cigars.

Specifications

• Size: 5×50
• Vitola: Robusto
• Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
• Binder: Dominican Republic
• Fillers: Dominican Republic
• Flavor Notes: Honey, coffee beans, leather, chocolate, cedar, raisins, salted popcorn, toasted almond, cream, vanilla bean, florals, black pepper, cardamom, citrus, stone fruits, brown sugar, browned butter, peanut shell, graham, aged cedar, cereal, white pepper, bread.
• Pairing Notes: Light roast coffee black, Lowland Scotch, VSOP Brandy, Cognac, floral teas, roasted nuts, crackers with goat cheese, dried cranberries, dried plums, dark chocolate-covered raisins, after fried chicken.
• Manufacturer: Tabacalera La Isla (Dominican Republic)