84 83 81OBAN 14 yo (43%) - € CARDHU 12 yo (40%) - € THE CHITA (43%) - €It reveals suave notes of wood It outlines notes of vanilla, goo- The first perceivable is theand spices, black pepper in parti- seberry and malt, followed by alcoholic component, whichcular. Later on, aromas of apple, honey and spicy hints of white tends to overwhelm the aroma-apricot and a hint of cocoa get pepper. Almost imperceptible in tic palette. Slowly, yellow peach,delivered as well. Also percepti- the background, a hint of licorice white grape and floral hints getble is an interesting yeasty note. results slightly perceivable. developed. Raisins notes.The spices are the first percep- Sweet at first. There are suave It delivers yellow and tropicaltible, in particular black pepper. notes of vanilla and caramel, fruit (in particular mango andAlmost immediately, notes of accompanied by an oaky aroma pineapple). It is then the time ofvanilla and red fruits, apple and and a refined spicy vein. Later raisins, A light spicy vein of whitestrawberry, take over. Malt and on, honey, nuts and malt come pepper is the last to reach theoak complete the bouquet of this to the palate as well, completing palate. A very mild and suaveScotch whisky. the aromatic palette. Japanese whisky.Medium persistency. On the dry Short persistency. Simple and Short persistence. Light spicyside. Red fruit and nuts, espe- sweet. It results honeyed and notes, wood and vanilla. Verycially hazelnut. slightly spicy. simple and not so structured.A well outlined and straight Elegant and refined. A simple and A very mild product, simple andforward aromatic palette. A enjoyable product. Suggested for fresh. This single grain whiskygood entry-level product, suitable newbies and for who wants to is not a meditation one, but itespecially for newbies. enter the whisky world. deserves a taste. CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 50
SMOKES FROM THE WORLDThe Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881. HEAD OFFICE ALOHA HOTEL MANUFACTURING U.S.A. DISTRIBUTION 6/F Alphaland Southgate Tower Unit F, Corta Bitarta Tabacalera Incorporada Daughters & Ryan Inc.2258 Chino Roces Ave. cor EDSA Technology Cor. Complex Avenue 207 Johnston Parkway Street People’s Technology Complex SEZ Makati City 1232 Malate, Manila Carmona, Cavite 4116 Kenly, NC 27542 Philippines TEL (632) 525-3266 TEL (919) 284-2058 TEL (632)584-4316 FAX (919) 284-2305 TEL (632)310-5047 TELEFAX(632)310-5047 www.tabacalera.com.ph [email protected] CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881. CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 52
BLIND TASTINGGordos This format puts together two opposite variables: the use of a generous amount of tobacco and a fair price point. This means the Gordos are usually cheap, but capable to keep company for a quite long time. All this made this size more and more popular, reaching even Cuba, where cigars are getting bigger year after year. At the top of the blind tasting there is a CAO, belonging to the Pilon line. It deve- lops a rich and fulfilling smoke. A very good giant, capable to deliver a intense smoke from the first to the last puff.53 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
CAO Pilon Toro - NicaraguaSize: cepo 58 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Ecuador Habano 2000 | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. The aromatic intensity is remarkable from the beginning and resultsin an satisfying and rich smoke. It features a very prolonged persistency. Balanced.The beginning is an exultation of chili and black pepper. Continuing 91/100it reveals vegetal and woody notes, followed by coffee and hints ofcinnamon. The spices are omnipresent.Alec Bradley Prensado Double toro - HondurasSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Honduras & NicaraguaStrength is medium plus. Quiet in the beginning, but gradually becomes tastier and moreintense. The evolution and the aromatic palette make this giant enjoyable and satisfying.It starts out with toasted notes of coffee, cocoa and spices. 90/100Followed by nutty and earthy notes in the middle part, while thefinale is crowned with rich peppery notes.Macanudo Inspirado Black Gigante - Dominican R.Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 10 € | USD: 6,5 $Wrapper: Connecticut Habano | Binder: Dom. R. | Filler: Dom. R., Honduras & NicaraguaStrength slightly over the medium. Great balance and the incredibly long persistenceare the two characteristics that make this Gordo very satisfying. Full bodied and intense.Earth and cocoa are the two main aromas, that are present for 90/100the whole arc of the smoke, paired with chili and spicy notes in thebeginning, later followed by nuts and wood resin.Nicarao Exclusivo Robusto - NicaraguaSize: cepo 58 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 16.5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is medium plus. The intensity is remarkable. The aromatic palette is structuredand harmonious. The evolution, instead, is the achilles heel of this Gordo.Earth, cocoa and vegetal hints kick off this smoke. Spices and bal- 90/100samic herbs are added in the middle section, the later intensifiesbit by bit, until dominating the finale.CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 54
BLIND TASTINGBlack Lotus Gordo - HondurasSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 20 $Wrapper: Honduras Habano | Binder: Honduras Sumatra | Filler: Nicaragua & HondurasStrength is medium. Greatly balanced, it releases an harmonious and elegant smoke.The aromatic palette is well structured and defined. Evolution results perceptible.Nutty notes (walnut and hazelnut) start off this smoke, followed by 88/100white pepper and vegetable hints. Afterwards it turns to roastedcoffee and earth. The finale is peppery and spicy.Camacho Powerband - HondurasSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 13 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: S. Andres (Mexico) | Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras & Dom. R.Strength is medium light. Balanced, creamy and elegant. Despite its dimensions, it resultsdocile and easy to smoke. Great harmony. The persistency is instead rather contained.Wood, earth and roasted coffee notes are emitted in the first part. 88/100Cappuccino and hazelnut follow. The smoke becomes sweet in themiddle section. The finale brings spices and citrus to the palate.Patoro Serie P Balthasar - Dominican R.Size: cepo 55 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Strength is light to medium. The cigar is equipped with a marked aromatic intensity.Balanced and harmonious, but with a little evolution. Very creamy.Reveals notes of pepper, earth and wood, followed by hints of cinna- 88/100mon and honey. Continuing, the smoke becomes more herbal andvegetal. There are also nutty notes (hazelnut) present.Casa Torres Gran Robusto - NicaraguaSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 6,5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. Despite the big size, the smoke is very easy enjoyable and easy. Intenseand with an excellent balance.Piquant notes and coffee are followed by vanilla notes, getting 88/100richer puff after puff. Then it is the time of walnut and white pepper.The finale delivers balsamic herbs.55 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
Señorial Maduro Opulento - Dominican R.Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 17 € | USD: 10 $Wrapper: San Andres | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Mediumt to full strength. Intense and rich, it develops a balanced smoke, equipped witha decent evolution. Good also the complexity.It delivers roasted notes of coffee and cappuccino, together with 88/100cedar wood, spices (white pepper) and walnut. There are alsosome vegetal and cinnamon hints perceivable. The finale is earhty.Pitbull Mahestro - NicaraguaSize: cepo 58 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 15 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is medium plus. It delivers a great aromatic intensity. Balanced and featuring agood harmony, it lacks in evolution.Notes of earth and black pepper reach the palate. There are also 87/100vegetal hints present. The middle part adds rich spicy aromas, thatcomplete the aromatic palette.Fratello Timeacle - NicaraguaSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano | Binder: Ecuador Sumatra | Filler: Nicaragua & PeruLight strength. It exhbits a balanced, harmonious and particularly creamy smoke. Thearomatic intensity is not very pronounced.The aromatic palette is made of cedar and earth, that alternate 85/100throughout the whole smoke. There are also hints of honey andhazelnut perceptible.H. Upmann Magnum 56 - CubaSize: cepo 56 x 150 mm (5,9”) - EUR: 18,5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaLight to medium strength. Very balanced. Despite the big size, it lacks intensity and evo-lution; the latter, considering the smoking time, it penalizes it a lot.It exhibits roasted notes of coffee and spices, accompanied by tree 85/100nuts. In the second half of the smoke, vegetal and woody aromascome to the palate as well.CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 56
BLIND TASTINGLa Barba Magnum - Dominican R.Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12,5 € | USD: 10,5 $Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Light strength. Very suave and refined, presents a somewhat contained aromatic inten-sity. The evolution is very limited. Creamy.The suave notes of earth in the first puffs are quickly followed by 84/100nutty armoas (hazelnut in particular). Also perceptible are lighthints of cappuccino.La Flor de Las Antillas Toros Grande - NicaraguaSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9 € | USD: 8,5 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is medium. Intense smoke, but that lacking in balance at times, mostly in thefirst part of the cigar, where the spices tend to cover the aromatic bouquet.The opening reveals earth and white pepper, followed by hot spices 84/100that quickly become very intense. In the second part of the smoke,wood and a bitter note reach the palate.CLE Connecticut Sixty - HondurasSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8,5 € | USD: 7 $Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasMedium to full strength. It exhibits a very long persistency. However, it laks in complexityand harmony. The aromatic intensity is good.The opening is very spicy (especially black pepper) and rich piquant 83/100notes come to the palate as well. Then leather and hints of woodcomplete the aromatic bouquet.Asylum 13 Sixty - HondurasSize: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: 6,5 $Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is medium plus. It releases a smoke with a very long persistency. Complexityand harmony are contained. The aromatic intensity is good.It starts out particularly spicy (black pepper) and intense notes 82/100of chili reach the palate. Then it develops aromas of leather, withhints of wood.57 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
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BLIND TASTINGPetit Coronas Nowadays the Petit Coronas is a format not so popular as it was some years ago. This is mainly due to the Short Robustos, more and more reque- sted, both for their shorter smoking time and fatter ring gauge. However, the Petit Coronas are still a large produced cigar format, that can’t be ignored. At the top of the cigar tested there is a Cuban, often underestimated, which is capable to deliver a very satisfying smoke, and that can’t be blamed for lacking in consistency.59 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
Sancho Panza Non Plus - CubaSize: cepo 42 x 129 mm (5,”) - EUR: 6,5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium to full strength. Despite a limited complexity, balance and harmony are impec-cable. The aromatic intensity is remarkble and the persistency is very prolonged.Rich aromas of black pepper, cedar wood and earth alternate 90/100throughout the smoking period, first followed by hints of cinnamonand then by roasted notes of coffee.La Ley Mareva - NicaraguaSize: cepo 46 x 102 mm (4”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua & HondurasStrength is medium to full. Balanced and with a very prolonged persistency. The aromaticpalette is complex and the aromas are well defined and structured.Pepper and mineral notes start out this smoke. Aromas of bark 89/100and walnuts follow. In the second half the mineral notes stay pre-sent, followed by intense notes of balsamic herbs.Partagás Mille Fleur - CubaSize: cepo 42 x 129 mm (5,1”) - EUR: 5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium in strength, the smoke is not particularly evolutive but it provides a good aroma-tic intensity. Easy to enjoy, it is smooth and creamy.At the beginning it develops sweet floral notes and cedar. The 89/100sweet hints perceivable in the first third come less in the middlepart, while aromas of wood and nuts take over.Davidoff 702 Serie Signature 2000 - Dominican R.Size: cepo 43 x 129 mm (5,1”) - EUR: 14,5 € | USD: 16 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Strength is slightly over the medium. Greatly balanced, it exhibits an harmonious smokewith a good complexity. Very creamy and with an almost chewable smoke.The aromatic palette opens up with notes of leather, earth, walnut 88/100and hints of cinnamon. Continuing, roasted coffee is added and thewalnut become richer. Balsamic herbs are perceivable in the finale.CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 60
BLIND TASTINGLa Libertad Demi Corona - HondurasSize: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4”) - EUR: 3,5 € | USD: 3,5 $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras & NicaraguaStrength is slightly over the medium. It delivers a satisfying smoke. Balanced and equip-ped with a noteworthy aromatic intensity, this little cigar has a long persistency.Initially it develops mineral notes and leather, followed by wood and 88/100black pepper. In the second half the wood becomes more intenseand hints of cocoa are perceivable as well.La Flor Dominicana Petite La Nox - Dominican R.Size: cepo 40 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 8,5 € | USD: 7 $Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: San Andrès (Mexico) | Filler: Dominican R.Strength is medium to full. Despite its small dimensions, the duration surpasses theexpectations. Balanced and intense, it reveals a structured and intense aromatic palette.Earth, black pepper and hints of wood start out this cigar. Then is 88/100the turn of undergrowth and white pepper aromas. In the final partnotes of balsamic herbs reach the palate as well.Arturo Fuente Opus X Perfexion no.5 - Dominican R.Size: cepo 40 x 124 mm (4,9”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 16 $Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Strength is medium to full. After a quite start, the aromatic intensity increases more andmore. Despite its small size, it is even perceivable a discrete evolution. Well balanced.Vegetal and woody notes alternate in the first half. Afterwards, rich 87/100aromas of wood, leather and chili pepper take over. The finale isvery peppery.Romeo y Julieta Cedros No.3 - CubaSize: cepo 42 x 129 mm (5,1”) - EUR: 7,5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. Simple and harmonious, it delivers a smoke with a discrete aromaticintensity. The evolution is not the stronger point of this cigar. Persistency is appreciable.It starts with peppery notes, followed by earth, cedar wood and 87/100hint of leather. The aromas stay the same throughout the smokingperiod. Only the earth becomes more rich in the finale.61 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
La Aurora 107 15 Minute Break - Dominican R.Size: cepo 42 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 4 € | USD: 3 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican R.Medium to full strenght. It delivers a satisfying smoke. Despite the very small size, itdevelops a good aromatic palette.At first hay and cocoa notes come to the palate, followed then by 86/100undergrowth and earth aromas. The finale releases rich notes ofbalsamic herbs.Villa Zamorano Corona - HondurasSize: cepo 42 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 2,5 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasMedium Strength. It features a discrete harmony, revealing a simple and straightforwardsmoke. The persistency is good, but the evolution is limited.It releases roasted notes of coffee and nuts, followed by rustic 86/100wood. Earth and undergrowth are perceptible as well, getting moreintense in the second half of the smoke.Vegafina Perlas - Dominican R.Size: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4”) - EUR: 3 € | USD: 5 $Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Dom. R., Colombia & HondurasMedium strength. Despite the size not leaving room for a pronounced evolution, the aro-matic palette results fairly broad. Contained persistency, but good harmony.After the first vegetal puffs, the aromatic imprint turns to cedar 84/100wood and spices, mainly white pepper. Hints of earth results per-ceptible in the second half.La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor EE Minuto - NicaraguaSize: cepo 42 x 114 mm (4,5”) - EUR: 7 € | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. The complexity is contained. The balance come less due to a very spicyaroma that tends to cover the aromatic palette, overwhelming it.It delivers intense spicy notes of black pepper, that make their way 83/100on a salty base. Faint roasted aromas of coffee are perceptible aswell together with almonds and wood.CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 62
BLIND TASTINGLonsdalesAmong the most classic formats, the Lonsdales capable to give a big contribution to the final aro-have a timeless charm, due to the small ring matic palette. In the first three positions, theregauge and their length. This aspect is very impor- are a Cuban, a Nicaraguan and a Dominicantant, because every leaf used in the blend is cigars. The winner is the Nicaraguan.63 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
Mombacho Fino - NicaraguaSize: cepo 44 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9,5 € | USD: 8 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is medium plus. It exhibits an excellent evolution and a great harmony. The aro-matic intensity and the persistency are the two main characteristics of this puro.Tree nuts (walnut) and cocoa get developed since the first puff, and 92/100stay present for the whole smoke, accompanied by mineral notes,spices (black pepper) and wood.Freyja Sessumir - Dominican R.Size: cepo 42 x 146 mm (5,75”) - EUR: 11 € | USD: 7 $Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: San Andres Mexico | Filler: Dominican R. & NicaraguaStrength is medium plus. Balance and harmony are remarkable, but what surprises themost is the exceptional aromatic intensity, from the first to the last puff. Very satisfying.Initially it reveals notes of leather and nuts (walnut), followed by 91/100hints of licorice and black pepper. In the second half it turnst toearth and spices, including black pepper and chili.Arturo Fuente G. R. Spanish Lonsdale - Dominican R.Size: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium plus srength. Intense and with a good complexity, it delivers a smoke that is refi-ned in the first part, and gets masculine and satisfying in the second one. Very creamy.Roasted notes of coffee, spices (white pepper) and ripe fruit come 90/100to the palate since the first puffs. Later on, leather and cedar woodcomplete the aromatic palette.Montecristo no.1 - CubaSize: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaStrength is medium. It features a masterful balance, that reveals a very creamy andrefined smoke. The evolution is not particularly pronounced. Harmonious.Notes of wood, white pepper and undergrowth alternate throu- 90/100ghout the whole smoke. Hot spices peek through in the middlesection, while the earth and undergrowth reign over the finale.CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 64
BLIND TASTINGCaldwell The Kind Is Dead Diamond Girl - Dominican R.Size: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 10,5 € | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium strength. It delivers a very creamy smoke, imprinted on elegance and balance.Good complexity and harmony. The persistence is instead not among the most prolonged.The vegetal note perceptible in the opening are soon enriched by 88/100white pepper, wood and herbs. Slowly it develops hot spices as well.Earthy and peppery notes close out the smoke.Casa de Torres L. E. Gran Corona 2016 - NicaraguaSize: cepo 40 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 7 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua & HondurasStrength is medium plus. Although the evolution is little pronounced, the aromatic inten-sity is exceptional. Harmonious and very satisfying.Notes of pepper, cocoa and wood represent the principal aromas, 88/100which are followed by coffee and nuts (almond and walnut) duringthe smoke.Padron 1964 Superior - NicaraguaSize: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 15 € | USD: 15 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is slightly over medium. Balance and harmony reveal a smoke of good persi-stency, but with a not particularly ample aromatic palette and evolution.The beginning delivers rich notes of walnut and hazelnut. After the 88/100first puffs the smoke becomes sweet and earth and hazelnut reachthe palate, followed by spices (black pepper).Plasencia Reserva Organica Corona - NicaraguaSize: cepo 44 x 159 mm (6,25”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength is slightly over the medium. Balanced and harmonious. The evolution is not par-ticularly pronounced, but the flavors alternate well together during the fruition. Satisfyng.It delivers balsamic herbs, followed by earth and leather, together 88/100with hints of white pepper. Continuing, earthy notes and under-growth gradually take over.65 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Poderoso - Dominic. R.Size: cepo 44 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 7,5 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Strength is slightly over the medium. It delivers a good intensity and a long persistence.Easy to enjoy, its only weak point is the evolution. Creamy.It develops rich earthy notes, accompanied by roasted aromas of 87/100coffee and cappuccino. In the finale the earthy notes get richer,followed by peppery hints.Lempira Puros President Corona Grande - HondurasSize: cepo 42 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Matafina (Brazil) | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasStrength is medium plus. Aromatically intense, it has a strength that, in the second half,tends to cover the bouquet; the result is a questionable balance.Notes of leather and earth are followed by black pepper. In the 87/100second half, the cigar suffers an involution, turning into earth,which soon becomes the only perceivable aroma.Liga Unico Ratzilla - NicaraguaSize: cepo 46 x 159 mm (6,25”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 15 $Wrapper: Connecticut Habano | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Honduras & NicaraguaFull strength. Despite the great aromatic intensity, the strength tends to overwhelm thebouquet, at the expense of the balance. The persistence is excellent.Earth, cocoa and spices get delivered sisnce the first puffs. It’s 87/100then the time of tree nuts (hazelnut in particular) and the base getssweet. A mix of coffee, cocoa, walnut and hazelnut ends the smoke.Romoeo y Julieta Cazadores - CubaSize: cepo 43 x 162 mm (6,4”) - EUR: 10 € | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaStrength is medium plus. Despite the long dimensions, the evolution is not particularlydeveloped. Thge persistency, however, is remarkable. Rustic and satisfying.Vegetal notes, nuts (walnut), leather and spices (black pepper) are 87/100the flavors that are delivered throughout the course of the fruition.Wet earth takes over the finale.CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 66
LOUNGESRitz-Carlton Hotel LoungeBEIJING, CINAby Simone Poggi “I just ask God for a house full of books and year 2000 Beijing, still covered by the deadly smog a garden rich in flowers” clouds, are quite surprised to stand in front of a Confucio, China modern metropolis, with skyscrapers and avenues 551 a.c. – 479 a.c. crowded with an unlimited number of German sedans and SUVs, with no Chinese-branded car toChina, and Beijing among the most important of disturb the local dream of the pre-crisis Europeanits cities, tickles the traveler imagination in a con- Status Quo, the one nowadays only leaving in theflicting way. Distant literary echoes remember the goals of the exuberant managers of the country.luxuries of the Dragon Empire, the extraordinarycolors-rich architectures, the perfect calligraphies In perfect accordance with this atmosphere is theand the rickshaws tottering in front of the winking opulent Ritz-Carlton Hotel, very high and contem-Body Massages shops of the commercial streets. porary, shiny, guardian to the glorious DavidoffModern news are on the other side shouting out, Lounge. The lounge can be reached with no dif-without the poetry of the past, the return of the ficulties, pointing at it from outside, with its pinkcountry to World leadership, an economic colos- lights. The entrance features luxury accessoriessus frightening little and insecure Europe in the and huge pictures of iconic Zino Davidoff, as wellmiddle of its crisis. And the ones remembering as an incredibly long cigar (almost two meters),67 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
aligning with Chinese love for strangeness and ever tried, served in an unusual metal glass.records. Once reached the main area, theclassy and untarnished sensations of the walking The choice is for a Zino Davidoff Platinum Scepterentrance are lost; the lounge shows fabric sofas Grand Master, a Robusto with 5 ½ x 52 ringand carpets everywhere, quite a strange choice gauge dimensions, featuring an Ecuadorian capafor a room dedicated to slow smoke, which satu- with pronounced nervation, colorado claro inrates them very easily. The promised live music in shade. The capote is connecticut, while the tripa ison vacation, but the stage seems to be a better composed by an intriguing mix of Dominican andone for high school parties rather than for sophi- Peruvian tobaccos.sticated jazz. The bar is supplied with interestingbottles, but the two kind waitresses have sincerely Even here China keeps being out of the ordinary.no ideas of what they have and can offer, and only We are offered to light the cigar up a “blowtorch”,the menu can save us. which we are not wise enough to refuse, and we will regret this; the first centimeter of the cigarThe walk-in humidor is also a major puzzle: several suffers a very aggressive burning, even if the toolCuban brands boxes are left empty on the shel- is at least 10 cm from the foot, burning it down.ves, not talking at all about the Davidoff brand, That has never happened to us, and only a mojitoand the only present cigars are a very limited (and sip can help the mood. Exactly as China in XXI cen-extremely expensive for the European aficionado, tury: everything and today, to maximum power,approximately three time the prices we use to pay) without preserving, burning it down if needed.selection of Zino and Davidoff models. At least themojito which has been selected is one of the best The smoke is, despite the beginning, a good one; the medium body and the balance are never compromised, not even at the end of the fruition. Despite a non major evolution, the cigar gives off a pleasant aromatic palette, based on medium- sweet spices, never piquant, with a fresh wood background. Some puffs are more herbal in the first two tercios, then to become balsamic in the last one. A good companion, able to drive a relaxed conversation, which is not setting hearts on fire. Despite the courtesy and the hospitality of the people, and the romantic notes played at the bars on the lake in Houhai street, the nine million bicycles of Beijing by Katie Melua are actually just a memory in today’s China.POSITION REACHABILITY CIGARS SPIRITS SERVICE very very simple very limited choice when many types of normal central to find visited (only some zino liquors, cocktails and few davidoff)The Ritz-Carlton Hotel83A Jian Guo Road, China Central Place, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025 ChinaDavidoff Lounge Tel +86 10 590 880 70 opening 7 pm – 2 amhttp://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/beijing/dining/davidoff-lounge CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 68
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EVENTSFestival del Habano2017: THE XIX CUBAN FESTIVALby Michel ArliaThe XIX Festival del Habano was held from 178 mm. The release is limited to 5.000 numbe-February 27th to March 3rd. The program of the red boxes.event didn’t have any major changes compared tothe last years: the Welcome Dinner, that was held Wednesday night dinner, held in the El Laguitoat the Almacen del Tabaco y la Madera the last Reception Hall, was focused on the new re-bran-couple of times, this year was held at the famous ding of the Quai d’Orsay line. The portfolio will beClub Habana. Unfortunately, some parts of the made up of three sizes. The two new ones: the No.festival were canceled or delayed due to weather 50, 50 x 111 mmm, and the No. 54, 54 x 127conditions. The events and program up to the Gala mm. From the old lineup only the Corona ClaroDinner were familiar (trips to plantations, pairings, will continue in the new portfolio. The overhaulfactory tours, Habanosommelier contest, trade includes new package design and new bands: thefair, press conference, etc). orange color stays and is enhanced with more gold details and with the name of the vitola writtenThe Welcome Dinner was the new Gran Reserva on the band.for this year, the H. Upmann Sir Winston GranReserva Cosecha 2011. It is the first Gran The week ended with the famous Gala Dinner,Reserva featuring the classic Churchill size: 47 by which as always was held at the Pabexpo. CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 70
EVENTS71 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
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EVENTS Theme of the night was Montecristo, and Habanos officially presented the new Montecristo 1935 line, which is made up of three sizes: Dumas (49 x 130 mm), Leyendas (55 x 165 mm) and Maltes (53 x 153 mm). During the evening, Habanos presented their Habanos-Man of the year awards and capped the night off with their annual humidor auction, where profits were donated to the Cuban Ministry of Health. Big money as usual. The Cohiba humidor, for example, was sold for 380.000 Euros. Other cigars that were presented during the week were the three Ediciones Limitadas for 2017: Cohiba Talisman (54 x 154 mm), Partagas-Serie No. 1 (52 x 138 mm) and the Punch Regios de Punch (48 x 120 mm). The new La Casa del Habano Exclusives were laun- ched as well: H. Upmann Connoisseur B (54 x 150 mm) and Trinidad La Trova (52 x 166 mm). The Romeo y Julieta Portfolio sees the addition of the new Petit Royales, which measures 47 x 95 mm.73 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
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EVENTSPuro Sabor 2017A FESTIVAL FROM THE HEARTby Michel ArliaThe 6th edition of the Puro Sabor festival, the Puro Sabor and as soon as we landed in Managuacigar festival held annually in Nicaragua, took place we were taken care of by two gentlemen fromfrom January 16th to 20th and drew around 300 the organizers. While they were taking care ofregistered guests from all over the World.The passport control, waiting for our luggage and che-festival was hosted by the Nicaraguan Chamber cking visas, we were invited to the VIP lounge ofof Tobacco, that consists of 28 well known com- the airport, to enjoy our first Flor de Caña. As soonpanies with operations in Nicaragua, including as everything was taken care of, they helped ustobacco growers, cigar producers or packaging outside, where a familiar face was waiting for us.companies. Many big brands (Joya de Nicaragua, Our dear friend and gracious host for the first cou-My Father, Padron, Plasencia, STG, etc) were ple days, Claudio Sgroi (President of Mombachopresent, but also small companies (1502 Cigars, Cigars) took the time to drive us to Granada, wereMombacho Cigars, Nica Sueño, etc) partecipated. the festival would be held the first few days.This festival allows these companies to showcasetheir factories, farms, fields and other operations. The first couple days, we enjoyed a private tastingYou’ll get a first hand view to the Nicaraguan cigar with Claudio on the rooftop of Casa Favilli, a beau-industry, most of the times guided by the factories tiful colonial building converted into a cigar factory,owners themselves. and a delicious dinner at Ciudad Lounge.We arrived two days prior to the beginning of Monday rolled around and after moving to our75 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
designated hotel for the check in, we were gifteda backpack full of presents: coffee, a festival shirt,a guayabera and a box full of cigars. The box wasespecially made for the festival and contained 32cigars, two cigars per each company involved inthe Puro Sabor. Some companies even producedspecial sizes only for the festival. Although it wasthe official beginning of the festival, the day had noactivity planned, since the majority of the visitorswere flying in that day, and we were free to roamaround the beautiful city of Granada.Day two was fully packed with activities and focu-sed more on the cultural side. The bus picked usup early and we rolled out to our first stop. Duringthe drive, our guide introduced the first MomentoPuro, a myriad of cigar moments that were orga-nized throughout the day and week. We thenarrived to our first activity: a boat ride through LasIsletas, which are over 300 small islands locatedin Lake Nicaragua. Many of the Islands are privateproperty and have houses on them. Highlight wasthe one island that is inhabited by a small group ofhowling monkeys.After getting back to the bus we headed out tovisit one of the two volcanos scheduled for thatday. The group arrived at the Cafe Las Flores,which is halfway up the Mombacho volcano.The attendees could choose between a tourthrough the coffee plantation, a zip lining course,or a hike up to the volcano. We chose the coffeetour, where the guide explained each step of thecultivation and operations. After lunch, a smallgroup of us could squeeze in a reduced track upto the Mombacho volcano and its cloud forrest.In the afternoon attendees could choose fromtwo options: a trip to the lava lake of the Masayavolcano or back to Granada for a tour of theMombacho factory.The opening dinner was held at the restored LaPólvora fortress in Granada. Many producerswere present and with them also importantpersonalities from Nicaragua, which shows theimportance of the tobacco industry in Nicaragua.The next day the entire group headed to Esteli, toget to the more cigar-centered side of the festival. CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 76
EVENTSLunch was held at the farm of the Plasencia Drew Estate property, closed out this year PuroFamily and afterwards, each group dispersed Sabor in a classy fashion. During the dinner, thefor their first factory tours (TABSA, Nica Sueño, Nicaraguan Tobacco chamber announced theirNACSA, Plasencia, Drew Estate, etc) all over the new president, Anielka Esmeralda Ortez Flores ofcity. Afterwards the dinner was held at Victor Agrotabacos replacing the former president JuanCalvos factory. Ignacio Martinez of Joya de Nicaragua, and the new board of directors.Thursday morning was the first full day of facto-ries and fields tour, ranging from A.J. Fernandez, Thinking back about the festival, there areJoya de Nicaragua, My Father, Padron, etc. The many things that come to mind: the deliciousgroups then met up for lunch at the La Estrella Nicaraguan food, the myriad of premium cigarsfarm of My Father. Lunch was followed by a cigar (Don Pepin Garcia Original, Joya de Nicaraguaand coffee pairing seminar and later a Q&A with Quatro Cinco, Mombacho Liga Maestro, Padronprominent names from the industry, that touched 1964, Plasencia Alma Fuerte, just to name aon different subjects like branding/packaging and few) handed out, the hands-on experience withbuilding a brand. The day was capped off by the the owners of the participating companies, thefamous white dinner, held in the courtyard of the thoughtful guides and the generous hosts.Biblioteca Municipal Alcadia in Esteli. What really stands out is how well organized theThe schedule for the last day was similar to the festival was and how much of the Nicaraguan cul-Thursday one, with another full day of different ture you got to soak up during only one week. Itfactories and fields visits. Lunch was then held is so much more than just a cigar festival, it is ain a modern curing barn at A.J. Fernandez La festival from the heart of Nicaragua that is bestLilia plantation. The Gala Dinner, held at the huge experienced in person.77 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
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EVENTSProCigar 2017THE DOMINICAN CIGARS MAIN EVENTby Michel ArliaProCigar, The Dominican Cigar Festival, celebra- de los Caballeros, were the second part of theted its 10th anniversary and drew around 800 festival was held, for a Welcome Cocktail at theguests, from more than 20 countries, to cele- Hodelpa Gran Almirante Hotel.brate the event. The next three days were scheduled for severalHeld from February 19th to the 24th, the event guided tours of Quesada, La Aurora, Generalkicked off on Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Cigar, Tabacalera La Palma, Cigar FamilyCasino in Punta Cana, with a full day of relax. Charitable Foundation, De Los Reyes Cigars, PDRMonday allowed the attendees to participate Cigars, Tabacalera La Alianza, La Flor Dominicana,either in a Roll Your Own Cigar seminar, a Long Davidoff factories and of many tobacco fields asAsh Contest or they could simply enjoy another well. During these three days, attendees wereday of leisure at the beach and soak up the sun. handed a generous bag, which included a festival special edition cigar box, cigar accessories, a poloThings really started going from Tuesday on, shirt, a hat and other items.where attendees left for La Romana to visit thebiggest cigar factory in the world, Tabacalera de On Wednesday evening, the traditional WelcomeGarcia. After lunch the guests headed to Santiago Dinner was held at the gardens of Teatro del Cibao.79 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
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EVENTS81 CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017
During the evening, all the ProCigar Members pre-sented either new, limited or special cigar to allthe guests: Tabacalera de García – MontecristoArtisan Series, De Los Reyes – The Saga ShortTales Tomo III, Quesada Cigars – Manuel Quesada70th Anniversary, La Aurora – A D N, TabacosQuisqueyanos, S.A. – Juan Clemente 530, LaFlor Dominicana – Andalusian Bull, GeneralCigar – GC-Blend 1974, Tabacalera La Alianza –Selección Oscuro Especial No. 6, Tabacalera LaPalma – La Galera Aniversario El Lector, TabadomHolding – Davidoff Chefs Edition, PDR Cigars –Flores y Rodríguez Connecticut Valley Reserve– Wicked Pug and Tabacalera Fuente – CasaCuba Divine Inspiration. The night continued witha special three-song set, performed by membersof ProCigar including: Jochy Blanco, Abe Flores,Litto Gomez, Tony Gomez, Hendrik “Henke“ Kelner,Klaas-Pieter Kelner, Raquel Quesada and NirkaReyes, and the annual merengue contest.Thursday evening was the famous white attiredinner and was held at Santiago’s Monumento alos Heroes de la Restauracion. The evening wasaccompanied by the quartette of Maria del Mar.The Gala dinner was celebrated at the CentroEspañol, a private Spanish Club in Santiago. Theprogram included live music, tributes to CarlosFuente Sr. and Samuel Mendez, and culminated ina charity auction of special and unique products.They were able to raise over $150.000, whichwill be donated to the Voluntariado de Jesus conlos Niños and the Hospicio San Vincent de Paul,both non-profit organizations dedicated to helpingchildren and impoverished elders. CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017 82
INFOVocabulary MEANING OF THE TERMINOLOGIES USED Anilla: paper 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 claro: tonality of the light 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, inde- pendent of the name which is will be given to the cigar (Marevas, Prominentes, etc…). Vitola de salida: name attributed to the commercial end and changes from each brand (Siglo VI, Serie D no. 4, etc...). Volado: leaves which are harvested at the bottom part of the tobacco plant. Fundamental for the com- bustion of the cigar.83 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
SectionsWHAT YOU CAN FIND ON CIGARSLOVER MAGAZINEDRINKS PAIRINGSThe better beverages reviewed and explained. The The best alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks whichnew products and the old fascinated ones, with a perfectly match with cigars. When pairing beco-hint of history. mes a source of absolute pleasure.EVENTS PILLSThe main international events. A brief article that goes straight to the heart ofFairs, meetings and everything having the cigar as the matter. A topic to be read in one breath, athe main character. small pill.FAMOUS SMOKERS SLOW ATTITUDEBiographies and curiosity about famous people of Technical ar ticles for a better understanding ofpresent and past days, that all have in common the product cigar secrets and insights of use forjust one this: a huge passion for cigars. both beginners and aficionados.INTERVIEW TOBACCO HISTORYStories of passions narrated directly by the pro- Stories from the tobacco world: the big brands,tagonists: interviews with insiders, tobacconists, the crops, the manufacturers of the past, and theimporters, collectors, and so on and so forth. city grew on the tobacco business.LINE UP TOOLSInsights, reviews and evaluations about all the Accessories are an essential element for thecigars that belong to the same line, plus details modern smoker: cutters, humidors, lighters, cigarabout its making. holders, furnishing accessories.MADE IN ITALY VINTAGEReviews, discussions and insights regarding the The world of collecting: cigars aged for decades,cigars made in Italy. The tradition of Tuscani, the the great classics of the past and rarest cubans.novelty of Nostrano del Brenta and more! The charm and the quality of the impossible. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 84
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