Embark on a journey through tobacco history with the Don Pepin Garcia 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Toro Extra. Before the era of My Father cigars, the legendary maestro Don Pepin Garcia, hailing from Báez, Cuba, laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary second act in the tobacco industry. As the early 2000s dawned, Garcia transitioned from his illustrious career in Cuba to establish his own cigar empire, formalizing the El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami in 2002.
Before My Father's cigars, there were Don Pepin Garcia cigars. In the early 2000s, the maestro de maestros from Báez, Cuba was just starting what would soon become one of the tobacco industry’s greatest “second acts” ever. After rising to nearly unparalleled success in his home of Cuba, José Garcia was turning the page and launching his own cigar company. In 2002, he formalized his El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami and got right down to business.
Now, 20 years later, everyone who knows tobacco knows his name – or at least his nickname. And so, Don Pepin Garcia's 20th Anniversary Limited Edition cigars are a celebration of a lifetime of success. And he ain’t even done yet!
This blend is the first part of a trilogy. It includes Don Pepin’s signature Nicaraguan tobaccos, including the fragile but flavorful Pelo de Oro leaf in the filler. The wrapper is a handsome Nicaraguan Habano 2000 that is absolutely dressed to the nines and ready for a proper formal event. You pour the whiskey (or perhaps pop some champagne?) and the cigar will do the rest.
For those who have been living under a rock, Don Pepin has earned two Cigar of the Year awards (one for My Father Le Bijou 1922 and another for Flor de Las Antillas). He’s a master not just of flavor balancing and blending, but also of cigar construction. He can supervise the process from end to end and hand you a cigar that will absolutely have you swearing off anything else. Once you smoke a Don Pepin blend, you’re going to look at half the stogies on the market sideways afterward. It’s hard to measure up. And in this Don Pepin Garcia 20th Anniversary Limited Edition cigar, you’re getting his classic notes in total harmony.
Call him maestro for his mastery or for his ability to put together a symphony of flavor – just make sure you put a healthy medallion of respect on his name – he’s earned it and then some.
Please browse our selection of My Father Limited Edition Collection at your leisure.
What are the flavors like? Spice, hickory, chocolate-covered almonds, fresh roasted coffee beans
What’s the strength level? Full
Who is this cigar for? Don Pepin Garcia 20th Anniversary Limited Edition cigars are for people who love true premium tobacco blends and will settle for nothing less.
Will I want to smoke it to the nub? Undeniably
What’s a good pairing with it? A good pour of scotch. Dalwhinnie makes a single malt that the tastemakers will hunt down if they have to, and you probably should too if you want superb whiskey.
What’s the best time/place to smoke this cigar? When you feel like a winner and there’s not a damn thing anyone can do about it.
Any flaws/downsides? Limited edition.
In the realm of premium cigars, the Don Pepin Garcia 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Toro Extra stands as a beacon of excellence and craftsmanship. With its rich heritage, masterful blend, and full-bodied flavor profile, this cigar pays homage to two decades of Don Pepin Garcia's unparalleled contributions to the tobacco industry. From the delicate nuances of spice to the robust notes of hickory and chocolate-covered almonds, each puff is a testament to the maestro's mastery and dedication to his craft.
As you embark on a journey through the Don Pepin Garcia 20th Anniversary Limited Edition, immerse yourself in the legacy of a true tobacco visionary. Whether enjoyed in moments of celebration or quiet reflection, this cigar invites aficionados to savor the finer moments in life and indulge in the artistry of cigar-making at its finest.
Explore our selection of Don Pepin Garcia 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Toro Extra cigars and elevate your smoking experience to new heights. Join us in raising a toast to Don Pepin Garcia and his enduring legacy of excellence.
Founded on the principles of innovation, craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to quality, Drew Estate has carved a prominent niche in the world of premium cigars. Since its inception, Drew Estate has been a trailblazer, redefining the boundaries of traditional cigar making and introducing aficionados to a realm of bold flavors and unique experiences.
Rooted in the heart of Nicaragua, Drew Estate emerged in 1996, guided by the vision of Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel. From humble beginnings as a small operation in Brooklyn, New York, the company swiftly rose to prominence, propelled by its commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence.
At the core of Drew Estate's ethos lies a passion for pushing the boundaries of cigar craftsmanship. From the avant-garde ACID series to the renowned Liga Privada lineup, Drew Estate has consistently challenged convention, captivating enthusiasts with blends that defy expectations and redefine the cigar landscape.
In 2023, Drew Estate unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its esteemed Liga Privada family: the H99 Flying Pig. This latest offering combines the rich heritage of the Liga Privada lineage with a novel blend that promises to delight the senses and elevate the smoking experience to new heights.
Join us as we delve into the world of Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig cigars —a journey steeped in history, innovation, and unparalleled flavor. From the storied origins of Drew Estate to the tantalizing allure of the H99 blend, prepare to embark on a voyage of discovery and indulge in the artistry of cigar making at its finest.
Indulge in the irresistible allure of the Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig. These exquisite stogies, renowned for their succulence and bold flavors, now introduce the Liga Privada H99 blend, marking a milestone in 2023. Unveiled at the esteemed Drew Estate Pennsylvania Barn Smoker, these chubby cigars promise a unique tobacco medley in an unparalleled format, leaving aficionados clamoring for more long after the box is emptied.
The H99 emerges as a distinguished member of the illustrious Liga Privada lineage, contributing to Drew Estate's reputation for crafting not only avant-garde smokes like the ACID series but also exceptional natural cigars that captivate the senses and defy convention.
Distinguished by its hybrid wrapper—a blend of Habano and Corojo—the H99 departs from the traditional Connecticut broadleaf used in the No. 9. This distinctive wrapper, cultivated with precision in the Connecticut River Valley, embodies the vision of blender Willy Herrera: delivering flavor without compromising on robustness. Entrusted to a single farmer, the wrapper maintains its unparalleled quality, adding allure to every draw.
Nestled beneath the captivating wrapper, the Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig encases a bold Mexican San Andres Otapan Último Corte binder, boasting earthy, spicy undertones that justify its distinguished title. Complementing the binder, a blend of aged Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Pennsylvania Green River One Sucker long-fillers create a symphony of flavors that define the Liga Privada H99 experience
The Liga Privada H99 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its predecessor, the No. 9, boasting a tantalizing selection of tobaccos that titillate the palate. From its leathery textures to its spicy undertones, charred meat, and BBQ essence, the H99 epitomizes the essence of the Liga Privada blend line—a barbecue smoke perfectly encapsulated in the Flying Pig vitola.
Indeed, pigs do fly—emerging from the Drew Estate rolling room, adorning shelves, and filling humidors with their dangerously good allure. Explore our selection of Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig cigars at your leisure and embark on a flavor journey like no other.
Flavors: Leather, spice, charred meat, BBQ sauce
Strength Level: Full
For Whom: Enthusiasts of hearty smokes
To the Nub: Prepare to savor every last puff
Perfect Pairing: Cold IPAs and grilled delicacies
Ideal Time/Place: Summer backyard gatherings
Flaws/Downsides: Beware—they may become your exclusive smoke of choice.
In the world of premium cigars, the Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig stands as a testament to innovation, quality, and flavor. With its unique blend of tobaccos, meticulous craftsmanship, and distinctive Flying Pig vitola, the H99 captivates aficionados and enthusiasts alike, offering a smoking experience like no other.
From the moment Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig cigars make their debut in your humidor, they embark on a journey of sensory delight, tantalizing the palate with notes of leather, spice, charred meat, and BBQ sauce. The full-bodied strength and hearty flavors make the Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig a cherished indulgence for those who appreciate the finer pleasures of life.
As pigs metaphorically take flight from the Drew Estate rolling room to your fingertips, they bring with them a promise of unparalleled enjoyment and satisfaction. Whether enjoyed during summer backyard gatherings or paired with cold IPAs and grilled delicacies, these cigars elevate every moment into a memorable experience.
As you explore our selection of Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig cigars, prepare to immerse yourself in a world of flavor, craftsmanship, and sheer indulgence. Embrace the allure of the H99 and embark on a journey where every puff unfolds a story of passion and excellence in cigar making.
Uncover the unparalleled allure of the Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Flying Pig with Cigars Direct—an experience that transcends the ordinary and ignites the senses with every puff.
H. Upmann, a venerable Cuban brand, has evolved beyond its origins. While true Cuban cigars remain elusive in the U.S., the Dominican-made H. Upmanns at Cigars Direct offer exceptional quality and consistently rank among Cigar Aficionado's top choices.
The brand traces its legacy back to 1844 when banker Hermann Dietrich Upmann ventured into the cigar business in Cuba. Despite challenges, including World War I disruptions and legal conflicts, the Upmann nephews upheld the brand's reputation, adorned with gold medal victories from the late 1800s.
Transitioning hands amidst political upheavals, H. Upmann found refuge with Menéndez, García y Cía Co., renowned for Montecristos. The Cuban revolution and subsequent embargo hindered access to H. Upmanns in the U.S., further underscoring their exclusivity.
With operations bifurcated between Cuba and the Dominican Republic, H. Upmann diversified its offerings. From the 1844 Reserve to Vintage Cameroon blends, each cigar bears the hallmark of Dominican craftsmanship and heritage.
Explore an array of sizes and flavors, from the Demitasse Petit Corona for a quick espresso break to the Churchill, ideal for leisurely evenings with brandy. H. Upmann cigars offer luxury without breaking the bank, making them accessible for aficionados of all backgrounds.
Whether relishing the rich history or indulging in the nuanced flavors, H. Upmann cigars epitomize excellence. Discover the legacy, indulge in Dominican mastery, and savor the essence of H. Upmann.
Day trading, often regarded as a rapid avenue to wealth, can just as swiftly reveal its downside: significant financial losses. For those intrepid souls who navigate the market's unpredictable waters, we present H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigar.
Crafted to complement the adrenaline-fueled world of day trading, the H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigar offers a moment of respite amidst the chaos.
Featuring a distinctive Ecuadorian Sumatra cover leaf, H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigar boasts subtle copper brown hues and a trademarked band, signaling its premium quality. The H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigar combines Nicaraguan binder with a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-filler tobacco, offering a complex flavor profile of earthy undertones, cedar notes, and creamy nut accents.
Blended by the esteemed Grupo De Maestros of Tabacalera de Garcia in the Dominican Republic, H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigar pays homage to Herman Upmann's original secret stash cigars distributed to VIPs. With over a century and a half of legacy, the H Upmann brand endures as a testament to quality and craftsmanship.
Ideal for those immersed in the world of day trading, H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigar offers a medium-full strength profile, perfect for moments of reflection and celebration alike. Pair it with a robust Scotch and embrace the highs and lows of financial endeavors.
As you navigate the complexities of the market, remember the sophistication inherent in trading. While gamblers may be viewed as degenerates, traders are recognized as savvy financial professionals. Explore our selection of H Upmann The Banker Daytrader Cigars and elevate your trading experience.
Now that football action is in full swing, we’re ready for some sturdy cigars that will stand up to the stress of watching your team once again shit the bed after getting your hopes up. Or, alternatively, we’re in the market for some nice football cigars that you can smoke after a game gets out and you just want to go back to tailgating instead of sitting in 30 minutes of stadium traffic.
This list doesn’t really have too many pure full-strength cigars. These aren’t like linemen who’ve spent the last decade powerlifting and eating wings by the dozen. This list tends more toward medium-full blends that give you a really high-quality smoke while pulling no punches. These are all 90+ stogies, most hitting 94 or 93 points with Cigar Aficionado.
Think of these like the middle linebacker who’s fast, can hit hard, and always seems to be right where he needs to be.
Are you rea-dy for some footbaaaaaaaaall (cigars?)
This is an incredibly exotic smoke, full of tobacco from places that not everyone could point out on a map. The most familiar part is the Dominican and Nicaraguan long-filler blend. After that, there’s a true Indonesian binder and a Cameroon wrapper – both of which bring a flavor that many will find quite intriguing. The flavor profile winds up hitting just the right notes for a classic smoke: coffee, leather, and “sweet layers of almond, caramel, and chocolate.” The parts that will really make you fall in love are the long finish and the lush draw.
This is perfect when you’re full of pregame food and just want to smoke and digest. It’s flavorful and highly enjoyable – a great sort of dessert for those long gameday watch sessions.
It’s a Metallica cigar, folks. It fits right in with malicious thoughts and getting pumped to take to the football field.
If you remember back to the days of drinking beer in some dude’s basement while emptying a jean jacket pocket to find spilled shake weed, you probably remember the driving guitar riffs of Metallica’s “Blackened,” from the 1988 album And Justice for All. When it came time for famed cigar enjoyer and Metallica frontman James Hetfield to collaborate on making a cigar, this was the track he honored.
It's a fitting name, given how much dark fermented broadleaf tobacco made it into the blend. But that’s what happens when Drew Estate is involved. They really know how to put that All-American leaf to good use. The final mix features Nicaraguan filler with PA broadleaf, a CT broadleaf binder, and a Mexican wrapper. In the words of the Cigar Aficionado judge, it delivers “a rich, spicy smoke that lays a hearty foundation of coffee and earth accented by notes of ginger, licorice, and pepper before the semi-sweet chocolate finish.”
The flavors of Blackened cigars are potent and excellent with a variety of fall beers – it’s a great football cigar!
The 94-point Allegiance is the most recent blend in E.P. Carrillo’s run of brilliant dominance at the top of the charts. It’s a more standard combination than some of the other cigars on this list: Nicaraguan filler with an Ecuador wrapper.
It brings plenty of flavor and strength, coming in around medium-full and packing notes that will keep you totally interested. Of course, you’d expect that from the two-time Cigar of the Year winner, right?
Cigar Aficionado described it by saying that it “shows layers of flavor with a sweet-and-spicy character accented by notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, all driven by a woody undercurrent.” Much like the Blackened blend, this smoke brings plenty of spice and would go great with fall beers and also any whiskey you might like to sip on while watching football.
**Special Message**
Let us take a moment of silence to mourn the hopes of Jets fans that went down the tubes 4 plays into the season when Aaron Rodgers was injured…
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**End Special Message**
Okay, back to cigars.
Cano Ozgener was the founder of CAO cigars, which most folks are familiar with thanks to the success of the Flathead (itself one of the best football cigars out there, but it needs no more promoting at this point). Now, his family carries on the legacy with the help of the Crowned Heads team.
So far, the Bosphorous is the breakout blend to try.
It’s a well-made Nicaraguan/Ecuadorian combo blend that earned 93 points from Cigar Aficionado, who praised it as “spicy and bold from the start.” They said it had a “black pepper, licorice and leather quality” that was “complemented by pleasant notes of nuts and sweet herbs.” It all ends in a toffee finish that will have you kicking back in enjoyment in that folding chair at the tailgate no matter how bad of an underdog your team is.
This is such a tasty chart-topper! Having a five-pack of these is just the perfect thing to hand out around a firepit on a chilly game day.
The Alec Bradley Black Market blend brings together the tobaccos of a number of soils, including Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, and of course, Nicaragua. (You can’t go two feet in a tobacconist without running into some Nica leaf.)
The Number 6 cigar of 2022 does not disappoint when you want a football cigar that brings it on game day. Cigar Aficionado had this to say: “Accents of dried herbs and smoked hickory highlight the rich, nutty smoke, which saturates the palate with every puff.” Sound spicy? It is, like many other stories on this list. But it’s well-behaved. CA said that “Spice plays its appropriate part as well, occasionally bursting in the right places for a medium-to-full-bodied cigar that brings together the familiar with the exotic.”
This smoke earned 94 points! We just saw that the Dolphins nearly scored that many when they euthanized the Broncos on a Sunday not too long ago. Good God, what a beatdown.
The Olmec Maduro has even got a dude in a helmet on the band! This Nicaraguan smoke has a Mexican wrapper and comes ready to play.
Olmec cigars are made by the Foundation team, who also made the fantastic El Gueguense blend. This one is quite possibly just as good. The judges at CA called it a “rich, earthy smoke wrapped around a prominent, nutty core of walnut.” But there’s just so much flavor going on. There are layers on layers. In particular, the 93-point review described how there were also “elements of leather, caramel, and a wisp of black pepper before a finish that hints of black licorice.”
Get a whiskey punch going and knock some strong stuff back along with this cigar. No matter which way your team goes, you’ll at least have SOME part of the day to enjoy.
Strongish football cigars. Get ‘em while they’re hot!
Prepare to embark on a triumphant journey as we celebrate the completion of the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario trilogy. The Connecticut edition joins its Corojo and Maduro counterparts in a three-cigar homage to success, offering aficionados an opportunity to bask in the glory of recent victories with an exceptional smoke by their side: The Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut
With over 35 years in the industry, Eduardo Fernández, the mastermind behind Casa Fernandez, showcases his tobacco journey's remarkable evolution through the Aniversario series. Originating with an exceptional team of growers from Cuba, Fernández's Agricola Norteña S.A. operation has become a cornerstone in the cigar world. The tobacco produced under his expertise consistently finds its place on tastemaker best-of lists.
No blend series is complete without a mild-medium Connecticut shade version, offering versatility to cigar enthusiasts. The Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut seamlessly combines Nicaraguan Corojo long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí, a criollo '98 binder, and an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Ecuador's natural cloud cover eliminates the need for shade tents, creating an ideal environment for transplanting Connecticut seed tobacco.
Terrence Reilly, Aganorsa's VP of Sales, proudly declares the Aniversario series as the "Ultra-Premium expression of Aganorsa." Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut isn't just premium; it's ULTRA premium—a bold statement that reflects the confidence of tobacco artisans in this exquisite blend. Prepare for an exceptional experience, as they go all out to present what they consider their very best.
Indulge in creamy coffee notes complemented by hints of spice and fragrant wood—an orchestration of flavors that define the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut. With a strength level resting at mild-medium, the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut caters to aficionados seeking Nica spice overlaid with the smoothness of Connecticut.
As you savor each puff, anticipate a journey to the nub. The Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut promises a smoking experience so delightful that you'll find yourself drawn to enjoy every inch of this masterpiece.
Elevate your mornings with an Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut paired with quality coffee—a truly regal wake-up ritual. Picture yourself on the patio, with an espresso con crèma at your fingertips, as you immerse in the luxury of this exceptional smoke.
No exploration is without its flaws, but the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut stands as an exception. This cigar, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully composed, presents aficionados with a flawless expedition from start to finish.
In conclusion, celebrate your victories and elevate your cigar experience with the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut. This trilogy culmination is not just a smoke; it's an embodiment of success, artistry, and the finest craftsmanship—an ultra-premium journey crafted for aficionados who demand nothing but the best. Explore our selection of Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut at your leisure, and immerse yourself in the triumphant symphony of flavors awaiting your discerning palate.
Cheers to Aganorsa Leaf and the many more anniversaries to come!
Step into the cosmic realm of premium cigars as we unveil the celestial revival of Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut.
Join us on a flavor odyssey, exploring the evolution of this Nicaraguan blend now wrapped in an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade.
From its mysterious logo to a solar system of flavors, discover why Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut's limited edition return is a timeless journey for aficionados.
Buckle up for liftoff, space cadets, as we countdown to ignition with Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut!
In the ever-expanding universe of cigars, Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut returns, a celestial blend originally launched in the innocent era of 2015. Reminisce about those bygone days while we delve into the cosmic wonders of this Nicaraguan blend now wrapped in the velvety embrace of an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper.
Once exclusively Nicaraguan, Johnny Tobacconaut now boasts a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper, delivering the buttery soft, creamy latte side that enthusiasts adore for their morning and afternoon rituals. Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut is not just a cigar; it's a time machine to a simpler era, a reminder that classics never fade.
Adorning the logo with leaves in his backpack and a beach sand shovel, Johnny Tobacconaut is on a mysterious mission. Perhaps he's venturing wherever quality tobacco takes him. As enthusiasts, we're ready to follow suit. "Mission Control, we're on the hunt for flavorful cigars. We'll keep you posted on what we find out there."
Igniting a Johnny Tobacconaut sets off a cosmic explosion of flavors—a journey to far-flung planets in your palate. Experience Saturnine cinnamon, Jovian graham cracker, and Plutonian cool pepper, accompanied by the assurance that this trip is only enhanced by a sip of your favorite libation or party favors.
Once a limited edition, the Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut team has ingeniously reassembled this exciting tobacco mix. Brace yourself for more regular encounters with this incarnation, promising a revitalized experience that aficionados will undoubtedly relish.
Prepare for liftoff as you explore our selection of Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut cigars at your leisure. The countdown has begun, space cadets—ignition is imminent.
Embark on a flavor odyssey with Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut, where every puff unveils Saturnine cinnamon, Jovian graham cracker, and Plutonian cool pepper, intertwined with the earthy notes of cedar.
Balancing strength and finesse, Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut caters to those who relish the popular Connecticut over Nicaraguan tobacco formula. A cosmic journey without overwhelming intensity.
Elevate your experience by pairing Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut with Mudshark Brewery's Full Moon Orange Wheat, creating a celestial symphony that resonates under the stars.
Escape the urban hustle; savor Johnny Tobacconaut under the stars, in a setting untouched by city lights. Let the cosmic flavors mingle with the serenity of the night.
As you journey through the stars, rest assured; Johnny Tobacconaut presents no flaws or downsides. A flawless expedition from ignition to the nub.
In conclusion, Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut beckons aficionados on an interstellar odyssey, inviting you to explore the cosmos of flavors. Join us in the countdown, as we embark on a journey where each puff is a step into the vast expanse of celestial taste and tradition.
Embark on a journey where the mastery of flavors meets unparalleled craftsmanship with the Rocky Patel JAVA Travel Case. In the realm of infused tobacco, Drew Estate stands as an unparalleled authority. Their ACID line transformed the world of cigars with exotic flavors, employing a proprietary infusion process that infuses aromatics, essential oils, and carefully selected elements into tobacco leaves, transcending the limitations of syrups and dips.
But amidst this flavorful universe, emerges a captivating partnership between Drew Estate and Rocky Patel—the birth of the Java line. Blending Rocky Patel's expertise with Drew Estate's innovative infusion techniques, the Java cigars redefine indulgence by intertwining intense coffee notes with meticulously curated tobacco blends. It's a symphony of flavors, where tobacco and coffee harmonize under a single wrapper, a feat rarely achieved in the cigar world.
The Rocky Patel JAVA Travel Case stands as a testament to this extraordinary collaboration, housing ten exquisite cigars—five each of the Latte and Maduro variations. Both variations boast Nicaraguan tobacco blends, yet their wrappers tell a distinct tale. The Java Maduro flaunts a Brazilian mata fina wrapper, while the Java Latte embraces an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper. While their essence aligns, the Latte whispers creamy nutmeg coffee notes, while the Maduro sings a cocoa-dipped melody with a touch of spice.
Unveil the pinnacle of cigar elegance with the Rocky Patel JAVA Travel Case, hosting ten exquisite cigars—five each of Latte and Maduro variations.
Dive into the nuanced wrappers of Java Maduro and Java Latte, showcasing Brazilian mata fina and Ecuadorian Connecticut shade respectively, enhancing the essence of these indulgent blends.
Indulge in the sensory symphony of flavors—creamy nutmeg coffee whispers in the Latte, while the Maduro exudes a cocoa-dipped melody with a hint of spice, perfect companions for your coffee or whiskey moments.
These cigars, a connoisseur's delight, effortlessly complement your morning coffee or evening whiskey, elevating every sip to a sensory delight.
Beyond the tantalizing cigars lies the meticulously designed case itself—a dark-hued, visually captivating container secured with a reliable zipper enclosure. Unveil its secrets to reveal a snug arrangement of cigars, safely held in place by elastic securing bands. Not stopping there, the lid hosts bands tailored for humidification packs, ensuring your prized cigars remain at their optimal humidity levels throughout your travels.
For aficionados seeking the pinnacle of coffee-infused indulgence, the Java line reigns supreme, and nestled within this travel case, these exquisite sticks stand ready to accompany you wherever your ventures take you, ensuring that the ultimate coffee-infused smoke is always within arm's reach.
The Rocky Patel Java Travel Case embodies more than a mere container—it encapsulates a lifestyle. It's an ode to the fusion of artistry and flavor, a testament to the seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Embrace the exquisite marriage of flavors and sophistication within the Rocky Patel JAVA Travel Case. Elevate your cigar experience, relish the artistry of fusion, and savor every moment, wherever your adventures may lead.
At Alfonso, cigar craftsmanship intertwines seamlessly with the artistry of winemaking, echoing founder Nelson Alfonso's assertion that "Cedar is to cigars as oak is to wine." But in this extraordinary blend, the aging process delves deeper, embracing both cedar and oak within its vaults.
While the core blend line undergoes a substantial aging period of two to three years, the Alfonso Extra Anejo Cigars seeks to elevate this process to craft an even more exquisite smoking experience. Although not venturing into the decade-long Extra Aged blend territory akin to Atabey (another creation by Nelson Alfonso), it confidently carves its space between the two extremes.
Mr. Alfonso emphasizes, "The years invested in aging these cigars serve a purpose, and we earnestly hope that this dedication resonates in every puff."
Crafted following the signature Alfonso blending approach, the Alfonso Extra Anejo Cigars boasts an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper complemented by a blend of Nicaraguan and Peruvian long-fillers. These sticks exhibit a velvety smoothness and unveil a delightful interplay of pepper and caramel from the very first draw. A symphony of cedar, bread, and numerous nuanced notes unfolds, creating a complex and thoroughly enjoyable blend. Nutty sweetness abounds, inviting exploration with every rich plume of smoke exhaled.
Positioned as a premium offering from a brand still carving its niche, the Alfonso Extra Anejo Cigars may bear a higher price tag, yet it undeniably delivers an exceptional, luxury experience that surpasses expectations. The Alfonso artisans have unveiled their masterpiece, and it’s time for the world to catch up.
The aging process of cigars is a meticulous craft that parallels the sophistication found in winemaking. Just as wines develop character and depth over time, cigars undergo a transformation that enhances their flavors, aromas, and overall smoking experience.
Aging vaults serve as the sanctuaries where cigars evolve and mature, a crucial step in elevating their quality. The Alfonso Extra Anejo stands testament to this process, where time becomes a crucial ingredient in creating a sublime smoking sensation.
One of the most captivating aspects of cigar appreciation lies in understanding and savoring its diverse flavor profiles. Much like a well-composed symphony, a cigar's flavor journey is intricate and multi-layered.
The Alfonso Extra Anejo tantalizes the palate with a symphony of flavors. The interplay of pepper and caramel, complemented by notes of sourdough, creamy desserts, and a myriad of nuances, forms a harmonious blend that evolves with each draw.
Pairing cigars with beverages, especially wines, is an art form that enhances the sensory experience. While the Extra Anejo stands proudly on its own, the right pairing can elevate its allure.
Consider a sweet Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti as an accompaniment. The sweetness of the wine complements the cigar's intricate flavors, creating a delightful harmony on the palate. This nuanced pairing heightens the indulgence on a tranquil summer afternoon, an experience that transcends the ordinary.
Cigars have embedded themselves in various cultures, symbolizing celebration, camaraderie, and relaxation. From social gatherings to personal milestones, the act of enjoying a fine cigar often signifies a moment of reflection and appreciation.
The Alfonso Extra Anejo embodies the essence of such moments—a testament to craftsmanship and dedication, inviting enthusiasts to partake in the timeless tradition of savoring a meticulously crafted cigar.
In conclusion, the Alfonso Extra Anejo cigar encapsulates the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship. Its aging process and rich flavor profile reflect the dedication and artistry embedded in every puff, inviting aficionados to embark on a sensory journey that transcends mere indulgence.
As you explore the world of fine cigars, savor each draw of the Extra Anejo, appreciating the culmination of time-honored techniques and the meticulous blending that went into crafting this exceptional smoking experience. Cheers to moments of indulgence and the timeless pleasure found in every puff of a premium cigar like the Alfonso Extra Anejo.
This brand is branching out, making use of premium aged tobacco to create an entirely new experience for old fans and the new ones that inevitably will pick up this stick and have their socks blown right across the yard.
Atabey Dioses 10 Year Extra Aged Cigars uses tobacco that rested in aging vaults developing for a full decade. Lined in cedar and French oak, these storage rooms impart an extra layer of woody complexity to the already flavorful leaf. The concept is not new for the Atabey core line. Instead, they’re just taking their ordinary 2-3 years of aging farther down the road. Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars (who distributes Atabey in the U.S.) likens it to “an advanced sauce reduction,” explaining that “the resulting cigars have a mellow, intensified Atabey signature flavor.”
The formula is similar to what those who know the brand have come to enjoy. This means a fairly bright Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over a filler blend that still is something of a trade secret. We have heard that Atabey Dioses (“gods”) 10-Year Extra Aged cigars make use of Peruvian ligero, but the complete details and exact specifics are still unknown.
We’re forgiving of a company that keeps secrets when the smoke is good, and Atabey is off to a good start. Solid, flavorful smokes have kept our attention from foot to head in many sessions, and have also offered buyers respectable value. We think this company will continue to earn customers over time, especially when they set their sights on making sophisticated blends like this extra-aged blend.
Supplies are limited to 370 boxes, so please don’t wait too long if you want to try out Atabey’s take on a well-aged cigar.
In the world of fine cigars, the unveiling of Atabey Dioses 10 Year Extra Aged Cigars is an event worth savoring. This limited-edition release exemplifies the dedication to craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence within the renowned Atabey brand. As the aging process transcends the ordinary, enthusiasts are treated to an extraordinary fusion of flavors and complexity that redefine the expectations of a premium cigar experience.
With only 370 boxes available, each holding the essence of a decade-long aging journey, the opportunity to indulge in Atabey Dioses 10-Year Extra Aged Cigars is a rare and cherished occasion. The fusion of sweet cream, cedar, and pepper spice delivers a medium-strength profile that appeals to aficionados seeking a mature interpretation of the beloved Atabey blend.
The allure of this cigar extends beyond its impeccable taste; it invites enthusiasts to partake in a ritual of indulgence and sophistication. Paired ideally with light and sweet iced coffee, these cigars become an accompaniment to moments of leisure, especially by the poolside on a balmy summer day.
While the mystery surrounding the blend may intrigue, it is the quality and richness of the smoking experience that captivate the senses. Atabey Dioses 10-Year Extra Aged Cigars beckon aficionados on a journey of discerning flavors and luxurious indulgence, inviting them to revel in the pleasure of a meticulously crafted smoking sensation.
In the world of cigar aficionados, few releases command such anticipation and admiration. Atabey Dioses 10-Year Extra Aged Cigars stand as a testament to Atabey's commitment to excellence, elevating the smoking experience to an unparalleled level of sophistication and pleasure. Don't miss the opportunity to savor this exceptional blend—a testament to time, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection in every draw.
You could pour one out for pups that have passed on, or you could light one up. Or both. It’s up to you.
The L’Atelier ROXY blend is made to honor the memory of a beloved dog named Roxy. She was owned by K.C. Johnson, a member of the Tatuaje team. And she was such a well-loved dog that she inspired not one but TWO delicious blends to smoke to remember our canine companions who went up to that great Butt-Sniffing Party in the Sky.
L'Atelier ROXY cigars come in natural and maduro versions. We offer them together as a
sampler of two, and also in boxes of 20, if you’re handing them out to the whole dog park. Why two blends? Well, Johnson says that it could be attributed to Roxy’s dual personality.
Those who own dogs probably understand that, while dogs have loving and loyal reputations, it is definitely unwise to get on their bad side. Whether you’re trying to take away a freshly- snatched cooked bone or you’re simply intruding on their turf, many dogs are as fierce as they are affectionate.
But we’re getting sidetracked.
This is a very high-quality blend that requires a little bit of description. Two-time Cigar of the
Year winner José “Don Pepin” Garcia has a healthy obsession with a tobacco varietal called sancti spiritus. It’s named after a growing region in Cuba, and it has provided a special flavor to many of Don Pepin’s fine blends made for My Father and other brands.
When he makes blends for the L’Atelier mark, they also invariably incorporate this rare leaf, which is a hybrid of criollo and pelo d’oro.
You’ll find Ecuador sancti spiritus wrapping the natural version of the L’Atelier ROXY, which is built around a core of Nicaraguan long-filler and a Nicaraguan binder. The Maduro version, on the other hand, uses the same filler blend, but takes a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. This is another signature leaf for Tatuaje founder Pete Johnson, and the team always puts it to very good use in their stogies.
Expect the natural version of the L’Atelier ROXY to offer flavors of earth, cedar, spice, and dried apricots. The Maduro is darker, tending to show notes of sweet chicory coffee and plum. Lastly,
these petit robustos measure 3.5 x 50. We’re guessing Roxy was a small breed?
In any event, rest in peace to the dogs gone by. You were very good girls and boys. Tonight, we’re smoking for you.
o For the natural, earth, cedar, spice, and dried apricot.
o For the maduro, chicory coffee, plum, and sweetness
o Medium-full
o L’Atelier ROXY cigars are fine blends for fans of Don Pepin smoke and dogs.
o Dock that tail. This one’s getting nubbed.
o Flying dog beer, or any dog-themed drink. For the hardcore, a nice ladle full of
toilet water is what Rover or FiFi would have wanted you to enjoy.
o With a dog at your side or feet.
o Tears may be shed when you think of your lost dogs.
As the smoke swirls and memories linger, the L’Atelier ROXY cigars stand as more than just blends of fine tobacco. They embody an ode to cherished companions, honoring the loyalty and spirit of dogs like Roxy who've left their paw prints on our hearts. With each puff, flavors unfold, reminiscent of earthy cedar, sweet plum, and the warmth of shared moments. Whether it's the natural or maduro version, these petit robustos invite reflection and tribute.
Beyond the rich aromas and complexity of taste, these cigars represent a heartfelt salute to the canine companions who graced our lives. They serve as a reminder that in Honoring Canines with Cigars, we carry their presence forward, sharing stories and raising a smoke in their honor. So, here's to the dogs we've loved and lost—may their tails wag forever in our memories. And as we exhale, we celebrate their legacy, puff by puff, in this beautifully crafted blend.
Step into the enigmatic world of the Black Works Studio Rorschach Sumatra, a cigar that beckons with mystery and flavor. Like inkblots shaping different perceptions, this blend invites you to explore a realm of tantalizing tastes and Indonesian authenticity. Crafted as a lighter yet complex iteration, it unfolds layers of cedar, cinnamon, and a subtle pepper essence for an unforgettable journey.
The Black Works Studio Rorschach Sumatra asks you what you see in the smoke clouds.
Is it the shape of a woman?
An angry bear?
Your Uncle Junior telling you that you never had the makings of a varsity athlete?
Whatever you see, you’ll love the flavors of this well-crafted tobacco roll.
The Sumatra version builds on the success of the original Black Works Studio Rorschach blend. It was a Nicaraguan stick with an Ecuador Habano that smoked up spicy and earthy. In this production run, James Brown and his Black Works team found that a genuine Sumatra wrapper was the thing to use.
Now, lots of Sumatra-seed leaf is grown in Ecuador these days – and there’s nothing wrong with that. The weather is ideal for cigar wrapper cultivation. But for the original flavors that sparked the world’s interest in this particular kind of tobacco, you’ve got to go to the soil that birthed the craze: Indonesia. There, the volcanic sediment creates fields that are rich with the minerals needed to allow plants to grow healthy, strong, and flavorful.
And so it is with the cover leaf for the Black Works Studio Rorschach Sumatra cigar.
Inside, you get a tasty Nicaraguan long-filler blend with a Nicaraguan habano binder. The aim was to somewhat brighten the blend and offer something more subtle and complex.
As Mr. Brown said, “The new Sumatran version is a lighter profile highlighting Jalapa tobacco.”
As for the taste, it offers “layers of soft cedar, cinnamon, and mild pepper” to “create a complex profile with a long creamy finish.”
This is a less dark, but somehow more mysterious side of the Rorschach blend. What will you find as you contemplate each draw? The answers lie within, of course.
Layers of cedar, cinnamon, and mild pepper, with a creamy finish.
Medium-full
Black Works Studio Rorschach Sumatra cigars are for lovers of genuine Indonesian leaf and exotic light spice.
Yes, most likely.
Let’s make cocktails. If you substitute whiskey for gin in a negroni, you get a boulevardier (1.5 parts bourbon whiskey, 1 part vermouth, 1 part Campari)
Laid back on your thinking couch.
If you have inner demons, deep contemplation will bring them out.
As you embark on contemplative draws of the Rorschach Sumatra, anticipate a mosaic of flavors—soft cedar, hints of spice, and a creamy finish that lingers on the palate. This cigar, birthed from the rich Indonesian soil, offers a medium-full strength experience tailored for aficionados seeking an exotic and nuanced smoking adventure. Dive deep into introspection, accompanied by a Boulevardier, and unwind as the Rorschach Sumatra unveils its intriguing complexity, making each moment a canvas for discovery. Explore our selection and embrace the allure of this mysteriously delightful cigar.
The reigning king of the cigar world is back with a blend that will delight lovers of Honduran tobacco. Made in partnership with Oscar Valladares, the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 edition features a leaf from Copan, Honduras. This rich tobacco delivers earthy, peppery notes that are just what many think of when they’re imagining “natural tobacco flavor.” It’s savory, multidimensional, and will absolutely keep you happily occupied one puff after the other.
This is one of Oscar’s favorite leaf types, and a product he has used time and time again in enjoyable blends. He reports that “This tobacco has filled us with satisfaction and has been a fundamental part of our history and one of my favorites.”
E.P. Carrillo agreed, and turned to Oscar so that the quality of the Copan-led blend would not be compromised. “Crafting this blend at Oscar Valladares’ factory with his team is a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation,” says Perez-Carrillo. “Our 2023 Short Run is a tribute to the timeless character of this unique tobacco, brought to life with a modern touch.”
Delicious.
To be specific, the long-filler includes both Honduran leaf and Nicaraguan. The binder also was grown in Nicaragua. And then, much like the “Oscar by Oscar” smokes that were such head-turners in the past, the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 features a similarly outstanding Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. This one is for the hardcore tobacco fans.
The hype surrounding E.P. Carrillo is at an all-time high at the moment when this blend is being released. With multiple Cigar of the Year wins, the expectations are for total artistry and perfection. But those picking up this limited-edition blend should be ready for something a bit more humble and down to earth. It’s an ode to the simple roots of the tobacco field, lush with flavor, but with no pretentiousness.
Just love of great leaf.
In a landscape where expectations soar high amidst multiple Cigar of the Year wins, the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 stands out for its humility and homage to the roots of tobacco. This limited-edition blend offers an unpretentious yet deeply flavorful experience, a tribute to the heritage of tobacco fields.
For those seeking a genuine Honduran tobacco adventure, this cigar promises to transport you to the heart of Copan, inviting you to savor every puff and revel in the simplicity of exceptional leaf. Explore our selection of E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023 cigars at your leisure, and embark on a journey that’s rich, peppery, and wholly satisfying.
Oh, LORD. It’s crazy out there when it comes to prices on everything. There’s nothing that isn’t getting touched by inflation, and it’s a real bitch. Every time we look, something costs 3x what it should in our minds. But those who’ve been through challenging times know there’s always a good value to be found somewhere for those who will look.
Well, you won’t have to look. We’re serving up good deals on a platter in this article.
In this article, we’ll profile some decent smoke that you can usually get for less than $5 a stick on our site. When it comes to cigars, you really can’t beat that and still stay in the high-quality zone. These are handmade at yesteryear prices. Get ‘em while they’re still cheap!
Short, sweet, and to the point – that’s Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Exquisitos Maduro cigars. These are small-format smokes from one of the best cigar makers in the business.
Fuente Dominican tobacco and blends have led to multiple Cigar of the Year wins, and they’re nothing to sneeze at. They’re in the #1 Don Carlos, #1 OpusX, and there’s some sibling leaf right here in these Exquisitos. These smokes are topped with a nicely fermented Maduro wrapper, and you get something earthy and with a hint of molasses on the finish. This is absolutely a daily smoker, and at these prices, you can totally burn them from end to end with zero financial guilt.
Speaking of championship pedigrees, the Tatuaje Nicaragua Reserva is a collaboration between Pete Johnson, who founded Tatuaje, and José “Don Pepin” Garcia. Don Pepin, just like the Fuentes, has his own Cigar of the Year wins that show he absolutely has the power to create an incredible smoke. He’s been capably handling Tatuaje smokes since the beginning, and he’s still ensuring that when you light up the Nicaragua Reserva, you get something satisfying.
The petite version again keeps the price totally reasonable. It’s leathery and spicy, with plenty of boldness and strength to ensure that you get every cent of value out of this stogie. This is a classic piece of tobacco, and is a budget-friendly go-to smoke to keep on hand at all times.
Dominican tobacco with smooth and creamy Connecticut shade wrapper – the Nub Nuance Single Roast is a glorious morning coffee smoke. It’s got a very friendly flavor profile, but has medium strength to help perk you up and open those eyes.
Nub is an Oliva family product that gives you a great short-format smoke. It took the world by storm and has since become a humidor mainstay. Due to its small size, you can get it at an affordable price, but you’ll get to enjoy really nice tobacco. Like the other blends on this list, we’re going for as much quality as we can get per dollar. The Nub Nuance is a best seller for a reason, and it can still be had without any crazy upcharge.
You get the coffee on. We’ll put the Nubs in the mail.
What a mix you get with these Punch Rare Corojo Elites. These take a Nicaraguan filler blend, bind it with hearty Connecticut broadleaf, and finish with an Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. Punch is an ancient brand, and the company has collectively lost more tobacco knowledge than most organizations will ever acquire. While this arm of the company is known for Honduran tobacco especially, this special mix gets you a big flavor at a manageable price.
It delivers so much! Cigar Aficionado, in giving it a 92-point rating, described it by saying, “The smoke is rich and aromatic, complementing flavors of leather and wood. It has notes of cherry and a fine finish.” It’s just a great stogie for the price – which is usually running less than five dollars a stick.
“Get yer’ pure Nicaraguan cigars here!” Dang, we wish that hawkers at the ballpark could sell those. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Cigars and beers while watching baseball?
Ah, well. Not on this planet.
As a consolation prize, we offer these totally affordable Nicaraguan puros from the Plasencias, masters of Nicaraguan tobacco. Reviewers at Cigar Aficionado called out a ton of notes, including florals, leather, oak, molasses, caramel, and almond paste. After that cavalcade of flavors, you get a nice light finish.
These are perfect with a cold brew, and at the prices we’ve got for the Nestico 4.5 x 36 Vitola, you’ve got a few bucks to spare to ensure a perfect pairing.
Speaking of masters of Nicaraguan tobacco, AJ Fernandez has his famous Last Call out in a portable format he calls Chiquitas. These 3.5 x 50 tobacco bullets pair Nica leaf with a Pennsylvania broadleaf wrapper to great effect.
They offer a surprisingly lively flavor profile. In an 89-point review, Cigar Aficionado reported that “First puffs are bracing with a zesty, lemon-pepper note that frames a woody core. Lighter hints of orange marmalade, pear and tea add a bit of sweetness.” So bright! These would be fantastic with an IPA like Lawton’s Sip O’ Sunshine.
You wouldn’t think it when you see the wrapper, but these dark smokes have a tasty light side that makes it worth the low price of admission.
The cigar habit can survive tougher times, especially when you buy better value smokes like the stogies on this list. Your sessions will be enjoyable without any of the guilt that might come with overspending. We’d also recommend checking out any factory seconds packages we have and our Hot Deals tab (the button in red at the end of the tab row at the top of the page).
Happy smoking!
All cigar connoisseurs will agree that cigar smoking is an art form. It involves many rituals, one of them being the opening of the cigar cap correctly. It all comes down to whether to cut it or punch it, whether to use a straight cutter or a cigar punch. With both having their unique advantages, in the end, it depends on the preferences of the cigar enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we take you into the world of cigar preparations to explore the pros and cons of punch cutters and straight cutters and shed light on the various cutting methods and tools available.
Cigar punches, often referred to as punch cutters, are compact, travel-friendly, and known for their precision. These tools open the cap of a cigar with a cylindrical blade, creating a circular hole in the head of the cigar. This method offers several advantages:
Straight cutters include guillotine and v-cut styles and are the classic choice for many cigar aficionados. Here's a closer look at straight cutters:
Cigar culture in the United States boasts a long and fascinating history and has run parallel with the country's growth, social shifts, and changing preferences. It began as a novelty product brought back by explorers, only to quickly gain status as a symbol of luxury and style. There is no denying the fact that the cigar has played a significant role in American culture. Let’s take a look into the evolution of cigar culture in the US, its history, industry, manufacturing, trends, market, legislation, and cultural impact.
Cigar smoking found its way to American soil in 1492 through the encounters between European explorers and indigenous peoples, particularly the Taino people of Cuba. By then, tobacco was a well-known and integral part of the indigenous Caribbean cultures but was entirely unfamiliar to Europeans until the discovery of the New World in the 15th century. The first European observers were amazed by the indigenous people's practice of smoking dry herbs wrapped in leaves, a precursor to the modern cigar.
Following the arrival of Europeans and the first wave of colonization, tobacco quickly became one of the primary products driving European colonialism. The Spanish, in particular, introduced tobacco to Europe in the early 16th century. Initially, it was regarded as the "sacred herb" due to its alleged medicinal properties. In time, European sailors and conquistadors adopted the practice of smoking rolled tobacco leaves. This made smoking primitive cigars rather prevalent throughout Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and the Dutch Empire.
Tobacco cultivation began earnestly in Spanish colonies like Hispaniola and Santo Domingo in the early 16th century. In 1542, the first cigar factory was established in Cuba. While tobacco was originally believed to have medicinal qualities, it eventually faced censure from figures like Philip II of Spain and James I of England.
However, it was during the Seven Years' War that cigar smoking gained a strong foothold in the United States. Israel Putnam is credited with bringing a cache of Havana cigars back to the US, popularizing cigar smoking after the American Revolution. He also introduced Cuban tobacco seeds, which were planted in New England and contributed to the development of the renowned shade-grown Connecticut wrapper.
In the late 18th and 19th centuries, cigar smoking was common, while cigarettes remained relatively rare. Interestingly, famous writer Rudyard Kipling even penned a famous smoking poem, "The Betrothed," in 1886. The cigar business became a booming industry, employing a good number of people. This was before the mechanized manufacturing of cigars became common. Cigar workers in both the US and Cuba were actively involved in labor strikes and disputes, laying the foundation for modern labor unions.
One important figure in the history of American cigar culture is Vicente Martinez Ybor. In 1869, he relocated his cigar manufacturing operations from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, escaping the turmoil of the Ten Years' War. Other manufacturers soon followed, making Key West an important cigar manufacturing center. In 1885, Ybor moved again, establishing the largest cigar factory in the world in Ybor City, near Tampa, Florida.
Thousands of Cuban and Spanish tabaqueros (tobacconists) migrated to the area, producing hundreds of millions of cigars annually. By 1929, Ybor City and West Tampa had rolled over 500 million ‘clear Havana’ cigars, earning the nickname ‘Cigar Capital of the World’.
However, this peak was short-lived and most factories had closed by the early 1930s. Today, only one company, the J. C. Newman Cigar Company continues to make cigars in the Ybor City area, using antique, hand-operated, cigar-making machines from the 1930s.
In New York, cigars were initially made by rollers working in their homes. By 1883, cigars were manufactured in 127 apartment houses in New York, providing employment for numerous families and individuals. A state statute banning this practice, citing wage suppression, was briefly enacted but later ruled unconstitutional. The industry returned to New York, where it continued to thrive.
By 1905, there were 80,000 cigar-making operations in the US, most of them small, family-operated shops where cigars were rolled and sold immediately. While machine-made cigars have become more widespread, some are still rolled by hand, especially in Central America, Cuba, and small cigar factories in US cities. These hand-rolled cigars bear the label ‘totally a mano’ or ‘hecho a mano’, highlighting their quality and craftsmanship.
Today, cigar culture in the United States has evolved significantly. While cigars are no longer as rampant as they once were, they continue to have a following of aficionados who appreciate the artistry and tradition behind hand-rolled cigars.
Cigars have also found a place in popular culture, with cigar lounges, clubs, and events serving as gathering spots for enthusiasts. Cigar makers have adapted to modern tastes, offering a wide range of flavors and styles to cater to diverse palates.
The cigar industry has not been without its challenges, including legislative and regulatory hurdles. In recent years, cigar regulations have undergone changes, including labeling requirements and taxation. Advocacy groups and cigar enthusiasts have been active in defending their interests and preserving the tradition of cigar smoking.
From its early days as a novelty product to its status as a symbol of sophistication and luxury, the cigar has considerably influenced American culture. Having battled several challenges, the traditions of cigar culture continue to thrive, thanks to the community of aficionados who appreciate the pleasures of cigar smoking.
Cigar logos are more than just symbols; they are signs of a tradition that has lasted for centuries. These logos represent the rich history, branding, and culture of the cigar industry. Over a thousand years, these logos have changed in response to market shifts, people’s preferences, and the ever-expanding world of cigar culture. Let's get on a journey through time to uncover their history, innovation, and lasting impact.
In the distant past, cigar logos were basic and served one purpose: to tell one brand of cigar from another. These early logos were straightforward and only meant to make a brand easy to recognize. During this time, logos were crucial for making a brand stand out in the growing cigar industry. Cigar production was often a localized craft, and as cigars began to gain popularity, distinguishing one brand from another became essential.
The logos during this period consisted of simple marks, often incorporating the brand name or a basic image related to the brand. These early logos might not have been elaborate, but they laid the foundation for the role cigar logos would play in the industry's future. They were the first step in creating a visual identity for cigar brands, setting the stage for the evolution to come.
The late 1800s and early 1900s marked a significant turning point in the history of cigar logos. This era was characterized by artistic expression and creativity. Manufacturers recognized the power of branding through visual appeal and worked with skilled artists to create intricate designs that would grace their cigar boxes.
These logos were a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors, captivating themes, and detailed illustrations. They transformed cigar boxes into miniature art pieces, making them as much a pleasure to look at as the cigars were to smoke. The artists of this era drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, from serene landscapes to mythical creatures, showcasing diverse art styles from that golden age.
Cigar boxes during this time became collectors' items not just for their contents but also for the exquisite artwork that adorned them. Manufacturers understood that these logos had the power to attract customers, not only because of the cigars' quality but also because of the sheer beauty of their packaging.
Cigar logos have always been reflective of the culture and trends of their time. During the 1800s and early 1900s, significant cultural movements and historical events left their mark on these logos. Nationalism was on the rise, and this patriotic fervor found its way into cigar branding, what with logos featuring national flags and symbols.
Also, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, characterized by intricate designs and graceful curves, influenced many cigar logos. These styles were a reflection of the broader artistic movements of the time and were incorporated into cigar branding to make a statement about the brand's elegance and sophistication.
Popular culture also played a role in shaping cigar logos. Themes and characters from literature, theater, and music found their way onto cigar boxes, connecting the world of cigars with the broader cultural landscape. These influences created a dynamic and ever-changing canvas for cigar logo designers to work with.
As technology advanced, so did the techniques for printing cigar logos. Innovations like lithography and offset printing revolutionized the way logos were made. Lithography, in particular, allowed for intricate and colorful designs that were previously impossible to achieve. It was a game-changer for the cigar industry, as it enabled the mass production of beautifully detailed labels.
These advancements not only made cigar logos more visually appealing but also more accessible to a broader audience. Cigars were no longer something you smoked; they assumed artistic connotations and consumers began appreciating not only the quality of the cigar but also the entire attractive packaging.
In modern times, cigar logos continue to evolve with newer and newer techniques to make them more visually appealing. Foil stamp printing and embossing have become popular methods for adding sophistication to cigar logos. Foil stamping brings a touch of class, with its shimmering metallic accents, while embossing adds texture and depth to the design.
These techniques elevate cigar logos to a new level of artistry. They create memorable logos that honor craftsmanship and prestige and draw discerning cigar enthusiasts who enjoy all things aesthetic.
From simple tags to intricate works of art, cigar logos have come a long way. This journey through history shows how logos have changed with the times. Cigar logos don't just represent brands; they're an integral part of the cigar culture and industry's story.
They have evolved from basic identification marks to expressions of art, culture, and technology. These logos have mirrored cultural shifts, embraced technological innovations, and added elegance to the world of cigars. When we look at these logos, we see not only design evolution but also a timeless tradition that has lasted for a thousand years. They are a bridge between the past and the present, connecting cigar aficionados today with the rich heritage of those who enjoyed cigars centuries ago.
As we celebrate the history of cigar logos, we also need to look ahead. The cigar industry continues to evolve, and with it, cigar logos will evolve too. Boutique cigar companies are emerging, bringing with them fresh ideas and branding to the industry. In the handmade premium cigar market, consumers can expect to see more new and exciting brands that push the boundaries of design and creativity. The good news is even as they add their creative angle to the ongoing story, they also strive to preserve the rich legacy of cigar logos.
Normally, when people think of pairing cigars with beverages, spirits like brandy, rum, cognac, and whiskey often steal the spotlight. However, the world of cigar and wine pairings is something waiting to be explored. Because wines, like cigars, offer a wide range of styles, flavors, and textures, they make them great companions and offer a rich and flavorful smoking experience. While personal tastes may vary, having a starting point for these pairings can be helpful. Here, we present a roadmap of some of the finest cigar and wine pairings:
Syrah wines are known for their richness, aromatics, and high alcohol content and can be perfectly paired with Cohiba Esplendidos cigars. Syrah has a bold, full-bodied flavor, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
And, Cohiba Esplendidos, with its strong notes of cherries, salted caramel, and baked apples, goes beautifully with the peppery black fruit jam common in Syrah wines.
Malbec wines are known for their smooth and chocolatey profiles and possess hints of pomegranate, plum, and raspberry, along with a delightful peppery finish. These complex flavors make them an ideal match for La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse cigars.
These Nicaraguan cigars are made from select tobaccos harvested across three different regions in Nicaragua, and offer a pleasant, earthy flavor with cocoa undertones, echoing the very essence of Malbec wines.
Chardonnay wines, known for their light and crisp character, have flavors that remind one of lemon, apple, pineapple, or papaya, depending on the vintage. Besides, Oaked Chardonnays add a touch of vanilla too, making them a perfect companion for medium-bodied cigars like the Pilotico Pepe Mendez.
These cigars exhibit a woody flavor profile with hints of cedar and white pepper, aligning beautifully with both oaked and unoaked Chardonnays. The delicate chemistry of flavors creates an experience that is perfect for a relaxing evening of cigar and wine appreciation.
Sometimes, you can pair a complex cigar with an equally intricate wine without overwhelming your palate. Such is the case when you pair a Cabernet Sauvignon with a Romeo y Julieta Eternal cigar. Cabernet Sauvignon wines offer a full-bodied taste profile with notes of spice, vanilla, dark fruits, and tobacco.
Romeo y Julieta Eternal cigars, with their blend of rare and aged tobaccos, bring flavors of baking spices, honey, fruit, and pepper. The combination feels as though it was crafted specifically for each other, and makes it memorable.
The Bolivar Belicosos Finos, a classic Cuban cigar with intense and overpowering flavors, requires a thoughtful wine pairing. Rather than opting for a robust red wine, which might clash with its strength, a dry Riesling, especially from southern Germany, is a more fitting choice.
Dry Rieslings offer a fresh, acidic profile with strong notes of zesty lemon and pineapple. Their intensity superbly juxtaposes with the bold Bolivar Belicosos Finos.
Now that we've explored five popular cigar and wine pairings, let's dive into some essential tips to enhance your cigar and wine-tasting experience:
Hand Rolled Cigars is an art that combines centuries-old tradition with meticulous craftsmanship. Experienced torcedores, or cigar rollers, skillfully assemble each cigar by hand, using carefully selected tobacco leaves. The process begins with the selection of high-quality filler, binder, and wrapper leaves, each chosen for their unique flavor and texture. The torcedor then sorts and arranges these leaves to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
The roller delicately applies the binder leaf, which holds the filler together, and then carefully wraps the cigar with the wrapper leaf, which not only adds to the cigar's appearance but also influences its overall taste. Precision is key, as any imperfections in the rolling process can affect the draw, burn, and flavor of the cigar.
Hand-rolled cigars are a labor of love, with each step performed by skilled hands and a discerning eye. This craftsmanship results in cigars that offer a complex and nuanced smoking experience, making them a favorite among cigar connoisseurs worldwide.
In this list, we're unveiling the top 10 hand-rolled cigar brands that deserve a spot in your collection.
For over 35 years, Ashton cigars have been a staple in premium cigar shops worldwide. Crafted by the renowned cigar maker Carlito Fuente in the Dominican Republic, Ashton cigars are made from the finest tobaccos. They have received high praise from critics, including Cigar Aficionado. Ashton's lineup includes popular choices like Ashton Classic, Cabinet Selection, and Aged Maduro. If you're seeking complexity, don't miss the Ashton VSG, ESG, Heritage, and Symmetry, all highly rated and offering a rich taste and aroma.
The Fuente family has been a powerhouse in the cigar world for three generations, thanks to Arturo Fuente, Carlos Fuente, and Carlito Fuente. Despite facing numerous challenges, they've emerged as industry leaders. The Arturo Fuente portfolio is a testament to their success, featuring the rare Fuente Fuente Opus X, Don Carlos Eye of the Shark, and Añejo, all highly rated. Arturo Fuente cigars have claimed multiple 'Cigar of the Year' titles from Cigar Aficionado.
Padrón cigars are known for their toothy, box-pressed beauties that critics adore. Their impressive lineup includes four 'Cigar of the Year' winners: Padrón 40th Anniversary, 1926 Series, Family Reserve, and 1964 Anniversary. Founder José Orlando Padrón started Padrón Cigars in 1964 after leaving Cuba, and today, his son Jorge leads the way. These cigars offer elaborate flavors of cocoa, cayenne pepper, cedar, spices, and leather, with prices ranging from $5 to over $20 per cigar.
La Aroma de Cuba's demand has skyrocketed since its revival by the Levin family, owners of the Ashton brand. They enlisted master blender Jose 'Pepin' Garcia to create La Aroma de Cuba Cigars in Nicaragua, and the brand hasn't looked back. Offering great value, La Aroma de Cuba cigars start at just over $5 per cigar for the original 93-rated blend. Explore versatile and award-winning cigars like Mi Amor, Reserva, Edicion Especial, and Pasión.
Jose 'Pepin' Garcia, a Cuban cigar maker, started making cigars at age eleven. His determination to continue beyond Cuba led to My Father Cigars, created with his son, Jaime Garcia, and daughter, Janny Garcia. The family boasts two 'Cigar of the Year' titles: Flor de las Antillas and My Father Le Bijou 1922. Other favorites include Don Pepin Garcia Original, Jaime Garcia Reserva, La Opulencia, The Judge, La Promesa, and the original My Father blend, all known for their bold and spicy profiles.
In the past two decades, Oliva has become a major Nicaraguan cigar manufacturer. With cigars like the 95-rated Oliva Serie V and 96-rated Serie V Melanio, they've gained critical acclaim. Even though the company was sold in 2016, Oliva continues to produce bold and spicy smokes like the 92-rated Master Blends 3. The Nub and Cain brands also call Oliva home.
San Cristobal, born in 2007 as a small-batch blend by Jose 'Pepin' Garcia, has grown into a hot Nicaraguan brand. It boasts highly-rated cigars like the original 93-rated San Cristobal, 92-rated Revelation, 91-rated Elegancia, and the 95-rated Quintessence. San Cristobal cigars are renowned for their succulent and smooth profiles.
Nick Perdomo is known for crafting consistent, high-quality cigars at affordable prices. His hand-rolled Perdomo cigars come in various lines, like the 10th Anniversary Champagne and Habano Maduro. Perdomo blends most of his core lines in Natural, Maduro, and Sun Grown wrapper leaves to accommodate different tastes and budgets.
AJ Fernandez's relentless work ethic led to his rise as a premium cigar maker. Blends like New World and Bellas Artes Maduro have gained acclaim for their bold and spicy profiles. AJ Fernandez cigars offer robust flavors and a variety of options.
Montecristo, a historic Cuban legacy brand, offers cigars made in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The original Montecristo blend is mellow and grassy, while the 95-rated Montecristo 1935 Anniversary is fuller-bodied. Montecristo's wide range of profiles suits both beginners and experienced cigar enthusiasts.
In conclusion, these hand-rolled cigars represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and flavor in the cigar world. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just beginning your journey, these top 10 picks offer a diverse range of options to explore. Finding your favorite among these quality hand-rolled cigars is a journey filled with taste, aroma, and the art of cigar-making. Enjoy the experience
Ashton Cigars was founded in 1985 by cigar industry veteran Robert Levin and since then it has earned quite a name for itself for providing some of the finest smoking experiences to cigar aficionados. Handcrafted at the prestigious Tabacalera A. Fuente factory in the Dominican Republic, Ashton has consistently ranked among the top three cigar brands in the US for over three decades and enjoys a global presence in more than 60 countries.
With an extensive portfolio of well-regarded labels and iconic cigars, Ashton continues to captivate cigar enthusiasts with its dedication to quality and flavor. Let's take a look at the eight popular Ashton cigars that epitomize the brand's excellence and offer a diverse range of taste experiences.
Among the twelve sizes available in the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) series, the Sorcerer stands out as a truly special cigar. This Churchill-sized gem features a dark and oily Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper enveloping a blend of aged Dominican tobacco. The pre-light aromas of cocoa, hazelnut, and ripe fruit tantalize the senses, hinting at the delightful smoking experience to follow.
Once ignited, the Sorcerer delivers a rich range of flavors, including damp earth, nuts, and a hint of pepper. As the smoke progresses, notes of wood and coffee join the ensemble, culminating in a luscious blend of coffee, cocoa, and walnut. This Cigar Aficionado Top 25 brand is a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression on any discerning cigar lover.
For those seeking a quick yet satisfying smoke, the Ashton Cabinet Selection Trés Petite is a delightful choice. This petite corona cigar features a special Dominican blend encased in a luxurious Connecticut shade wrapper. Upon lighting, the Trés Petite envelops the senses with sumptuous notes of oak and cream, offering a refined and nuanced experience.
Despite its small size, this Ashton Cabinet cigar surprises with subtle complexity and deliberate flavors. Ideal for moments when time is limited yet indulgence is a must, the Trés Petite showcases Ashton's commitment to providing exceptional smoking experiences in every format.
Ranked #8 in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 of 2015 list, the Ashton Symmetry Robusto is a masterpiece of blending. This 50-gauge behemoth features a reddish-brown leaf of Ecuadorian Habano, concealing a complex blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos.
Upon lighting, the initial draws burst with pepper, paving the way for notes of cedar and coffee that create a creamy and delightful profile. As the smoke progresses, earthiness and leather emerge, accompanied by a light fruity undertone. The final third of the cigar introduces a harmonious blend of sweetness from cinnamon, perfectly balancing the spiciness of other flavors. The Ashton Symmetry Robusto is a symphony of taste and texture that will enchant any aficionado.
Exemplifying the brand's reputation for consistency and class, the Ashton Classic Churchill is a cigar of refined elegance. This cigar, measuring 7.5 inches with a 52-gauge thickness, is crafted using a combination of high-quality Dominican tobaccos for both the filler and binder. The final touch is a USA/Connecticut Shade wrapper, resulting in a mild to medium-bodied smoking experience. Ideal for enthusiasts who value flavor over intensity, the Ashton Classic Churchill takes smokers on a journey from white pepper and spices to hints of roasted nuts as they progress through the cigar. With every puff, this Ashton cigar delights with a refined and enjoyable encounter that showcases Ashton's signature style.
The La Aroma de Cuba Pasion, produced in Nicaragua, is a cigar that has secured a spot in the Top 5 Ashton Brand cigars. The Nicaraguan puro debuted in 2022 and offers a medium to full-bodied smoking experience. The cigar's band honors the classic Nicaraguan brands of the 1970s, making it more unique.
Ashton collaborated with the renowned Garcia family, including Jose Pepin and Jaime, to blend the Pasion. They selected vintage Nicaraguan tobaccos from their family's farms in Esteli and Jalapa, creating a delightful combination of flavors. It offers mouthwatering notes of cashews, leather, molasses, cedar, and hints of chocolate. The La Aroma de Cuba Pasion is available in various sizes, including the 5.50 x 50 Robusto, all packaged in boxes of 25.
Crafted for discerning cigar enthusiasts who appreciate complexity and contrasting flavors, this cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, handpicked from only the finest trimmings.
Upon lighting, the smoke tempts with savory toasty cedar notes, creating a mouth-watering experience. The flavor profile showcases an enticing mix of coffee, chocolate, roasted nuts, cacao, cream, leather, spice, and earth. Ashton's meticulous fermentation and patient aging process contribute to the cigar's superior, naturally dark, and smooth smoke, leaving a sweet finish on the palate. The Ashton Aged Maduro consistently ranks high on cigar ratings, making it a top choice for Maduro enthusiasts.
For aficionados who savor cigars with deliberate yet subtle complexity, the Ashton Cabinet Selection No. 8 is a revelation. This mild to medium-bodied cigar undergoes a total of seven years of aging, combining a blend of six Dominican long-fillers with a delicately aged Dominican binder and a US Connecticut Shade wrapper.
The result is a refined Palomino-colored smoke that captivates with its elegant flavors. The Ashton Cabinet Selection No. 8 has graced the top cigars lists, receiving high ratings from Cigar Aficionado for its consistent excellence.
The Ashton 8-9-8 showcases Ashton's flair for creativity, even in the naming of their Vitola. Named after the number of cigars in each row of the cedar box, this Ashton cigar is a mild and decadent Connecticut offering, featuring rigorously aged Dominican fillers and binder beneath a luxurious chestnut-hued Connecticut leaf wrapper.
A perfect choice for beginners, the Ashton 8-9-8 delivers subtle and nuanced flavors, with notes of wood and cashews performing a delightful back-and-forth dance. The flavor profile also includes hints of earth, leather, cinnamon, cocoa, roasted coffee, honey, and shy pepper notes. Cigar Aficionado's high ratings for the Ashton 8-9-8 reflect its popularity among cigar enthusiasts seeking a well-balanced and enjoyable smoke.
Embarking on a journey through Ashton cigars is an exploration of flavor, craftsmanship, and quality. From the iconic Ashton VSG Sorcerer to the refined Ashton Classic Churchill, each cigar offers a unique and memorable experience. Whether you prefer mild or full-bodied cigars, Ashton's diverse portfolio has something to satisfy every palate. Discover the world of Ashton cigars and indulge in the excellence of this esteemed brand.
A well-cut cigar is the basis of a special smoking experience. As cigar enthusiasts know, the cutting process is a crucial step before lighting up and savoring the flavors of your favorite cigar. But, it has to be said that the art of cigar cutting is way more than just opening the closed end; it requires a certain amount of accuracy and method.
Besides, if cutting a cigar perfectly is an art, it cannot be accomplished without having the right tools. Cigar experts have a wide array of cutting devices to choose from - from classic guillotine cutters to punch cutters and V-cutters, meant for different preferences and cigar shapes.
In this guide, we explore five popular ways to cut a cigar and offer tips and insights to help you to enjoy a great cigar experience:
The straight cut is possibly the most common and classic way of cutting a cigar. For this, one uses a single-blade or double-blade guillotine cutter to create a straight and even opening at the end of the cigar. This method provides the largest surface area for drawing smoke, letting you fully savor the cigar's flavors.
Cutting Technique: Hold the cigar horizontally or at a 45-degree angle. Place the cigar between the blades and align it just above the cap line. Swiftly close the blades together in one clean motion to make the cut.
Cigar Cutting Tips: For best results, you have to make sure the blades are sharp, and the cigar is properly positioned before cutting. Of course, do keep your cutter clean and free from tobacco debris, to prevent a clean cut.
The Cuban cut is also known as an angled cut and is specifically meant for pointed-head cigars like Piramides or Double Figurados. Since these cigars have narrower heads, a straight cut would end up in a small opening for drawing smoke, and may lead to a tighter draw.
Cutting Technique: Instead of making a horizontal cut, cut it at a 45-degree angle following the natural curve of the cigar's cap line. This will help create a larger opening for an easier draw while maintaining the cigar's form.
Cigar Cutting Tips: It may call for some practice to adjust to the angle of the Cuban cut but we promise it will improve your smoking experience with pointed-head cigars.
If you want a small hole in the cap of the cigar, then the punch cut is a simple and effective way to achieve that. This will give you an easy draw and minimal exposure to tar and nicotine buildup. This cut is the best option for cigars with ring gauges between 40 and 50.
Cutting Technique: Insert the cigar vertically into the punch cutter and gently twist it to create a circular punch hole in the cap. The punch cut can be easily carried in your pocket for on-the-go use.
Cigar Cutting Tips: Over time, the punch hole may accumulate tar and nicotine, altering the taste of the cigar. If this occurs, consider using a straight cut to remove a few millimeters of the cap for a refreshed smoking experience.
The V-cut is also known as a Cat's Eye cut and has become popular of late with cigar enthusiasts. The V-shaped wedge cut exposes a generous surface area for drawing smoke, lending a robust smoking experience.
Cutting Technique: Place the cigar in the V-cutter and align the cap with the V-shaped notch. Press the cutter gently to create the V-cut opening on the cap.
Cigar Cutting Tips: The V-cut is recommended for cigars with larger ring gauges and is known to enhance flavor concentration.
Though not recommended for regular use, biting off the end or using your fingernail to pierce the cap can be a last resort if you don't have access to a proper cutter. But, let it be said that these methods can result in a ragged finish and may hamper the quality of your smoking enjoyment.
Irrespective of the cutting method you choose, it's important to respect the cigar and handle it with care. Proper cutting of cigars ensures that you can draw smoke easily and enjoy its rich flavors to the fullest.
As with any aspect of cigar smoking, here too etiquette is key. For instance, when in a group setting, avoid pointing the cut end of the cigar towards others, as this can be seen as impolite. And if you are borrowing a cutter from a fellow aficionado, remember to return it promptly and be thankful for their kindness.
Clearly, investing in a good-quality cutter is a smart decision for any cigar enthusiast. A well-maintained cutter will ensure clean and precise cuts for every cigar, preventing any disappointment caused by a bad cut. Personalized and engraved cutters can make an elegant addition to your cigar accessories collection too.
Whether you opt for the classic straight cut, the elegant Cuban cut, the neat punch cut, the popular V-cut, or even the rustic charm of Clint Eastwood-style biting, it will depend on your choice and the type of cigar you smoke. Cut it right and happy smoking!
Cigars have played a major role in shaping American history, symbolizing moments of relaxation, celebration, and even power. It's fascinating to note that some of the country's leaders were cigar enthusiasts. From the founding days of our nation to much later, cigars have been intertwined with the lives of many presidents, each with their own unique stories to share.
Just picture yourself sitting with George Washington, the founding father of our nation, as he enjoys a deserved cigar after a meal. His appreciation for tobacco extended beyond pleasure as he actively supported the growing tobacco industry during his era. Another example is Thomas Jefferson - a man known for his refined tastes, who also found enjoyment in indulging in cigars.
Moving forward to a time when Ulysses S. Grant sought solace and inspiration by smoking up to 20 cigars per day. Theodore Roosevelt was also frequently seen with a cigar in hand, carefully placed in his specially designed cigar holder.
For these presidents, cigars were more than just indulgence; they became an essential part of their presidential legacies. Let’s take a look at some of America’s presidents who loved their cigars:
He was the seventh President of the United States and was known for his love of pairing cigars with coffee. According to reports, he once told his doctor that these were the two things he couldn't do without. Even his wife, Rachel, shared his passion for cigars and apparently joined him in enjoying cigars on the veranda of their Nashville home.
The 21st President of America was known for his late-night dining habits, and often enjoying meals well into the night. He was fond of finishing his meals with Champagne and expensive cigars. Talk about a presidential lifestyle!
The 23rd President had the rare pleasure of receiving cigars sent to him by a hometown tobacconist in Indianapolis. These special deliveries meant that he always had access to the finest cigars, a luxury enjoyed by few.
He was the 25th President and his deep passion for cigars is well known. He was perhaps the most serious cigar smoker among all the presidents. The only time he was without a cigar in his mouth was during meals or when he was asleep. He had a particular affinity for cigars and was often seen with the choicest brands.
The robust and rotund 27th President, William Howard Taft, didn't shy away from being seen with a cigar. He was known to start his day with a foot-long Cuban cigar and would often smoke as many as three Super Coronas by noon. Taft used cigars as a prop and weapon to influence conversations and people and cigars were an integral part of his presidential persona.
Following Coolidge in the White House, President Herbert Hoover was another cigar enthusiast known for smoking up to 20 cigars a day. He is said to have liked strong cigars and if reports from the White House usher have to be believed, he liked to savor them throughout the day.
The 34th US President had a fondness for cigars and would often enjoy one along with a drink after White House parties. The combination of cigars and drinks helped him to relax and bond with his guests.
JFK is said to have had a soft spot for the Cuban H. Upmann Petit Corona and, in his younger days, he used to share cigars with his father, Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy. Here’s another trivia - Once he took office in the White House, President Kennedy faced the Cuba crisis, and it led him to make some significant decisions. Among them was signing the Cuban trade embargo, but before doing so, he had a clever plan. Kennedy instructed his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, who was also a cigar lover, to gather as many Cuban cigars as possible. Salinger managed to bring back an impressive stash of around 1,200 cigars. Only after securing this prized collection, Kennedy supposedly signed the embargo into effect.
During Richard Nixon's presidency, cigars had their last moment of favorability in the White House when it came to being openly enjoyed. Even though President Nixon wasn't a regular cigar smoker, he would often light up a cigar and share the moment with guests after official dinners. This marked the end of an era where cigars were offered and enjoyed during such prestigious events at the White House.
In William Jefferson Clinton's time in the White House as the 42nd president, you might remember seeing pictures of him with unlit cigars in his mouth. Interestingly, it was under Clinton's administration that smoking got banned in the White House, and they removed ashtrays in the later years.
As for President George W. Bush, the 43rd president, he was also known to enjoy cigars, but like Clinton, he was careful about being seen smoking them in public.
It is uncertain how the cigar culture will influence the presidential experience as new presidents take office over time. Although smoking in the White House may not be openly accepted anymore, the cigar affection of some presidents will always remain a part of American history. Cigar enthusiasts, including those who have served as the country's leaders, will continue to treasure the traditions, customs, and companionship that come with the cigar lifestyle.
Smelling a cigar may appear to be a mere physical action but it plays a vital role in evaluating the quality of the cigar. Interestingly, the aroma of a cigar holds more significance than its taste because our sense of smell has a more significant impact on our emotions, perceptions, and memories. In this guide, we will explore the art of experiencing the scent of a cigar, understanding its flavor characteristics, and determining its excellence. So, before you light up that cherished cigar, indulge your senses and relish its fragrance.
Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful among our five senses as it influences our behavior through emotions, perceptions, and memories. Our olfactory receptor neurons are situated behind our sinuses. They make contact with odor-causing molecules transmitting immediate signals to our brains. As a result, our sense of smell significantly impacts how we perceive taste and certain fragrances can trigger recollections. For aficionados of cigars, the distinct scent of a top quality smoke is unmistakable and leaves an impression - an exquisite combination encompassing tobacco notes along with hints of leather, woodiness, and spices create enduring memories in our minds.
When it comes to tasting cigars, there's an interplay between our sense of smell and taste buds. Although the flavor of a cigar may not perfectly mirror its scent you can develop the ability to anticipate tasting notes by smelling the unlit cigar. Understanding how our taste buds interpret flavors can help us appreciate the connection between aroma and taste, enhancing our enjoyment of smoking cigars.
So, before lighting up a cigar, it's important to take a moment to savor its aroma. However, remember to remove the wrapper as you won't be able to fully experience the smell with it on. Hold the foot of the cigar close to one nostril. Take in a sniff. This will expose you to the binder, filler, and wrapper tobaccos allowing you to perceive all their qualities. After smelling the foot, gently roll the cigar from head to foot under your nose for an intensified whiff of the wrapper leaf's aroma. As you light up your cigar and start smoking it, pay attention to how the cold aroma translates into flavors on your palate. The scent of a cigar can transform as you smoke it, offering a journey that adds richness to the pleasure.
The aroma of a cigar is subjective like its flavor and cigar enthusiasts use a variety of terms to describe it. From toasted and nutty to spicy and floral there is a range of aromas to explore. To help navigate this world, cigar aficionados have created a guide called the cigar aroma wheel - a graphical representation that categorizes various scents commonly associated with cigars. This wheel acts as a tool for identifying the scents you may come across in premium cigars. Basically, it's like a cheat sheet for describing all those wonderful scents you encounter while smoking a cigar. Just like a wine aroma wheel, this nifty tool categorizes all the different smells you might pick up from a cigar.
You've got your woody and leathery notes, hints of spices that make your taste buds tingle, and the subtle sweetness that adds a touch of magic to the experience. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just starting to explore the world of cigars, the aroma wheel is your trusty companion. It helps you put into words the rich and diverse range of fragrances that make each cigar unique.
Familiarizing yourself with this aroma wheel can enhance your appreciation for the flavors and fragrances that cigars offer.
While smelling a cigar provides insights into its flavor, determining its overall quality involves more than just focusing on the aroma. Any person with adequate cigar knowledge will aver that the construction of the cigar, its appearance, and the condition of its wrapper all play roles in the smoking experience.
A well-constructed cigar forms a part of an enjoyable smoking experience. Before lighting it up examine the cigar for a consistent feel, with no spots or indentations. The wrapper should be flawless and evenly colored to ensure taste throughout your smoke.
The outermost layer of a cigar, known as the wrapper, plays a big role in determining the quality of a cigar too, in both its appearance and taste. A top-notch wrapper should have an oily texture without any cracks or imperfections. Different types of wrappers such as Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro contribute flavors to the cigar.
To fully appreciate a cigar, it's important to understand its complexity and the various tasting notes it offers. Cigars can range from mild to flavored, each with its unique taste and aroma. Identifying these characteristics can help you choose the cigar that suits your palate.
As you gain experience with cigars, you'll be able to refine your evaluation process by noticing the differences between blends and brands. It's worth noting that personal preferences for taste and aroma may vary from person to person. Feel free to experiment with cigars and develop an appreciation for this exquisite indulgence.
In the world of cigars, there exists a code of conduct - an etiquette followed by enthusiasts to honor the tradition of cigar smoking. Knowing how to handle and cut a cigar and the proper way to smoke can transform the smoking experience while helping build a sense of camaraderie among fellow cigar enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, smelling a cigar goes beyond being a ritual. It is like getting a preview of the cigar's taste, complexity, and quality. Here's to appreciating the art of smelling and relishing the essence of a cigar!
For those who appreciate cigars, the world of cigars is a realm filled with intricacy, rich history, and delightful indulgence. As soon as you hold a cigar in your hand, you embark on a journey of flavors, aromas, and sensations that captivate the senses. Among the factors that contribute to a cigar's character is the wrapper, which holds a special significance.
The outermost layer of the cigar, known as the wrapper encapsulates its essence and plays a role in determining its taste, appearance, and overall smoking experience. In our exploration of the universe of cigars, we will delve into the captivating world of two types of wrappers; Habano and Rosado. These wrappers originate from different sources and offer distinct flavors that have garnered dedicated followings among cigar enthusiasts.
But before we get there, to truly appreciate the nuances of Habano and Rosado wrappers, it is important to grasp the spectrum of colors within cigar wrappers - how they influence the overall taste profile.
One such example is Connecticut Shade—a wrapper with a color renowned for its mildness and smoothness. Often featured on cigars designed for beginners, this wrapper provides an inviting introduction to the world of cigars. The Colorado Claro wrapper falls in the medium brown range and is slightly darker than the Connecticut Shade. It has gained a following due to its approachable flavors. Then, the Colorado wrapper enters a richer and more robust territory, showcasing a deeper brown hue resulting in bolder and more complex flavors. The Colorado Maduro wrapper, meanwhile, offers a delightful combination of sweet and spicy tastes, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking an intense experience and Maduro wrapper, renowned for its color, is highly admired for its pronounced flavors, often exhibiting notes of chocolate and coffee.
Now, let’s compare the Habano and Rosado wrappers
Habano wrappers have their origins in Cuban seeds and are highly regarded for their spicy character. Initially challenging to cultivate outside Cuba, these wrappers have found success in regions like Ecuador and Nicaragua now, making them more accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.
Habano wrappers are often characterized by their oily structure which contributes to their unique taste. Cigars like Ashton Symmetry and Tatuaje 15th Anniversary Rosado typically feature Habano wrappers.
The Ashton Symmetry is crafted with a Habano Rosado wrapper sourced from Ecuador providing a blend of flavors including cedar, figs, baking spices and coffee beans that culminate in a full-bodied finish. In contrast, the Tatuaje 15th Anniversary Rosado employs an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper paired with filler to deliver a smoking experience characterized by spicy and woody notes, complemented by hints of coffee and leather.
The term "Rosado" translates to "rose colored" in Spanish accurately describing the reddish tint exhibited by these wrappers. Although originating from Cuba, the popularity of these wrappers has extended beyond Cuban cigars due to their flavorful profile and visually appealing hue.
Cigars such as My Father Fonseca and Alec Bradley Nica Puro Rosado exemplify the versatility of the Rosado wrappers. My Father Fonseca showcases a Corojo Rosado wrapper in a full cigar composition that envelops premium Nicaraguan long-fillers. This blend delivers a combination of coffee, leather, and cocoa flavors, alongside nutty undertones.
When it comes to selecting between Habano and Rosado wrappers, personal preference plays a big role. Each type of wrapper offers a unique smoking experience and your choice ultimately depends on your preferred taste.
Habano wrappers are known for their spicier and richer characteristics making them popular among aficionados who enjoy bold-flavored cigars. In contrast, Rosado wrappers provide a combination of color and delightful taste with hints of spice, coffee, and nuttiness.
As cigar enthusiasts begin their journey with cigars, they often become fascinated by the intricacies of cigar flavors. From the draw to the exhale, a well-crafted cigar unveils a symphony of delightful taste sensations.
The flavor spectrum offered by Habano wrappers is highly regarded due to its complexity and depth. They offer an array of enticing taste profiles that captivate the senses.
Here are some popular flavors often associated with Habano wrappers
Rosado wrappers, distinguished by their reddish tint, offer a unique flavor journey that captivates aficionados with its charm. Here are some signature flavors commonly found in cigars with Rosado wrappers
Blending is an art when it comes to creating balanced cigars. Master blenders combine types of tobacco – not just wrapper but also filler and binder – to achieve the desired taste and aroma. The expertise lies in pairing filler and binder tobaccos with a wrapper to create a cohesive and harmonious smoking experience.
The interaction between the filler, binder and wrapper plays a role in shaping the flavors of a cigar determining its complexity, strength and depth.
When venturing into the realm of cigars, it's important to keep in mind that the wrapper is just one element in crafting a memorable smoking experience. Whether you're drawn to the spiciness of Habano wrappers or enticed by the complexity of Rosado wrappers, every cigar has its own inimitable tale to share. And all wrappers have a unique story.
So, take your time with each puff relishing every moment as you immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cigars. Discovering your wrapper can serve as a gateway to a world filled with indulgence and refinement. Enjoy your smoking experience!
Cigars and booze go together so well that, instead of pairing up smoke and a drink, some romantic cigar makers have gone so far as to simply marry the two into one single experience: the barrel-aged cigar. The best barrel-aged cigars bring a special flavor to the tobacco that might be a little different than you’re expecting. The cigars are NOT lowered into a barrel full of spirits or wine. Instead, they’re aged in dry barrels that were once used for storing alcohol, but have been retired. (Going dry in retirement sounds sad, doesn’t it? If anything, one should find a few extra opportunities for drinking in the golden years… but we digress.)
So, the cigars spend time in alcohol barrels. It could be months or years, depending on the cigar maker. And there are tons of different choices for the booze, which we’ll get into below. Scotch, bourbon, rum, wine… if it comes in a barrel, adventurous cigar makers will try aging their tobacco in its luxurious afterglow.
There are some companies that go a step further and really infuse sticks with alcohol. Gurkha His Majesty's Reserve, Drew Estate ACID One, and Victor Sinclair Shots all come to mind. But the story of the best alcohol-infused cigars is a story for another day.
Without further ado, below are a few of our selections for some of the best barrel-aged cigars on the market. They don’t exactly taste like the spirits they’re related to, but they offer delicious toasty, woody, or other notes that will bring you right back to the barrel that birthed them.
Enjoy!
Let’s lead out with one of the industry champions of this process. The Perdomo family long ago went all in on the idea of barrel-aging cigars and tobacco, to great effect. Their “champagne” wrapper is known around the world for its outstanding flavor – especially in the 10th Anniversary blend.
Of course, as you already know, it’s aged in champ- wait… it’s aged in BOURBON barrels? Why do they call it the “champagne?” Well, as the story goes, Nick Perdomo, Sr. described it that way and the name stuck. So, here we are.
The blend is Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in a bright blonde Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. Spice, oak, and honey all come together for a smooth and incredibly enjoyable smoke that people have been loving for a very long time.
Bourbon barrels, for the win.
Cohiba Macassar is named after a kind of ebony wood grown in Indonesia that is used to make many sleek humidors. Inside those humidors, you’ll need a nice tobacco blend, right? Cohiba is bravely stepping up to meet your needs, here.
The Cohiba Macassar uses a Connecticut habano wrapper, a feisty Connecticut broadleaf binder, and a long-filler blend from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Nicaragua. This interior blend undergoes four years of patient aging, and then things get interesting, because the final phase of the tobacco working schedule is to spend a year inside Dominican rum barrels. After all is said and done, you get a cigar with a flavor profile that includes fun spice and fruit notes, along with wood and wholesome wheat. You’re probably not going to be able to resist the urge to pair this one with a beautiful Dominican sipping rum, but if your cabinet goes dry, the cigar itself will do its best to bring you a memory of that experience.
This one not only features barrel fermented tobacco, but tobacco that is treated using a process commonly reserved for pipe tobacco. Drew Estate knows how to keep things interesting and super flavorful, and so this stogie from the Pappy Van Winkle series is yet another rich example of the flair we’ve come to love them for.
It’s all about the wrapper. Well, there’s actually a dual wrapper. The base leaf is earthy, pepper Mexican San Andrés. The “tapa negra” (“black cap”) leaf that is then placed around that is homegrown Kentucky tobacco. After two weeks of barn smoking, this leaf is shipped to St. James Parish in Louisiana for the perique treatment, which generally produces strong, fruity pipe tobacco. The tobacco for this cigar therefore is laid into Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels, covered in water, and pressed with railroad jacks.
During this process, the leaf breaks down and evolves into something aromatic and wonderful that fits in perfectly with the spicy, whiskey-inspired character of the cigar. The bar is set reasonably high for the best barrel-aged cigars, and Drew Estate’s Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented blend absolutely belongs in this group.
Man, everywhere you look Fuente is there, doing a fantastic job. If you’re tired of seeing them around every corner, just calm down and smoke one of their bomb blends. You’ll come around soon enough.
The Fuente Añejo was a bit of a recovery project. Hurricane Georges came along in 1998 and destroyed tobacco growing on Chateau de la Fuente farms. It would have been the wrapper on OpusX blends. In need of a substitute, Carlito Fuente could have simply slapped some Connecticut broadleaf on the sticks and called it a day. Probably would have been decent. But instead, he put the broadleaf in time out for nearly a year in oak cognac barrels, where it took on a wonderful new character.
The Fuente Añejo is hard to find, but worth every puff with flavors of cocoa, dark fruit, and licorice. Every cloud has a silver lining, even those that bring devastating hurricanes.
A.J. Fernandez, who plays a part in so many special blends, somehow also has time to invent new barrel aging processes. Perhaps it wasn’t that complicated for his Diesel Whiskey Row blend, but the fact that he had time to pull it off to his satisfaction while juggling all those other balls in the air makes us wonder when he finds time to sleep.
The tobacco for this blend comes of age in Rabbit Hole bourbon barrels. It’s a Mexican San Andrés binder that joins up with some seriously senior leaf in the form of the five-year aged Ecuadorian habano wrapper and the Nicaraguan long-fillers that have anywhere between five and eight years of age on them. It’s oaky, floral, spicy, and good enough to score above 90 points with the tastemakers of the world.
Whiskey Row is super popular, totally reliable, and without question one of the best barrel-aged cigars on the market. Don’t believe us? Just check out the hundreds of five-star ratings on these stories and you’ll see that this one needs absolutely no hype.
American-grown broadleaf and Maduro is a hearty blend, and Camacho always seems to be aiming for this type of unashamed personality in most of their cigars. They routinely offer spicy, bold smokes that are for a very particular type of cigar lover.
Stogies, ya know?
This American Barrel-Aged blend gets a special leaf thrown into the mix, too: six-year-old Corojo that was finished for months in charred oak bourbon barrels. The aromas and flavors are definitely in the campfire and wood-fired grill zone, and make it a really fun blend to light up.
You’re going to want a beer with this one. We’ll call out Bell’s Expedition Stout for dark sweetness to help counterbalance the spiced smoke.
Dark. Chocolatey. Woody. This last cigar on our list features tobacco that was aged in single-malt scotch casks. It’s just such a rich stick – perfect to reference the smoky legacy of a cigar smoker so famous that there’s forever going to be a size named after him.
The Late Hour combines a lot of flavorful tobacco, but you’re going to remember it for that dark, oily Ecuadorian wrapper. "To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day."
It took years to make the cigar. It will take you folks hours to burn it down. Here’s to Sir Winston, and one of the finest barrel-aged cigars on Earth.
The name “Lost & Found” will look familiar to those who follow our new inventory. We’ve found Robert Caldwell’s series to be a fun way to experience cigars, and our fans have been eager to get their hands on each new blend as it drops. Amidst the many releases, some have been winners, some not so much, and many have been in the middle. In this list, we’ll cover what our cigar lovers have found to be some of the best blends in the series. If you’re unsure where to start with this wild tobacco adventure called Lost and Found, start here!
They’re the cigars that time forgot. The blends that cigar makers decided to hold on to, then moved on to other projects. They’re tobacco that has been patiently waiting in aging vaults across Latin America and the Caribbean (and who knows where else?) and is finally ready for prime time.
In short, it’s cigars and leaves that were lost but now are found by Robert Caldwell et al. as they travel from one location to the next in search of worthy smoke. When something passes the puff test, it has a chance to become one of the best Caldwell Lost and Found cigars. This approach is part of how Aging Room became an industry legend, so why not Caldwell.
Here are some of the best blends in the series to date. We’re calling this Part 1 because we’re betting that a second group needing highlighting will emerge over time. Caldwell isn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
This line was popular enough to spawn several variants, but let’s discuss the original. With a lush Dominican interior and an Ecuadorian Brazil-seed wrapper, Lost and Found Pepper Cream Soda brought so much flavor yet stayed smooth throughout. It had cedar, sweetness, and a slight pepper kick that hooked us all.
There are many ways to enjoy this, including a 10th Anniversary blend. Your choices now include sungrown, Mexican San Andrés, and Habano. Pop the top and enjoy the smoky refreshment!
This is one of those ONSs that turned into an entanglement, a situationship, and a long-term FWB-type thing that is just a mess. One thing we know: it was NOT limited to a single night. The Caldwell One Night Stand Lost and Found original is among the best the line offers. Smoke the vintage or Redrum editions if you want variety, though. We know what you might think: “I want the best of the best, not more dang choices!” But the thing is, with the best Caldwell Lost and Found cigars, the team spins up all kinds of options.
For a great smoke, stick to the original. It offers coffee bean, red pepper, and chocolate flavors – a classic profile and an easy reason to take this one home at closing time.
This one doesn’t follow the usual format. Instead, this is a reblending of a Caldwell cigar from the past. Not only that, but a portion of proceeds benefit a food bank, making it taste that much sweeter. Of course, this one doesn’t wind up being that sweet. The peppery profile is really a treat, though. Full of baking spices and floral notes, this is one of the best Lost and Found cigars due to its complex and invigorating profile.
We think this one will actually get more than fifteen minutes of fame.
Cookie Monster
Oh boy, was this one ever hyped up. But some of the experiences were just so enjoyable! People loved this one, and it was a rare piece of puff. Using 8-year-aged tobacco, this blend was pulled from all over the map – Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers, a Sumatra binder, and a rich Habano wrapper. Tasters found plenty of earthy flavor and other notes, but the name couldn’t help but send our minds toward the cookie. There’s a bit of graham cracker, at the very least.
Most of the stock got gobbled up, but grab a five-pack if you can get your hands on the fuzzy blue monster.
Land O Snakes
As with many of these cigars, the flavor profile followed the branding. They were true to form – if not consistently, at least in some instances. Ecuadorian Habano over Dominican made for a very smoky stick, and the profile was nutty, creamy, cedary… and, of course, buttery! The smooth draws had many people hoping this would become a regular release. But we can say this: we’ll see more from this line. There are already maduros, and we’ll hopefully also see a return to the blend that started them all.
In short, we can’t believe it’s not butter.
There’s just so much going on! This isn’t one of the best Lost and Found cigars for no reason. Malditos Bastardos is a robust medium-bodied blend that combines Dominican and Mexican long-fillers, a Connecticut Habano binder, and a genuine Cameroon wrapper. Flavors run wild with aromatic wood, leather, and black pepper. It’s the perfect cigar when you want one that doesn’t pull any punches – when you want something aggressive to pair with whiskey so you can sink into the experience and escape for an hour or so.
Are you a “damn bastard?” Light this one up and make peace with your nature. It won’t judge you.
The Instant Classic was true to its name. The flavors were on point and gave Habano lovers everything they usually look for in a cigar. A Cubanesque Habano wrapper, an Indonesian Binder, and Dominican fillers led to a nutty, peppery blend and a fruity touch. It wasn’t that complex – it just delivered what it was supposed to with no deviations. You must respect a cigar that does its job and doesn’t confuse the issue.
There’s much more to be said about all the L&F blends that have come and gone, but this should be an excellent place to find some of the best Lost and Found cigars to date. The journey is far from over, as Caldwell commissions blend now under this brand line and should be spinning up all kinds of new aged stogies.
We don’t know if any of the tobacco is lost anymore, but we know where it can always be found – at Cigars Direct!
Abdel J. Fernandez is now a master of Nicaraguan tobacco and blends, but he was born in one of the beating hearts of cigardom: Cuba. In the San Luís part of Pinar del Río, he and his family worked growing tobacco with the government. Even as a teenager, he was involved in the family business. He soaked up leaf knowledge like a stalk does the rain.
But his destiny lay elsewhere.
In 2003, he landed in Nicaragua and worked at first as a roller. He grew from there, eventually stretching into farming, cigar making, blending, and more.
In addition to his brands like San Lotano, New World, Last Call, Diesel, Ramon Allones, and Enclave, A.J. Fernandez works with many other companies and partners to produce great cigars. It could work as a blender. It could be working as a supplier. Or it could be something else. One thing is clear: if you need a hand with a cigar, you’d love to have A.J. on the team. The man is one of the most sought-after collaborators on Earth, and the best A.J. Fernandez cigars on this list are some of the primary reasons why.
We also have to imagine he’s a great guy to be around. Why else would so many people be knocking down his door?
Without further ado, here are some of the A.J. Fernandez collaboration cigars that are gracing humidors around the world:
This one is right up A.J.’s alley. It’s a classic brand – one of the oldest – with a Cuban and non-Cuban version. It’s a perfect blend for a Cuban tobacco master to handle to ensure the company’s reputation for traditional excellence is adequately respected.
This one brings a very enjoyable curve ball into the mix. Along with high-quality Nicaraguan long-fillers, you get a zesty Brazilian mata fina wrapper that adds flavor to the smoke. It’s a spicy cigar with flavors of bold espresso, cedar, and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Even at medium-full strength, this one makes itself felt.
And we can’t fail to mention this cigar is gorgeous. The rollers did a fantastic job ensuring this stogie was beautiful and delicious. A.J. gets everything right.
This is a “trillaboration” between Robert Caldwell, Matt Booth, and A.J. Fernandez. It’s a more sophisticated blending side, as the Nicaraguan tobacco and fermented maduro wrapper combine to produce a complex profile. You’ll get the earthy, chocolatey flavors you’d expect, but an almond/anise thing will make you think of premium extracts that go into high-end desserts.
It scored 91 points with Cigar Aficionado and has become one of Caldwell’s standout blends. Naturally, A.J. was there to see that it was done right, making it another one of the best A.J. Fernandez cigars around.
85 points? How is this the “best?” Well, we’ll get to that. Legendary brands come to A.J. because they know they can trust him to balance his wealth of traditional Cuban expertise with the need to craft blends that satisfy modern smokers. Along those lines, this one combines Nicaraguan and Dominican tobacco with a Connecticut broadleaf Maduro wrapper for a severe effect.
Unlike many other A.J. Fernandez cigars, this one seems priced to move. It’s a valued blend, showing that he knows how to blend a cigar for anyone to enjoy in humble circumstances. Even aficionados need an everyman cigar occasionally, and the rest of us are happy to have anything decent to smoke.
This one fits the bill of delivering rich flavor while keeping the bill small. THAT makes this cigar worthy of this list.
A.J. is anything BUT one-dimensional. This dude can blend for anyone.
Using whiskey barrels is cheating. Using aged tobacco is cheating. Combining the two is cheating. It's a good thing there are no referees in this game called “cigars!”
A.J. had his tobacco rest in bourbon barrels as part of the aging process, which took the smoke's whole flavor to a new level. It didn’t make them taste like alcohol but brought out those charred, oaky notes that can be so nice to encounter when sipping on a glass of that amber/golden liquor.
Nicaraguan tobacco from Jalapa, Condega, and Ometepe was brought in for the filler blend. 5-8 years of aging was the minimum to get into the club. Then, there’s a bourbon barrel-aged San Andres binder and the five-year-aged Ecuadoran habano leaf.
Cigar Aficionado loved it. Other reviewers loved it. And it got a rebirth in the Whiskey Row Sherry Cask. If you’ll excuse us, we’ll have to toast up a blend that will become another of the best A.J. Fernandez cigars around.
Montecristo is iconic, so it seems silly to think that a modern blend could matter to them. But it does. It really does.
This one scored 93 points with Cigar Aficionado, who said: “The balance of this cigar is undeniable, medium to full in body, resonating with the fine qualities of chocolate-covered espresso beans, rich woods, and dried fruit.”
Aren’t you in on that alone? We start salivating when we hear reviews like that.
This is a Nicaraguan puro from a man known for his high-quality Nicaraguan tobacco and blends. It’s one of those home runs where the batter didn’t even look like they really swung that hard, but the ball easily sails over the wall with room to spare.
Southern Draw found a perfect partner in A.J., and many of their blends are made at his factory with his tobacco (we think). For all we know, he could also occasionally be a part of the blending team. Wouldn’t you want his input if you already had him signed on to produce your cigars?
We’re tagging this one as a blend to try, even if it’s not one that A.J. has “top billing” on. Kudzu is a fantastic cigar that helped Southern Draw really break into the market and start making a reputation for itself. Nicaraguan filler with an Ecuadorian wrapper makes for a stogie that is woody, toasty, and that shows why it’s worthwhile to wait for a little medio tiempo leaf to sprout at the top of those lush tobacco stalks.
Good stuff.
Cigar Aficionado’s 2019 #1 Cigar of the Year was made with tobacco grown on the farms of none other than one Abdel J. Fernandez. It was also made in his factory! Rafael Nodal earned much-deserved accolades from this one – it was his blend, after all – but let’s make sure to give A.J. his due. He was a diving force behind one of the finest cigars in recent memory, from seed to smoke, and he should get to bask in the limelight.
For those who have already forgotten the taste of the Quattro Nicaragua, Cigar Aficionado gushed that “every puff is an overture of flavors that’s at times heavy and rich with notes of dark chocolate and wood, and other times, subtle and understated with hints of fine caramel and toasted almonds.” If you still have one of these in your humidor, it’s time to pull it out and see what time has done to this Nicaraguan masterpiece. It could be even better!
The Amistad is Cubanesque at its best. It’s a traditional smoke with flavors of chocolate, nuts, leather, and just the right amount of spice. A.J. pulled from farms around Nicaragua to put this one together and found just the right mix to create something unique.
With all the smokes on this best A.J. Fernandez collaboration cigars list, you have to wonder how he always has something MORE up his sleeve to make the next blend? Doesn’t he use his best stuff and then get stuck? Well, the answer is, “obviously not.” He knows what to do with each leaf that comes in from the field, and he knows how to ensure that each combination is reaching its highest potential.
One of the marks of a master is the ability to do great things, even with humble ingredients. We’re unsure which great cigars on this list used humble ingredients, but we’re almost certain they’re in there somewhere.
What, you didn’t know he could do it with Cameroon leaf, too? Of course, he can! There’s no leaf A.J. can’t find a place for in his blends.
Cameroon can be a bit of an acquired taste, but it has been a part of fantastic blends, including Arturo Fuente’s #1 Cigar of the Year winner, the Don Carlos Eye of the Shark. In this Don Lino cigar, A.J. smuggled it in as the binder, letting it serve as a consistent note throughout the entire cigar. To this, he added Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler and a tidy Ecuador habano wrapper.
The original was inspired by the majestic beauty of an African safari. The reblend is inspired by a lifetime of making great cigars. Once you’ve got A.J. signed on, you know it’s going to be a tasty smoke.
This is one last blend for this list where A.J.’s farms and factories were relied upon to ensure that an artful blend came together correctly. Nicaraguan inside, Ecuador Habano outside, and a touch of pelo d’oro (a favorite of José “Don Pepin” Garcia of My Father cigars) made this one special. Notes of “butterscotch, earth, and caramel, with a honeyed finish,” tasted by Cigar Aficionado’s judges, turned this one into a blend that breathed new life into Padilla cigars.
It also shows how long A.J. has been able to enjoy success. Whenever you want to chart his first milestone, A.J. has consistently gained ground on everyone for years. And we’re not sure if he’s peaking ever! In this game, great cigar men tend to be like fine wine – there’s no limit on how good they can get with age. If A.J. is putting out this many great blends now, what will we see from him in the future? The best may be yet to come…
Until then, keep on enjoying the best A.J. Fernandez cigars right here at Cigars Direct!
Around ten years ago, Steve Saka connected with the smoking public and participated in this “Ask Me Anything thread (also known as an “AMA”) on Reddit. Unlike the usual brief responses, Saka offered up an outpouring of cigar knowledge, wisdom, opinions, insider tips, and lots more. We figured it would be a shame for this uncensored, unfiltered information to go to waste, and wanted to highlight some of the more interesting bits and lessons.
If you’re at all curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the cigar business, set aside a stogie and puff away while browsing the thread. There’s a ton in there! But if you want some of the highlights, stick around and we’ll cover what we think is most interesting in this post.
Some folks have persisted in the belief that Liga Privada cigars, which really helped put Drew Estate on the map for premium smoke, were treated with oil to make big smoke. But Saka says this just isn’t true and offers a ton of information about how these special leaves are actually treated in the process of becoming Liga wrapper leaf.
First, the Stalk Cut T52 and Broadleaf No. 1 leaves used to wrap Drew Estate’s Liga Privada cigars were, according to Saka, “extremely thick oily wrappers, in fact the thickest and oiliest being use by anyone I know.” So, they start out quite packed with oil.
To preserve as much of this flavorful oil as possible, Drew Estate then followed a different process when preparing the leaf than other cigar makers used – one which required careful control and that took painstaking measures to do correctly.
For a start, Drew Estate did not even allow the tobacco grower or broker to do ANY primary fermentation on Liga wrappers. Instead, Drew Estate would ship it directly from the curing barn in refrigerated containers. They did this to keep control over their own fermentation process which seems to follow a low and slow approach that many backyard meat smokers will find familiar. Instead of high heat phases (180 degrees for a few months, then 145+ for a year and a half), Saka’s team went for 120 degrees maximum over three years of fermentation or “bulking.” The reason was to avoid robbing the leaf of precious oils and flavor.
Speaking of which, he said the team aimed for flavor optimization, even if this left the leaf looking mottled. They didn’t try to create a leaf that had a particular color. It was all about that smoke – the final experience that most will agree is the key to whether a cigar is “good” or not. Even the final preparation of wrapper leaf in a caldera (heated room) was avoided to preserve the maximum amount of that sweet, sweet leaf juice!
The result of all these process choices, of course, was a smokier Liga cigar and quicker staining of any packaging that the cigar touched. This led to plenty of theories about what was going on. After all, it wasn’t crazy to think that Drew Estate, the creators of infused ACID cigars, might experiment with all kinds of methods, right?
But for those top-rated Liga Privadas? It was all-natural, baby. That Liga broadleaf was just a particularly “sweaty” type of tobacco.
We’ll let Steve state this one in his own words:
“Combustion in our opinion is a cornerstone of achieving consistent flavor, so while wrapper x with binder y and filler z might taste great together… if they don't burn well together there will come a time when they taste like something else.”
You just can’t get that flavor profile if the leaves won’t burn in harmony the way you intended. That’s why proper construction is so critical. Balance totally depends on each leaf burning properly. The next time you smoke a cigar and it seems out whack, check that burn line and see if one of the leaves just refused to do what it was supposed to.
You might imagine that visionaries in the cigar business have detailed plans for world domination that they follow to the letter. And you might be right, in some cases. But for other tobacco artists, it’s a matter of following their interests and seeing what catches on when it comes to certain blends.
For Drew Estate’s popular My Uzi Weighs a Ton line (aka “MUWAT”), it was a passion project, not one with a “master plan” at the outset. Bait Fish and Nightcrawler were not necessarily part of the original idea, but you’ve got to give the people what they want. As the blend line took off, Drew Estate came up with plans one phase at a time, the same as anyone might. You can’t do it all from your armchair while puffing away, as much as you might want to.
Follow ideas that interest YOU, and you just might find something big that the world will love.
It's a cigar-rolling method that uses tobacco leaves that are snugly rolled up one by one, and then bunched together. In Saka’s words, this “allows for great air channels and draw (when done right – regretfully many Cuban factories suck at their technique) but can result in funny burn patterns if the fillers do not burn at near identical rates.” For example, if you get a spike of leaf sticking out, your slow-burning ligero has probably peeked out its head and is messing things up. The blend won’t taste right.
It's a bit different. Here, leaves are folded so as to “have more surface area contact with their neighboring leaves in the bunch which allows for the quicker burning ones to help along the slower burning ones.” If you rush this method, though, it also will be messed up and lead to an uneven burn.
Liga smokes aimed to take the best of both worlds, using elements of both methods. In Saka’s words: “Essentially it is a style where we roll the fillers in entubado-style, but in very loose, wide tubes of the leaf then fold those in estrujado style into the hand which contains a "base' leaf that acts almost like a second binder leaf, but is actually part of the filler blend. We then break off the tips of the longleaf bunch and backfill the body of the bunch to get even compression throughout its length. I often refer to this as "lazy entubado", JD typically refers to it as Escuado.”
It's never simple! Saka reports that this method takes lots of time to do and also requires quite a bit of additional training for even the best buncheros. The result is worth it, though. Saka says that this leads to cigars that are “densely packed[,] yet exhibit an amazingly effortless draw while burning. [These] will burn not only more evenly, but longer [when] left resting than others.”
Construction is complicated, y’all. But if you get it right, the blend will stay right in the exact lane that the makers intended.
Liga Privada is a cigar that famously had to be banned from employee smoke sessions at the Drew Estate factory because not enough product was making it to market. This led to the creation of Undercrowns – a more “accessible” version of the Liga blend.
But still, there were times when it was super hard to get your hands on a Liga Privada. As Steve reported, the inventory shortages meant that “Consumers are upset with us, retailers are upset with us, and to be honest we are leaving a lot of money on the table.”
Of course, they could have ramped production up, but it might have led to consistency issues. So, they stayed true to the blend and compromised on nothing. Instead, they had to play the long game, plan ahead, and ferment more and more leaves each year in order to steadily increase production. Many customers went without their Ligas, but would you have wanted a subpar one?
Saka made a choice, and it was very probably the correct one. Although, in telling the story of the challenges, he did drop a “:<” at the end of his comment. It’s hard being the decision maker, even when people love your product. Sometimes, they love it so much that you wind up suffering from success! A good problem to have, but still a problem.
You might think that all cigar makers love to see prices skyrocket for their cigars, but that’s not the case. For Saka, he explained his feelings by saying, “I am blown away by the prices some of our products receive. And I will admit on a personal level a bit peeved, it seems like these consumers are being taken advantage of, yet in the end, I come back to my free market. Nobody is forcing these customers to pay so much, they are bidding of their own free will and it is their money to spend as they see fit. So who am I to say what is right and wrong[?]”
When inventory is short, some smokers are going to chase down their favorite blends no matter what. This takes prices through the roof. Our suggestion in cases like that might be to try something new and affordable, though, for most budgets. But as Steve says, if it’s your cash, you can spend it your way. We’re all looking for a great smoke, at the end of the day – and one that we know will satisfy our personal tastes.
He says they’re “far too sweet.” But he LOVES them for being a best seller. Honest about his personal tastes, and honest as a businessman. You gotta love this guy.
His favorite non-Drew Estate stick? The absolutely legendary Padron 1926. We can’t argue with him there. It’s a top-tier smoke, no matter what year it is.
Why do we purchase cigars from new brands with comparatively little experience when there are companies with not just five decades of knowledge, but five GENERATIONS? Well, Saka noticed that, “The biggest trend is not just the ready acceptance by consumers, but the actual desire of consumers to purchase new brands from completely unknown companies and people.”
The old guard wondered, “[W]hy would a consumer spend their hard-earned dollars on some Johnny Come Lately who once read a "bullshit" book about cigars last Tuesday instead of from a cigar maker with five decades of hard learned experience[?]”
Well, that’s one for you folks to answer. Our two cents is that there’s a ton that goes into making a purchase, but novelty will always be a big draw. That is, you can have your 300th Big Mac, and it will be fine, but the new menu item will probably entice you into at least one purchase, right? Variety is the spice of life! Maybe it’s the same reason that VIPs with 10/10 model wives still cheat…
Ever read a bunch of sophisticated flavor notes and thought, “This is all horses**t. No one can taste all that stuff. Who even knows what a ‘toasted cashew soaked at the bottom of a Turkish coffee’ really tastes like?”
You’re not alone. The funny thing is, that the ability to taste a variety of notes is not something you have to be born with. You can actually cultivate it! Steve mentioned that he wasn’t really able to “discern the individual nuances and characteristics of what [he] was smoking” for around a decade! So don’t be surprised if all those fancy notes elude you, for the time being.
Steve also said that this palate development period is a reason not to go too crazy buying stuff up in your first phase of smoking cigars. You may find that your taste shifts over time. Be ready to become a “better” cigar smoker as the years roll by.
Ever considered getting into the business? We don’t detail the steps here, but Steve covers some of the basic projects involved in launching your own cigar brand. If you’re interested in getting into the cigar game, definitely check out his thoughts on the matter. Even a decade later, it’s a great place to get a peek at what you’ve got ahead of you, even if another grower and factory will be making the tobacco and cigars for you. It's a lot of work, but it can be a beautiful industry to be involved in.
Okay, that’s all we’ll cover today. The thread is a wealth of information and insight, so do bookmark it to check out the next time you burn down a Robusto. Saka is an incredibly knowledgeable, straightforward, and earnest guy, and we’re fortunate he took out some time to share a bit of his experience with us all.
On this site, we make much ado about 90+ rated cigars. They’re generally the cream of the crop. But they’re not the be-all and end-all of cigars. Hell, our dads and granddads smoked stuff that would strip the paint off a parking pole, and there wasn’t much of a chance it would have satisfied today’s spoiled tastemakers.
But in a nod to a cigar that is more than good enough, we’re pulling out some blends that just missed the holy territory of the 90s and came in with ratings in the 80s at Cigar Aficionado. To make things fun, we’re also choosing blends that are available for about $8 or less. These are great value buys that just might be excellent in the hands of the right smoker, or in the right year of vintage. There have definitely been Top 25 smokes that scored in the high 80s before the blenders got it just right in another batch and created a masterpiece.
Let’s start things off right with a big bad stogie that tips the scales at 5 x 70. Cigar Aficionado said it was a “plump smoke that draws and burns evenly.” Plump is an understatement! But in this crazy modern world, even a 70-ring gauge isn’t the fattest cigar you’re going to see.
This is a Nicaraguan puro with a deeply fermented and mottled brown Maduro wrapper. Get a sniff of it and you’re going to get excited. The smoke is even better! CA described how its “tangy, cedary notes pick up some hints of hazelnut, anise, and cinnamon before the spicy finish.”
It’s a challenge to make a cigar like this be enjoyable throughout, but the flavors Perdomo put together are just right for an all-day smoke. Keep the lighter on hand, because this one may take a few sessions to fully enjoy.
From the massive to the more miniature, we move on to check out an A.J. Fernandez Cameroon-wrapped blend. Under the hood of this 4 x 48 cigar, you’re getting quality Nicaraguan leaf from A.J.’s famous farms. It’s well made, and affordable, and gives you tobacco from across the sea in that genuine Cameroon leaf. Construction is top-notch, too, and Cigar Aficionado reported that the cigar “draws effortlessly and burns evenly.” You love to hear that, don’t you?
The flavors are also quite interesting, which is par for the course on Cameroon blends. They always bring something to tickle the tastebuds. This one is described as having a “core of minerals and anise” that “also carry notes of black pepper, cocoa, and charred wood.” The wood note is a Cameroon signature for sure, and at less than $8, this cigar is the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon. Be warned, though: the strength is at full!
Let’s grab another shorty while we’re at it: the 4 x 42 Ricochet Crü Shade Café from La Barba (a Caldwell x Tony Bellato production). This blend line is made from inspiration that comes from wines, and there’s just so much going on that we can hardly understand it all. We’ve got no idea how this one came together at the blending table, but it did.
Pennsylvania broadleaf in the filler is joined by tobacco from Nicaraguan and the Dominican Republic. This is bundled into an Indonesian binder, and then wrapped in Ecuadorian leaf.
The flavors are quite piquant. That’s right, “piquant.” Vocab of the day, right there. Cigar Aficionado described how “Its woody impressions are accented by notes of tangy cedar, spicy ginger, and black pepper.” They added that “There is a touch of lemon peel on the finish.”
You’re getting so much in this tiny package. We love what came together here in this medium-strength cigar, even if we have no clue how they came up with this particular blend. Artistes like Mr. Bellato have their own ways of doing things.
(Shhh. Don’t tell anyone this is Don Pepin’s stuff. Just keep it a secret between you, us, and however many thousand people come across this post. Other than that, “mum’s” the word!)
These are tasty Nicaraguan Churchills from a man who has won multiple Cigar of the Year awards and is widely regarded as one of the best blenders and cigar men on the planet: José Garcia. For these humbler sticks, he put together a blend of Nicaraguan tobacco that offers notes of “cedar, bittersweet chocolate, and hazelnut” that “usher in a coffee-like quality to the smoke.”
Pour some fresh java and toast up a beautiful cigar that’s available at a great price. It’s going to be a beautiful day!
LFD is known for potent, flavorful blends. This one is so tough it had to be put in solitary confinement in a tube to keep it from beating up other blends in your humidor. Dominican long-filler and an Ecuadorian wrapper make the smoke rich and strong.
It gets off to a rocky start, which led in part to the 87 rating, but it “calms down to show a more agreeable palate of black pepper, walnut and a sweet hint of root beer.” That doesn’t sound too bad, now does it? In fact, it sounds downright good!
Construction is solid and so the draw and burn were reported to be “even and consistent.” For under $8 bucks, we’re definitely pulling this one out when we want a compact cigar that brings the ruckus.
Candela exists, and while you may not have a bunch of it in your humidor, you can rely on Fuente to do it right for those occasions when you’re into the unique profile it brings.
This Dominican blend features a Connecticut shade candela wrapper, and offers an experience that is quite mild. This is a relaxing cigar with a classic grassy flavor profile that gives you much more on top of that, carrying notes of “pine, wood, and a touch of nut-and-honey sweetness.” It’s really nice, and a great example of why Candela still has fans in a market dominated by extensively fermented tobacco.
Try it out, and see what guys were smoking stateside in the good old days. $8? It was probably about 8 cents then!
Drew Estate is bringing the flava with some tobacco that barely behaves in the Nica Rustica Adobe. This one is built on Nicaraguan, Brazilian, and Ecuadorian leaves, and brings a classic profile of cedar, leather, and nuts. The finish can be sweet or it can tend in the other direction, depending on which stick you get. On a good day, this blend is highly enjoyable, bringing strength and plenty of interesting notes to savor.
If you want a blend that could show you a lot of different sides of its personality, get this one. If you want something a touch more refined, grab the…
Padrón is in no sense underrated. Everyone knows that this is one of the best (if not the best) cigar companies around. The 2000 is a humble stick in an incredibly illustrious family. While the brothers and sisters are winning Cigar of the Year awards with mind-boggling consistency, this cigar is content to simply be a good smoke.
Nicaraguan tobacco brings the always-welcome flavors of “cocoa powder, cedar, and a spicy burst of black pepper.” You just know what you’re going to get with Padrón, and if you can get it at a price you like, it’s a solid buy no matter what year it is. The famous blends the company sells are excellent, but so is this natural gem you might overlook in the bright lights that shine on the family portfolio.
The 80s were a fun time and can be a fun rating in which you will find good smoke at a price that makes sense. Don’t sleep on these 8 blends!
In the ever-evolving world of cigar aficionados and connoisseurs, the appreciation for a finely crafted cigar goes beyond the draw and flavor and is also about cultivation. While regions and climates play an influential role, the cultivation methods employed significantly shape the final product. In this let’s explore the different ways tobacco can be cultivated for cigar production, spanning traditional techniques to modern innovations.
Mainly, cigar tobacco growers prioritize specific attributes: resistance to diseases and pests, ample annual yields, suitable leaf size and texture, rich flavor and aroma, and optimal combustion properties.
The fundamental prerequisites for cultivating premium cigar tobacco encompass abundant sunshine, lengthy summer growing seasons, fertile yet well-drained soil, and high humidity levels. Regardless of the specific strain, each tobacco variety destined for cigar production follows a consistent cultivation process. Plants are arranged in rows spaced one meter apart, allowing for efficient care and harvesting, while enabling ample sunlight exposure.
The choice of soil varies based on the tobacco's purpose; binder and Claro cigar wrapper tobaccos thrive in sandy, loam-rich soils, while fire-cured varieties and Broadleaf cigar fillers flourish in silty volcanic loam or clay-heavy soils.
Successful cultivation entails germination under mulch or cloth, followed by transplanting after 8 to 10 weeks. While modern machinery aids tobacco planting, a significant portion is still planted by hand. Given tobacco's tropical origins, frost-free periods of 100-130 days are essential for full maturity, with most cigar tobacco favoring warm, humid climates. Consequently, many cigar-producing nations are located near the equator.
Cigar tobacco cultivation is an art that blends tradition and innovation. One of the most widely recognized and traditional methods is the age-old practice of tobacco farming. This involves selecting prime pieces of land with the optimal combination of sun, soil, and climate. Farmers meticulously prepare the soil, providing natural fertilization through organic materials. The use of rotation crops ensures the soil's health and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases, leading to sustainable cultivation practices.
Intercropping is another traditional technique. By planting various plants together, tobacco benefits from natural pest repellents, improving its overall health. Integrated pest management, a practice rooted in organic farming, emphasizes a balance between beneficial insects and pests to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
The techniques used to cultivate the finest tobacco have evolved along with the cigar culture. One such innovation is hydroponic cultivation. This soilless method allows precise control over nutrient intake, water levels, and environmental conditions. Hydroponics promotes vigorous growth and mitigates pest and disease risks, ensuring consistently superior leaf quality. In locales with limited arable land, vertical farming has emerged as a transformative innovation. This method utilizes stacked layers of plants, allowing growers to maximize space and control conditions, ultimately producing premium cigar tobacco in unconventional environments.
Ecuador, renowned for its unique cloud-grown tobacco, produces wrappers that bestow distinct flavors and aromas on cigars. Indonesia’s Sumatra and Cameroon tobaccos, products of hybridization and adaptation, contribute to the complexity and diversity of cigar blends worldwide.
Let's take a geographical journey through some of the world's key cigar tobacco cultivation regions:
Birthplace of cigars, Cuba's tradition endures. Western havens yield complex, supple leaves for exclusive cultivation, crafting a timeless legacy.
Post-revolution migration led to the Yaqui Valley's exceptional tobacco, embraced by cool mountain air and clay-rich soil. Southern regions contribute premium wrappers.
Overcoming upheaval, Nicaragua thrives, delivering sweet, spicy, full-bodied cigars that captivate aficionados.
Parallel to Nicaragua, Honduras boasts similar conditions, nurturing a new generation of cigar makers post-Contra conflict.
San Andrés black tobacco flourishes in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, yielding wrappers renowned for their flavor and aroma.
Lush mountains host prized wrapper leaves like Connecticut and Sumatra, benefitting from volcanic ash-enriched soil.
While history lingers, premium cigars are mainly overseas. Yet, Miami, Tampa, and Connecticut River Valley keep traditions alive.
Despite challenges, Indonesia excels, with East Java producing unique, exceptional long-fillers prized for their flavor.
Africa's offerings blend mild, flavorful wrappers, often imbued with buttery, peppery, and leathery notes.
Volcanic terrain and clouds give Peru robust, long-filler tobacco, enriching the world of cigars.
Criollo, once a Cuban filler, has journeyed beyond its origins. The Nicaraguan Criollo delights with sweetness in Jalapa, while Estelí's Criollo offers earthy nuttiness. Meanwhile, the Honduran Criollo boasts creaminess, ascending as a prized wrapper.
Habano's dark, spicy allure intensifies with Habano 2000, born from Corojo-Cuban fusion. Disease resilience adds to its charm, reflecting meticulous genetic craftsmanship.
Piloto, a cornerstone of cigars, traces its lineage to Pinar del Rio in Cuba. Its robust spice-laden profile persevered in the Dominican Republic, a testament to the resilience of tobacco seeds.
Olor, another Dominican treasure, enchants with intricate burning and sought-after complexity, despite its delicate leaves.
Broadleaf evolves from filler to bold wrapper, especially in Connecticut. Its flavor supremacy, though challenging to handle, has earned its place, even in coveted Maduro cigars.
Connecticut Shade Tobacco, a tall, elegant cousin to Broadleaf, thrives under shade's gentle embrace. Blending Asian Sumatra and Cuban heritage, it delivers a mild yet refined flavor.
Cameroon tobacco emerges from Sumatra seed, gracing mild blends with buttery, peppery, and leathery undertones.
Sumatra Tobacco, once Indonesian, finds new life as Ecuador Sumatra's captivating wrapper. Its rich color, oil, and spice elevate the final masterpiece.
As cigar enthusiasts relish the intricacies of various tobacco kinds, the farming methods and local differences that shape each cigar's story become a vital part of the smoking adventure.
For both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to the world of cigars, the act of lighting a cigar is more than just a practical step – it's a ritual that sets the stage for the entire smoking experience. The right choice of lighter can enhance the flavors and aromas of the tobacco, while the wrong one can mar the experience with undesirable tastes and odors.
Ultimately, the choice of lighting methods, such as cedar spills, soft flame lighter, matches or butane torch lighters, depends on one’s own choice and what experience the cigar smokers expect from their most favourite stogie.
Well, it is more than just the simple and physical act of lighting it; it is a ceremony of sorts that pays tribute to the cigar as a complete entity comprising the wrapper, binder, and filler. To savor your stogie in all its glory, sticking to these guidelines can go a long way in giving you the perfect smoking experience.
To summarise, whether it's the precise control of a butane torch lighter, the traditional charm of a cedar spill, or the convenience of a gas lighter, the choice of lighter becomes an integral part of the cigar aficionado's cigar lighting ritual and determines the quality of every single puff of a well-crafted cigar.
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