The combination cigar - drink doesnot have to be with spirits or withsomething alcoholic. For this rea-son we suggest alternative taste thatgoes well and match to our belovedcigars.The cocktail in question is com-posed of ingredients that refreshand cleanse the palate, so it canmake us appreciate each puff in thebest way. This is the famous “RoyRogers” but with a twist that makesit perfect to be joined to a smoke.ingredients • Ginger Ale 4oz • Lime juice 2oz • Lemon grass • Ginger (non più grosso di un pollice) • Orange peel preparation Cut the lemon grass and gingerinto thin slices and put everythingin a glass tumbler. Peel the orangeand add the peel, together withthe lime juice. Now finish theconstruction of the cocktail withplenty of ice and ginger ale, ofcourse until the brim of the glass.If you really cannot do withoutalcohol in your cocktails, alcoholicversion can be made quickly: youcan add 4 cl Tanqueray RangpurGin and you already have what youare looking for! CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 50
InterviewPartagas: the bookinterview with the author: amir saaronyBy Luca Cominelli Amir Saarony events described about one of the the first war of independence most beloved Cuban brand. Let’s of 1895-8 was greatly achieved“Partagas el Libro” is written by talk about the book with Amir. through donations of torcedores.Amir Saarony, a big aficionado and It is not just the history of cigars,collector of Cuban memorabilia • Why did you choose it is the history of a nation and itswho decided to realize a publi- Partagás brand for the culture.cation definitely interesting. The book? Cuban brands areinformation written in this book many and there are even • You collaborated withare detailed and the images fasci- some which are more the “Museo del Tabaconating, many of them are even famous: Montecristo, de la Habana” (Habanaunpublished. The book is available Hoyo de Monterrey and tobacco museum) andin four languages (English, Spanish, Cohiba, just to mention a with its director: Zoefrench and german) and talks few. Nocedo Primo. This wasabout everything happened from really important to com-the Partagas factory foundation I see this book as the first of a plete the book in a detailedmade by Jaime Partagas since our series. Partagàs is not only a well way. Part of the book pro-days. It’s described Jaime murde- known brand but has an intriguing fit will go to the reborn ofrand there are also some anecdotes history populated by interesting this museum, which is notabout the historical “Calle de La characters. It is also a brand with subsidized by the CubanIndustria” manufactory. Many are a lot of incorrect information flo- authoritiesthe information reported and the ating around as gospel. I chose it because I thought there would be Zoe has been a dear friend for many many interested in the story and it years. To aid the museum was one would create interest in the series. of the goals of this project from Cigar makers in Cuba influenced the start. Ironically, the day before many aspected of Cuban history I launched the book at the Habanos and Culture. Not only was it a Festival in Havana, Zoe was noti- major contributor to the economic fied that the Partagàs factory was development of the nation, but the going to become the new home of education of the masses, banking, an expanded Museum of tobacco. shipping and railroads were greatly The museum has been sitting in affected by the cigar industry. The “temporary” facilities for almost efforts of José Marti, to finance 20 years. Without true exhibition51 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
space or the proper resources to There have been some wonderful • In the book is reportedfulfill its goals of research and pro- books written about the history the publication edited bymotion. Hopefully now, with a real of cigars. Most of them lack the Partagás to celebrate themuseum on the horizon and pro- history of the people, which to centenary of the founda-motion through myself and others, me is the most interesting aspect. tion (1845-1945). There arethe glorious history of tobacco in These were wealthy, powerful men pictures and the full text.Cuba can soon be on the “must who helped shape the history of This is really interesting.do” list for visitors to Havana. With Cuba, an island I love. I wanted to What brought you to writeZoe supporting the project a lot of personalize the history. To flesh out every single detail aboutdoors opened up for research. Not the stories of the people who gave this? Can you give us someonly the collection of the museum shape to the cigars we love so much. more information?(which had just received the archi- I think the wine world has done aves from the Partagàs factory) but wonderful job of using its history Thank you. As a collector of ephe-also the archives of Cuba, Habanos as a marketing tool. We idolize the mera relating to the history ofand the private collections around name of Partagàs without really Cuban cigars, this is one of thethe world. Zoe has always been knowing much of about the man pieces in my collection I truly love.supportive and enthusiastic about who bore the name. Aside from the It was published by the company’spromoting the history of Cuban fact that most of what we thought marketing department in cele-tobacco. This project could not be we knew turned out to be folklore bration of their centenary. Rightwhat it developed into without her. rather than fact. I tried to format before the end of World War 2. It the book to appeal to the casual is interesting to see how the com- • You told us you wrote smoker. It is not an academic work. pany saw it’s own history. Marketers this book for the aficiona- It is factual entertainment. It was can be some of the great revisio- dos. Which are the aspects designed with short chapters that nists of history. It certainly would you paid more attention one can read and then read the fol- do nothing to help sell cigars by in and why? What are the lowing chapter a while later without celebrating a company born on the differences from your book having to recall the details opt the production of counterfeit cigars. and the other publications previous. There is no exam at the Would it? It is a grand occasion that have been released in end (NOTE: he smiles). Hopefully when a brand reaches 100 years old. the past years? this will help ignite further interest It was celebrated by the company in in the History of Cuban cigars. many ways I wanted to expose the event to today’s smokers. • There are many pictures in the book, which give an exact idea of what is described on the pages, leaving few things to the imagination. How did you find all these amazing images?Zoe Nocedo Primo It was really a process of editing. Thanks to the generosity of many CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 52
interviewinstitutions and many collectors I like to believe modern cigars are as I cannot really comment on thehad enough photographs to make good if not better, maybe because small changes as I did not witnessit a 500 page book but that would that is what I have the most oppor- it. I do think we lost the benefitsbe a logistical nightmare. I wan- tunity to enjoy. of a competitive market (and theted to give examples of various loss of the U.S. market which wasobjects that might peak interest • The biggest cigar ever the largest for Cuban cigars). Theof the casual smoker. The overall produced by Partagás was drive for profitability urged highergoal is to increase interest in the the “Visibile Immenso”, a quality control and inventiveness.history behind the cigars we love. cigar with a 56 ring gauge As one who has lived in the mar-Of course we all like to look at inte- and a length of 533mm! keting world for years I believe theresting pictures. I tried to choose What can you tell us about marketing of Cuban cigars beforepictures that many would have not it? the revolution was inspired. Theseen previously. fact that you have so many com- Rumors have it that they were ori- petitors, some literally next door, • In the Partagàs’s history ginally produced for King Farouk made all the companies try harder. a fundamental role is of Egypt. The assumption is other Today I do not think there is the represented by the various clients of importance saw them distinct brand equity that existed families’s properties that and asked for them. As they were before. But this is all about public come through in the brand available beyond King Farouk’s conception. In the end, all what control. In your opinion abdication in 1952 they obviously really matters are the cigars. what was the heyday of found another limited market. trademark “Calle de La Aside from their size, they were a • A classic aficionado que- Industria” in terms of terribly expensive cigar to produce. stion: which is the box you quality and why? They were packaged in a large glass dream of ? The one you tube and then an individual coffin. would always have to makeQuality of historical cigars is a dif- The last person I heard of smoking an amazing and unforget-ficult subject to broach. We did one recently took over 8 hours to table smoke?not have the opportunity to try the complete it.cigars produced years ago as new Now that is a difficult question tocigars. Occasionally we are lucky • The Cuban revolution answer, and tomorrow I may comeenough to try a cigar from the 50s changed in a big way the up with a completely differentor so, but we are not smoking them cigar production in Cuba. answer. The answer at the momentas they were meant to be smoked. What happened influenced is a 50 count box of TrinidadWhen they were on the market. We many aspect of the cigar Fundadores from Oct 1997. Thealso cannot compare them to cur- industry. What is your opi- original release. I still think this isrent or newer cigars because, as we nion about this and what is one of the outstanding cigars ofsay in English, that is comparing the idea you now have after all time, especially when well aged.apples to oranges. I do not know your researches? I enjoy the complexity of theseif the cigars were better. Tobacco cigars and the fact that they can behas changed over the decades while Well the biggest change was that enjoyable as a morning to late nightthe art of rolling a cigar by hand the companies were no longer smoke and anything in between. Ifhas continued. I know they made competing with each other for I had to choose a Partagàs, I wouldand sold more cigars in the past market share but were now all select a Sobrasaliente or a series duthen today, I think that is due to the owned by one governement cor- connoisseur #2. I am really goingchanging market demand. I would poration. Aside from the obvious, to miss those cigars when I run out.53 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
vintage CUBADavidoffChâteau Haut-BrionCountry: CubaFormat: PerlasSize: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4”)EUR: 50 € (estimated) | USD: - $ Year: 80’s55 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
The Chateau Haut-Brion was pro- opted to buy cigars with larger bands. Then starting from 1980duced until 1991. It was the smallest dimensions, with a better price/ they were dressed with the classiccigar of the „Chateau“ line and is quality report. Because of this the Davidoff band: white backgroundthe hardest to find at the moment. Haut-Brion were produced in infe- with golden lettering.This is because of the price this rior numbers to the other formats Aesthetically the wrapper ha a clarocigars had during their selling (especially the cabinets of 50). shade. The veins are minimal andtoperiod: considering the high price This cigars, until the end of the the touch the filling is homoge-for this Perlas, a lot of the smoker 70s, where commercialized without neous, without excesses or flaws. - pre lighting - strength rises further, giving rise to There are notes of fine wood per- a rewarding finale. ceptible in the cold draw. - first third - The beginning is acidulous and brings woody notes to the palate. Going on, it develops rich spices (white pepper) and spicy peaks. From the get go the smoke is intense. Progressing, spices, aged wood and balsamic notes alternate. The strength is medium high (4/5). - second third - - conclusions - It is a tribute of spices, which pass The Chateau Haut-Brion deve- strongly to the foreground. In the lops a rich and masculine smoke. background the wood remain per- The strength is emphasized for the ceptible. The smoke is rich and the whole smoking duration and it is strength stays on the medium high owned by the spices. The aromas level. are well outlined and the post- puff and smoke persistency is very long. - third third - It develops herbal and balmy aro- mas, which refresh the palate. The spices decrease slowly but the pairings 91 Alcoholic: aged rum Analcoholic: colombian coffee CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 56
slow attitudeTatuaje Monsterthe halloween successBy Michel ArliaAt Halloween starts the Tatuaje year by year. The first Monster was a cigar in itself. This line is cycli-Monster period, a Line which is the Frank, released in 2008 in a pro- cal: for two years in a row there willgrowing every year. We talked duction of 666 dress boxes (a little be “Old Monsters” released ( theabout it directly with the founder: under 9000 cigars), while the latest classic ones) and then there will bePete Johnson. release, the JV 13, was produced one “New Monster” (modern). For for 666 dress boxes and 4500 plain this year and 2015 the scheduledThis particular idea of his was born boxes (for a total of 53000 cigars). respectively the Jekyll and Hyde.through a friend form Boston, who Pete told us that every cigar of this To not spoil the anticipation ofignited Petes fantasy. line is born with a different blend, those who now this characters, TheIn 2008 this new line gets launched, its wasn’t created to give place to Jekyll has a more refined look and awhich is getting more success and a characteristic smoke which a line controlled strength. The Hyde, onrising numbers of boxes produced has in common: every Monster is the other hand, will be dressed in57 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
a rustic capa and gives place to a increase the production by much: of this line is due to the fact thatdecisively stronger smoke! to try and always guaranty the qua- the Monsters give place to notablePete has confirmed the continued lity of this product. To the question smoking period. Its always difficultrise in numbers of this monsters, “Pete, what is the secret behind to go above and beyond, when youbut he would also like to underline the Monsters” he answered with have an excellent smoke in front ofthe fact that he doesn’t want to a smile: “i think that the success you”. Jekyll No.7 - Nicaragua Size: cepo 49 x 178 mm (7 ”) Wrapper: Ecuador - Binder & Filler: Nicaragua EUR: 11 € | USD: 14 $ Scatola: 13 e 10 pz Anno: 2014 The wrapper is smooth to the touch and the cigars is perfectly filled. The marble head finish adds a touch of elegance to the cigar. The cold draw brings notes of wood, leather and pepper to the palate. The first third starts with woody notes, leather and nuts. There is also a white pepper flavor in the aftertaste. The strength is medium (3/5). From the second third on the smoke gets creamier and sweeter. The pep- per notes move to the front and join the wood, nuts, leather and earth. The last third continues with the woody, earthy and leathery notes. There are also notes of coffee and nuts in there, which make it a very enjoyable smoke.The pepper note is still very present in the aftertaste. The strength doesn’t change in this final third (3/5). On paper the Jekyll makes the impression of being a very strong cigar, but surprisingly the strength stays on a medium level throughout. Which makes for a very well balanced, creamy and smooth cigar, with a great flavor profile and evolution. The construction is impeccable. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 58
famous smokersJohn F. Kennedysotto il segno di h. upmannBy Mirko FabianJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy was on November 22, 1963 in Dallas Marine Corps Medal”, (to whichborn in Brookline, Massachusetts, committed by Lee Harvey Oswald were added subsequently with threeon 1917. He was an exponent of ( arrested few hours later in a movie more medal of valor) : for acts ofthe Democratic Party. He won the theater not far from the place of courage and heroism shown duringelection in the year 1960, against the attack and died two days later a dangerous attack by a Japanesethe candidate of the Reppublicans, without undergoing the process). plane.Richard Nixon, assuming the office Oswald, as known, was consideredof the President of the United by many analyst as the only oneStates on January 20, 1961. The involved in the murder that belie-campaign was seen for the first time ved to be the result of a conspiracyon live television, showing the duel at the highest political level.between the two candidates. Trained at Harvard in 1941, JohnThe beginning of the series of was inlisted as a volunteer even iffierce battle fought by Kennedy he was already suffering from oste-during his presidency took place in oporosis. He managed howeverfront of the camera. to enter later in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank ofBy winning the election, he repla- Lieutenant and participated in someced Eisenhower and he remained in missions and even getting Majorthe office until his famous murder, American Awards. The “Navy and59 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
Kennedy became the spoke- According to the testimony ofsman of some of the most Salinger in an interview in 1992,common problems of Americans JFK signed the decree which rati-at that time; including poverty and fied the Cuban embargo only afterunemployment, as well as racial having his personal supply ofdiscrimination: JFK was a strong Cigars.supporter of equality among indi-viduals, relying on the wife of The “Petit Upmann”, currently ofimprisoned Martin Luther King Jr. production, however, still can beand obtaining the approval and the found. The format correspondssupport of the Black Population. to the current “Coronas Junior”, (from the house of H. Upmann),The career of JFK is kind of rela- but of course, the liga has deeplyted to a private passion for the changed in the last decades.world of Cigar. The 35th AmericanPresident has been invloved in a Salinger believes that a box offun and unusual story by the so- cigars belonged to the Presidentcalled Cold War: it seems that is now in the hands of the ownersKennedy has asked his assistant, of the “Pawn Stars” in Las Vegas,Pierre Salinger to procure the gre- a famous show in America, whoatest possible number of Cuban bought it for “only” $60,000.Cigars before declaring the CubanEmbargo, at the time aligned with The character of JFK has markedSoviet blocking. the history of the United States: its decisions and its politicals gestures, as well as its tragical end, are still in the minds of the Americans. Many people think that, it was also the responsible of the nar- row escape from the nuclear conflict (the reference is the so- called “Crisis of the Caribbean”, which took 13 days) but for Cuban Aficionados, he is remembered for his passion for the H. Upmann. Only few people know the place where the remaining cigars of the President of America are storaged. Maybe sooner or later some boxes (whatever the historical value) will finish in the hands of someone who can really appreciate it. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 60
eventsANS: Apotheken-Notdienst-Smokesmoking signs in WörrstadtBy Michel ArliaFor a weekend in mid august there Pharmacy-Emergency-Service- still held nowadays and it becameis a gathering of cigar aficionados Smoke. the legendary ANS. Everybodyfrom all over the world, in a town brings something to drink, eat andcalled Wörrstadt. Andreas, the pharmacist, started lot of cigars to smoke. This pro- it more than 10 years ago. He has ceeds until the wee hours of theThis small town is located in the Night Duty every 13 days and, night.Germany, and has a long tradition given that those evenings tendedin wine growing, which gives this to get quite boring and calm, so This meeting is not a club activityplace a provincial French feeling. he decided to smoke a cigar in his or anything, its a pure meeting of office with a couple of friends, friends from all-over the world,This gathering star- Nino and Bernhard. Word got who want to share, talk and have ated on a Friday night at the around and the meeting grew and good time. Its like a family reunion,infamous ANS: Apotheken- grew to the point that they had to with 50 to 60 people which stay forNotdienst-Smoke, meaning switch to the laboratory, where it is the weekend. Every time there are61 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
new aficionados to get to know.On the Saturday evening was theCigarCultClub-Summerfest. Thisyear’s theme was “big, bigger,Texas” : starting from the BBQ tothe dress-code and passing a parti-cular cigar, an Alec Bradley TexasLancero (a cigar of really generousdimensions!).After some delicious food the nightgot capped off at the local IrishPub, where smoking is welcomed.The weekend came to a particularend: a hearty brunch and the lastcigars of the three day event.If you ever have find yourselfaround those parts of Germany,drop by and light a cigar at thismeeting, where every aficionado iswelcomed. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 62
infoVocabularymeaning of the terminologies usedAnilla: papier band on the cigar, which is used to identify the brand.Calibre (cepo or ring gauge): diameter of the cigar.Capa (wrapper): the leaves used to wrap the Tripa and the Capote.Capote (binder): the leaves used to wrap the Tripa.Catadores: from the factory assigned employees, which try the cigars on a daily bases, to verify the quality.Cepo: ring gauge.Claro: tonality of the light brown color of the wrapper.Colorado: tonality of the chestnut brown color of the wrapper.Colorado clark: tonality of the interim brown color of the wrapper.Colorado maduro: tonality of the dark brown color of the wrapper.Figurado: a cigar which presents a pointed end.Fortaleza: the sensation of the strength, which the smoke provokes in the throat of the smoker with every puff.Galera: a place where the cigars are prepared.I.S.: International Shape.Largo: length of the cigar.Liga: the mixture of the leaves used, which characterizes the cigar.Ligero: leaves that are harvested in the higher part of the tobacco plants and that give the strength to the cigar.Maduro: tonality of the mahogany-dark brown color of the wrapper.Medio tempo: leaves that are harvested in the top part of the tobacco plants.Puro: a cigar, which is exclusively prepared with leaves from the resulting country.Seco: leaves that are harvested in the interim part of the tobacco plants and give aroma to the cigar.SLD: short for Slide Lid Box.Tercio: ball of untreated tobacco.Thirds (first, second and third): parts in which the cigar gets divided.Torcedore: employee who rolls the cigars.Tripa (filler): leaves which compose the filling of the cigar.Tripa corta: a filling which is composed of the cuts, pieces and damaged leaves.Tripa larga: a filling with whole leaves.Vitola: module or format of the cigar with an established diameter and length.Vitola de galera: unique name which is attributed to distinguish the different formats, independent of the name hich is will be given to the cigar. (Marevas, Prominentes, etc…)Vitola de salida: name attributed to the commercial end. And changes from each marca. (Siglo VI, Serie D no. 4, etc...)Volado: leaves which are harvested at the bottom of the tobacco plants Fundamental for the combustion of the cigar63 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
Sectionswhat you can find on CigarsLover MagazineDRINKS RUMORS The best drinks in combination with cigars. When Market trends, the latest arrivals and all that is athe pairing is a source of absolute pleasure. bit ‘”gossip” in the cigar world. DUELS SLOW ATTITUDE There will be horizontal reviews, which means Technical ar ticles for a better understan-reviews of differnt cigars that shares the same vitola. ding of the product cigar secrets and insights of use for both beginners and aficionados.EVENTS Italian or international events of particular impor- SMOKES FROM THE WORLD tance. Of course, the photographic record will be To understand completely cigars, it’s importantcarefully made. to experience all the terroir of reference: Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican R. and more. TheFAMOUS SMOKERS smoke “around the world” are increasingly com-Biographies and curiosity of celebrities, Italian and mon and source of more and more satisfaction.foreign, living or dead, with an unbridled passion incommon: the art of slow smoking and in parti- THOUGHTS cular for cigars. Deepen the topics covered in all the other catego- ries is a symptom of completeness. Here we try toINTERVIEW go further, seek solutions and propose interpreta-Stories of passions narrated directly by the pro- tions of everything that happens in the cigars world.tagonists: interviews with insiders, tobacconists,importers, collectors, and so on and so forth. TOBACCO HISTORY Stories from the tobacco world: the big brands, theMADE IN ITALY crops, the manufacturers of the past, and the cityReviews, discussions and insights regarding the grew on the tobacco business. Because to under-cigars made in Italy. The tradition of Tuscani, stand the cigar you have to understand its origins.the novelty of Nostrano del Brenta and more! TOOLS PAIRINGS Accessories are an essential element for the modern smo-Alcoholic and Analcoholic reviews, with the target to ker: tools for cutting, humidors, lighters, cigar holders,make the best pairing possible with our be loved cigars. furnishing accessories. Every detail has its importance.PREMIUM STICKS VINTAGE Reviews of Caribbean cigars of great importance The world of collecting: cigars aged for decades, theand prestige: “Reserva” and “Gran Reserva” edi- great classics of the past and rarest cubans. The charmtions and other limited and rare releases, fine and the extreme quality of the impossible.cigars and hard to find even in the packaging. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7 64
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