LCoigavrser Magazinea the letters of size partagasdrink: intertabacdaiquiri 2015 puros and cigars of the third kindlancero & corto opposite sizes reviewed blind
Casa del Habano Milano Via Anfossi, 28, - 20135 - Milano www.casadelhabano.it [email protected] +39.02.59900973 La Casa del Habano RomaVia Colonna Antonina, 34 - Romawww.fincatolacasadelhabano.cominfo@fincatolacasadelhabano.com +39.06.6785508
TEAM & EDITORIAL LCoigavrser Magazine Editor: Luca Cominelli Deputy Editor: Michel Arlia Graphic Designer:Graphic Designer Assistant: Mario Amelio Renz Mauleon Authors: Didier Houvenaghel Collaborators: Giovanni Bolzonella Photos: Giuseppe Mitolo Heiko Blumentritt Marketing: Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Editing: Roberto Canzi Translations: Blind Tasting Panel: Mario Amelio Norlis Perez Padron Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Giovanni Bolzonella Roberto Canzi Rachelle Mauleon Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.) Francesco Santoiemma (Italy) Giovanni Bolzonella (Italy) Giuseppe Mitolo (Italy) Kaarel Kluge (Estonia) Luca Cominelli (Italy) Michel Arlia (Switzerland) Michel Van Wingerden (Holland) Roberto Canzi (Italy) Sebastian Hefel (Austria) Thomas Hoebe (Holland)3 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
EditorialIn this tenth issue we decided to have two blind tasting instead of the traditional one. We wanted to focusour attention to two size which are definitely the opposite of each other: “Lancero” and “Cortos”. Twotypes of cigars created to satisfy the smoker in a different way.Lanceros, beloved by many aficionados, are meditational smoke, which needs the attention and the focusof the smoker to be truly appreciated. The “Corto” cigars were born with the idea to give a quick and sati-sfying smoke, thought to be perfect when the time to dedicate to a cigar is limited. This idea is definitelynot close to the cigar world, but nowadays these cigars are getting more and more popular. The cigarswe reviewed in our blind tastings are forty.We also tried two whole cigar lines: the new Winston Churchill from Davidoff and the “letters” line ofPartagas, one of the most known in the cigar industry.We also compared three big sticks, smoking three different brands belonging to three different countries.The cigars just shared the size: the A size!Year after year, the cigar industry changed a lot. Time ago we used to talk about “puros”, without givingtoo much importance to this word. Nowadays we are in front of many types of tobacco and the manu-facture is not always made in the same country of the cultivation. All this should make us reflect on theterm “puro”, and its meaning. Maybe it is time to re-think about it. ”The passion moves us!”CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 4
INDEXContentsTeam 9 CigarsLover people ..................................................... 3Editorial thoughts about the magazine ................................ 4Rating how to read the scoring scale ............................... 8Puro, blend and...? 19 the cigars of the “third kind” ................................... 9Zino Davidoff the man behind our favourite pleasure .......... 15A - size 25 champions of dimension ...................................... 19The letters of Partagas since the 30’s to nowadays ................................. 25Daiquiri since 1898 to nowadays ...................................... 29 295 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Winston Churchill 33 one of the 2015 Davidoff’s news ...................... 33Lancero the king of Panetelas ............................................... 37Lancero blind tasting the old fashioned panetelas ................................ 39Corto blind tasting 37 everything in a quick smoke ................................. 45Diplomaticos No.7 70’s - vintage review ................................................ 53Intertabac 2015 53 the biggest european tobacco fair ................... 55Vocabulary meaning of the terminologies used .................. 61Sections what you can find on the magazine .................. 62 55 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 6
BEADSTHE BEST HUMIDIFICATION WAYAvailable on CigarsLover.com
INFORatingHOW TO READ THE SCORING SCALEThe cigars reviewed are valued using a 100 point scale. This helps giving every cigar a sharp rating, whichcollocates it in a wide scoring scale. The final score results by the average scores of both the cigar smo-ked and the smokers evaluations.95-100: excellent smoke. The cigar has all the components that distinguish a remarkable smoke: intensity of the aromas, balance, complexity, finesse, evolution, quality of construction, persistence and a constancy of the production. 90-94: great smoke. The cigar shows numerous qualities of excellence, but not quite showing them to the maximum. It’s nonetheless a cigar that proposes a high level of satisfaction. 86-89: good smoke. The cigar has considerable qualities of a high level, also having some slight flaw in the parameters of the evaluation. It’s nonetheless a recommended cigar with a high rate of satisfaction. 81-85: decent smoke. The cigar convinces in parts, shows both quality and flaws inherent to the different parameters of the evaluation. It’s nonetheless a cigar to smoke with appreciable continuity. <80: meager smoke. The cigar proposes numerous flaws throughout the arc of the parameters of the evaluation. The merits are not eligible if not in a ludicrous way and marginally, the smoke is classified as absolutely not recommended. cigars with a really good quality/price ratio. They show high level characteristics and are really competitive price. We defenitely recommend the purchase.CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 8
SLOW ATTITUDEPuro, blend and...?THE CIGARS OF THE “THIRD KIND”by Giuseppe MitoloOriginally it was the cigar, with its simple rituals: ended up passing from “puro” (that at the begin-cut, fire and clouds of smoke. Probably it was ning meant “cuban cigar”) to have to indicate alsoenough for most of the smokers. However, having the provenience of the other puros (dominican,passed from just the rituals, an end in itself, to a nicaraguan, etc.).real culture, has brought aficionados and writersto codify a vocabulary, modes, times, shades and But the culture, as known, is mutable like theall that could be useful to create a common deno- human mind (being its product) and soon enoughminator that uniformed the linguistic interactions the concept of “puro” couldn’t be more exhaustivebetween persons who shared the same interest. to represent a given product.Originally, the term “puro” identified the Cuban In the last decade, the cigars realized withcigar, made with tobaccos from the “Isla Grande” the masterly mixing of tobaccos coming(we refer to Cuba). from different countries, set a new etymo- logical challenge: how to classify these newFor analogy, many years later, this word was used products, given that they couldn’t be regar-to indicate the cigar made with leaves (wrapper,binder and filler) coming from same region. We ded as “puros”?9 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
It began to get popular the term and the conceptof blend, probably taking it for the equally ancientwhisky’s world. From this world we know, almostwith certainty, that the first official blend of whi-sky was authorized in 1853, to Andrew Usher.Nevertheless, it can’t be excluded that well beforethe said date, the distillers were used to blendtogether whisky or the product of the distillationof different raw materials.Same discussion for the tobacco world: it turnsout to be difficult identifying certainty when startedto talk about the “blending” for a cigar. However,at least in Italy, Luigi Ferri introduced the conceptof “blend” by the first time in his book “L’Emporiodel Sigaro” (2002).Other than every data of reference, albeit cul-turally important, it can’t be excluded that thispractice was applied even before talking about itwith etymological awareness.Considering these essential bases, one wonders,how to classify those products that, albeit beingmade by tobaccos from the same region, are wor-ked and/or rolled in a different country from theone of the cultivation. This choice of productionseems incomprehensible or even anti-economic.However, in the last years it is becoming lessunusual: just think about the Davidoff Nicaragua(Nicaraguan tobacco but Dominican production),the Alec Bradley Nica Puro (Nicaraguan tobaccobut Honduran production) or the Amazon linefrom Diplomatico Cigars (Italian tobacco workedin Peru) and so on.A situation which, apparently, seems to evade aprecise classification and that bears at least twoquestions: are these new productions to be consi-dered as blend or “puro”?If they are not one or the other, we are in frontof cigars of “the third type”. Now, do we need tocreate or research new terms?It is not possible to consider these products as theresult of mixing different tobaccos from differentcountries; however, the average smokes seemsto connect the concept of puro to the country oftorcida (production). CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 10
SLOW ATTITUDETo find answers to our questions, we tried to photo: elgrandetour.wordpress.comanalyze the cigars production also going back tothe past years. that those cigars, the Sevillas in particular, were puros, even if the manufacturing was not madeThe way we know cigars today, made with tripa in a different country from one of the plantations.(seco, ligero and volado), capote and capa, were Claiming the opposite would mean to put in discus-born in 1731 in Siviglia and were called “Sevillas”. sion the history of the cigar itself!Obviously, the tobacco used for the torcida of the Furthermore, talking of puro doesn’t exclude theSevillas was originally Cuban, being the Isla Grande concept of blending: also a cigar with single-originunder the Spanish domination. tobacco is made of a blend, from a recipe that take in consideration the geographic provenienceOver a century later, in 1883, in Tampa city was of each leaf from a specific vega.growing the cigar industry of the States: Cubantobacco, Cuban torcedores and a parallel indu- In conclusion, we’re not capable to affirm the exi-stry to one of the Caribbean island. A tabacalera stence (or the non existence) of a classification ofproduction that, besides Tampa, extended also to the “third type” relative to cigars made in a givenother zones of the nation. nation with single-origin tobacco from another country. Therefore, if we had to choose to pige-With this historic background we can’t exclude onhole these productions between one of the two dichotomous concepts, we feel to be conceptually similar to that of the “puro”.11 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
NUOVO DAVIDOFF ESCURIOUNA NOTTE A RIO ISPIRA UN VIAGGIO NEL GUSTONOSTRI MASTRI HANNO RAFFINATO LE FOCOSE FOGLIE DI CRIOLLOCUBANO PER POI ACCOSTARLE A UNA MATA FINA BRASILIANA, CHEPULSA AL CENTRO DI QUESTA MISCELA ORIGINALE I TABACCHIDOMINICANI E LA CAPA ECUADORIANA CREANO UN EQUILIBRIOPERFETTO UN CONNUBIO FRA DOLCE E SPEZIATO COME RIOAL CALARE DELLA NOTTE, VIAGGIO TRA SENSAZIONI INASPETTATERI TMO INTRIGO ORIGINALITÀSCOPRI DOVE PUÒ CONDURTI ESCURIO davidoff.comNuoce gravemente alla salute 12 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
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FAMOUS SMOKERSZino DavidoffTHE MAN BEHIND OUR FAVOURITE PLEASUREby Giovanni BolzonellaZino Davidoff is a legendary figure in the cigar Concentrating the primary part of his apprehen-world, a personality that gave a lot and has been sion on a Cuban finca, where he learns everythinggiven a lot of respect. he can, from the plants characteristics to the mechanisms of construction, without leaving theHe was born in Kiev (the last name was originally labor on the fields out.Davidov) in 1906. His father Henri was sellingcigars and fabricating cigarettes. In 1929, coming back from his travels, he ampli-Starting from 1911, he learns the art of blending fies the shop of his father predisposing a cellar fortobacco for cigarettes and pipes at the shop ope- the conservation of cigars and he starts buildingned in Geneva by his father (where the last name his humidors.got modified to Davidoff). After a fortunate series of events, his name isBy his father’s suggestion, at the end of his studies placed on a line of Cuban cigars, designed andhe departs to America to explore those planta- packaged by his indications. His love for tobaccotions, which he will devote his name and his life for. leads to a passionate collaboration with his friend15 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Ernst Schneider, thanks to him the Davidoff cigars lot of aspects will characterize and classify them:were proposed to the global market. To better it is very important learning to appreciate theircomprehend this figure and his passion for the qualities and recognizing their defects, as is theblue swirls, it is essential reading his book, a true physical and psychological benefits one can drawphilosophical guide to the approach of his prefer- through a correct enjoyment.red products: L’Amateur du Cigar from 1967.A charismatic figure, he met a lot of famous smo-kers in his life, many of them became his friends.Also politics acknowledged his merits, especiallythe nation he made famous thanks to his cigars(like the Dominican Republic).Surely, it is own to him the decisive step thatpushed the cigars in the panorama of productsthat characterize the “savoir-vivre”. He did ittowards the middle of the century, in 1946, whenhe thought of the “Château Line”, inspired by themain wineries of Bordeaux.The concept was somewhat bold, maybe also alittle provocative, but the message was clear: thecigars are products that have nothing (qualitativelyspeaking) to envy to wines. The cigars have a pro-venience, a method of manufacture; they are fruitsfrom the earth and the work of men. Like wines, a CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 16
SMOKES FROM THE WORLD iBnluspeiprriinngt bolfenand For Macanudo Inspirado our Master Blenders used tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic and is held together by a binder from the Jamastran Valley in Honduras. Wrapped in an oily and rich Rosada leaf from San Agustin, Honduras, you will surely get inspired with great ideas while enjoying Macanudo Inspirado. BLENDING IS IN OUR DNA17 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
goes Villiger Celebration GAMBLING goes Gambling Night mit verlängerter NIGHT After-PartyGenussabend mit Inklusive:Heinrich Villiger • Apéro und exquisites 4-Gang DinnerSamstag,14. November 2015 • Getränke à discrétion (Prosecco, Bier, Wein, Softdrinks und Kaffee)Villiger Celebration: 18.00 Uhr - 23.30 Uhr • Degustieren von verschiedenen CigarrenAfter-Party: 23.30 Uhr - 02.00 Uhr • Single Malt Whisky (Glenfarclas) und Portwein (DOW’s)STARLITE Eventhall Degustation inkl. Vortrag durch die DIWISA Distillerie Willisau SARapperswil-Jona • Torcedora «Kleine Kunstwerke von Hand gerollt» Live bei uns • Magic Casino, es wird gezockt und geraucht • Live Kuba Band • Tanzshow und After-Party • Transfer mit Mercedes Shuttle Hotelgäste: 17.00 Uhr - 17.45 Uhr zum Event 00.00 Uhr - 02.15 Uhr zum Hotel Rückreise mit ÖV: 23.30 Uhr - 01.50 Uhr zum Bahnhof Rapperswil (diverse Nachtzüge) • Kostenlose Parkplätze vor der STARLITE EventhallTICKETS: CHF 189.00 / Person Supported by:www.villiger-shop.ch (Rubrik Event Tickets)Hotelzimmer im SEEDAMM PLAZA CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 18zu Spezialkonditionen möglich!
TOBACCO HISTORYA A-size CHAMPIONS OF DIMENSION by Giuseppe Mitolo19 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
What makes a cigar “great“? title of the oldest gran corona produced in Cuba. In fact, it seems like this cigars was born astride ofIf the mastery from the torcedores, the quality of the 1920’s and 1930’s, when El Rey del Mundo’stobacco and the abundance of the recipe could be Cigar Company purchased the brand, managingsublimated in a unique product, this would be the also to give more glory the Cuban brand, that atalchemy of a great cigar. the beginning of the twentieth century lost someIf also the dimensions would be particularly gene- market shares.rous as the one of a gran corona (47 x 235 mm- 9”), the smoking experience could have all the The format, in the following years, had a conside-cards in order to be unforgettable. rable success, especially during the 80’s and the 90’s. Without going through all the Cuban produc-It is not a case, however, that the gran coronas tions (there are also commemorative humidors),on the market (not considering the special pro- here is the list of the brands that in their standardductions, which are however also rather sporadic) “vitolario” had a gran corona, noting both the yearare really few. The reasons surrounding this par- of the release and the one they have been discon-simonious production are many: higher costs to tinued from the market:make these cigars, higher difficulty to have largerleaves (those of higher quality in particular) and, - CIFUENTESlast but not least, a difficult propensity of the ave- Super Estupendos (1975 – 1975). A cigarrage consumer to buy this “colossus“, because of wrapped in mystique: other than being only fewthe price or because a matter of smoking time examples produced, the official reasons for such(about 2 hours and more), clearly in contradiction a short existence are unknown.with the modern times. - DUNHILLTo research historical notes tied to the birth of Havana Club (1982 – 1991).the first gran corona, it is necessary to go back tothe 1920’s when the strength, the extravagance - HOYO DE MONTERREYand a touch of trendy exhibitionism and exquisi- Particular (1980 – 1987). It was reintroducedtely hedonistic, embraced also the world of cigars in 2000 and in 2001 as a Limited Edition and inof the rich bourgeoisie. Smoking oversize in that 2002 with a production of a few pieces.epoch, not forgetting how much the slimmer for-mats like the panatela were loved, meant to surely - MONTECRISTO Anot pass unnoticed. Also, smoking a cigar over 23 (1971 - nowadays). In 2010, the varnished boxcm (9”) length assured a long company during the of 25 was discontinued.festivities of the first decades of the past century. - PUNCHBeing the story of the cigars closely tied to Cuba, Diadema Extra n. 2 (1980 - ca. 1988).also this format has its historical developments onthe Isla Grande. - ROMEO Y JULIETA Fabuloso (ca. 1985 - ca. 1988).In the common jargon, products as the MontecristoA, the Opus X A and the Padron A, defined as “size - SANCHO PANZA Sancho (ca. 1930 - 2006).A“, borrow the nomenclature from the letter Arecurring in several vitola de salida. Despite it is Before the reviews of the A size, a curiosity: thereasonable to assume that it was the Montecristo gran corona was not the largest cigar ever pro-A (the only gran corona still in production in Cuba duced in Cuba: the scepter is held by the Hoyo denowadays) that inspired the names of the other Monterrey Maravilla (55 x 230 mm – 9”), produ-two cigars, the Sancho Panza Sancho holds the ced until the end of the 60’s and which will return as the upcoming Habanos Book Serie. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 20
SMOKES FROM THE WORLD Arturo Fuente Opus X A vs Montecristo A vs Padron Serie 1964 A CLASH OF THE TITANS by Michel Arlia21 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Montecristo A - CubaSize: cepo 47 x 237 mm (9,3”) - EUR: 32,1 € (IT) - 38 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaOily wrapper, colorado shade. The filling is well made: it is generous and without softspots. Compared to the other cigars tested, the band is definitely smaller and moreminimal, although we are talking about the most famous cigar brand in the world.Medium strength. The evolution is continuous and puff after puff the cigar keeps, slowly,to change its aromatic profile. The complexity is excellent and the balance is perfect. Thearomatic palette is wide, the intensity and the aftertaste are remarkable.1/3: cedar wood, cocoa, vanilla and white pepper. 94/1002/3: wood, fine spices, earth, ripe fruit and white pepper.3/3: wood, white pepper, piquant peaks, leather and hazelnut.Padron A Maduro - NicaraguaSize: cepo 50 x 210 mm (8,25”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 40 € (EU) | USD: 35 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaThe cigar has the typical Padron look: rough wrapper to the touch and definitely boxpressed. The shade is maduro. The filling is homogeneous and generous.Medium strength. It develops an incredibly creamy smoke, with a great balance. Thesmoke is refined and elegant; the aromatic palette is wide and the evolution is good. Thecomplexity is excellent. A different Padron from what you could expect, which gives morein terms of complexity and elegance than strength and intensity.1/3: hazelnut, fine spices, white pepper, wood and earth. 93/1002/3: fine wood, aromatic herbs, coffee, white pepper and hazelnut.3/3: earth, leather, white pepper and hazelnut.Arturo Fuente “Opus X” A - Dominican R.Size: cepo 47 x 234 mm (9,25”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 50 € (EU) | USD: 40 $Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.The cigar is dressed up with a wonderful colorado shade wrapper. To the touch the con-struction is well made: the filling is generous and homogeneous. The big “Opus X” banddoesn’t need any introductions.Medium strength. The aromatic palette is good. The evolution is linear. The complexityand the intensity are good. The balance is excellent. The harmony is really nice and thepersistence is remarkable.1/3: wood, aromatic herbs and ripe fruit. 90/1002/3: spices (white pepper), wood and hazelnut.3/3: spices (white pepper), wood, hazelnut and ripe fruit.CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 22
SMOKES FROM THE WORLD George Harrison smoking a cigar during his 21st birthday.23 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
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TOBACCO HISTORYThe letters of PartagasSINCE THE 30’S TO NOWADAYSby Luca CominelliNowadays the “letters” line of Partagas counts the bands had the exact same dimensions.five cigars, but in the past many have been theproductions of a limited number of cigars made At the beginning there were sixteen of thesethat belonged to it. cigars. Every line counted four sizes: the No.1, No.2, No.3 and No.4.Every Partagas cigar that has a red rectangularband with golden writtens, belong or belonged to Every “Serie” had the same cepo (ring gauge),this line. The peculiarity is a simple band, without while every number (No.1, No.2…) had the sametoo many details, medals, draws o other elements length, as you can see in the table (pag. 26).that can be seen on most of the other bands (ofboth present and past days). These lines were discontinued in the middle 60s.The first time this band appeared was in the 30’s, In 1975, it was reintroduced to production a cigarwhen the Partagas cigars belonging to the “Serie of the line, the Serie D No.4, which became shortlyA, B, C, D” were exported to the British market. one of the most popular Partagas ever produced.These lines counted many different sizes but all Starting from the new millennium, many were25 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
the limited edition that belonged to the Partagas“letters” line: Serie D No.3 (2001), Serie D No.2(2003), Serie D No.1 (2004), Serie D No.3(2006), Serie D No.5 (2008), Serie D Especial(2010), Serie C No.3 (2012).Also to remember the jar edition, the Serie DNo.1 (2009), and the Reserva, the Serie D No.4Reserva (2005).Not to forget the Habanos Colleccion editions,better known as the book editions: Serie C No.1(2002), Serie E. No.1 (2013).Coming to nowadays, the regular productionsintroduced since the beginning of the new mil-lennium and still made are: Serie E No.2 (2011),Serie D No.5 (2011), Serie P No.2 (2005), SerieD No.6 (2014). CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 26
LINE UP Partagas CUBA Serie D No.4 50 Size: cepo 50 x 124 mm (5”) Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba EUR: 12,4 € (IT) | 11 € (EU) | USD: - $ Box: 3-10-25 pz Year: 2015 The Serie D No.4, better known as the D4, is the most sold cigar in the world. The red band with gold written and details has become a classic, easy to recognize and to identify the Partagas “letters” line. - pre lighting - The cold draws reveals cedar wood. - first third - The opening is vegetal. Going on, the cigar develops cedar wood notes and vegetal hints. In the aftertaste is perceivable black pepper. The strength is medium high (4/5). - second third - It opens up with cedar wood, earth and undergrowth aromas. In the aftertaste the black pepper is still well present. The strength increa- ses and now is high (4,5/5). - third third - It brings to the palate cedar wood and earth notes. The black pepper is omnipresent in the aftertaste, accompanied now by piquant peaks. The strength does not change. - conclusions - A cigar with a great aromatic intensity and definitely satisfying. The evolution is decent but the true strength of this cigar is the aromas richness, which is remarkable from the first to the last draw. The balance is good. SCORE PAIRINGS 91 Alcoholic: Daiquiri Analcoholic: Italian coffee27 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
89/100Serie D No.5Size: cepo 50 x 110 mm (4,3”)EUR: 10,2 € (IT) | 9,5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Medium to high strength. The aromatic palette is intense, the balance is good and the persistence isremarkable. The evolution is limited but the intensity of this cigar put this aspect in the background. • Aromatic palette: vegetal notes, earth, hazelnut and piquant spices. 87/100Serie D No.6Size: cepo 50 x 90 mm (3,5”)EUR: 7,5 € (IT) | 8 € (EU) | USD: - $ Medium to high strength. It develops a smoke with a nice body. The aromas are close to the Partagasones and the persistence is great. The balance gets less in the last part of this little cigar. • Aromatic palette: earth, wood, black pepper, vegetal notes and piquant peaks. 90/100Serie E No.2Size: cepo 54 x 140 mm (5,5”)EUR: 13,2 € (IT) | 12,5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Medium strength. It is a cigar with a good aromatic palette. The flavors are the Partagas one, the balanceis great and the smoke is not too powerful. • Aromatic palette: wood, earth, black pepper, aromatic herbs and piquant notes. 88/100Serie P No.2Size: cepo 52 x 156 mm (6,1”)EUR: 14 € (IT) | 13 € (EU) | USD: - $ High strength. It is a smoke with a good intensity, but the evolution and the aromatic palette are not toowide. The persistance is good. • Aromatic palette: cedar wood, black pepper, leather and roasted notes. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 28
DRINKSDaiquiri SINCE 1898 TO NOWADAYS by Nicola Ruggiero29 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Mild temperature, sea breeze and a very beautiful sunset.This is the right moment to enjoy two plea-sures: an excellent smoke and a good drink.The protagonist of this moment is the Daiquiri, a greatly to the evolution of the Daiquiri.drink descending from the family of Punches andCanchancharas, all grouped together by the same The version of this drink which became the mostbasic ingredients: rum, sugar and citrus. famous one, thanks to Hemingway and other famous people was the one with the add of theThe birth of this Cuban cocktail is linked to diffe- maraschino liquor (obtained from the Marascarent stories, but the most accredited one seems cherries) , better known as the “Papa Doble”.to assign its paternity to two American engineersthat worked in Cuba: Jennings S. Cox and Giacomo With the passing of the years the changes to thePagliuchi. It is told that on an unspecified day in original recipe were many and more, and conse-1898, the two engineers, after having met for the quence were multiple recipes in circulation. Todayreactivation of an important iron mine, wanted the official one is quoted in the IBA list (Internat.to take a break to drink something. It was then Bartender Association), that returns to the ori-that Pagliuchi proposed to Cox to prepare a drink, gins, including rum, lime juice, sugar and ice.but the only ingredients available were rum, lime,sugar and ice. For the cocktail-cigar pairing, the Daiquiri seems very indicate for many reasons: its freshnessWith these ingredients, Cox decided to prepare cools the palate warmed up by the cigar; thewhat he at the time called “Rum sour”. Pagliuchi sourness increases the salivation that allows theenjoyed the taste and the freshness but not receptors of the tongue to be ready for the nextthe name, so he proposed a new one that was puff; the sugar, other then balancing the drink,“Daiquiri”, like homonymous beach of an ancient balances the bitterness or the astringency of thevillage existing nearby Santiago de Cuba. own smoke.In the following years the drink had a huge suc- Now all we can do is close the eyes and imagine acess. It was so big that the admiral Johnson trip to Cuba, cradle of the Daiquiri, with the noseadopted it as the official drink of the US Navy and stimulated by the smoke of a good cigar in ourdecided to place a commemorative plaque at the hand and the right taste of a Daiquiri that surelyentrance of the Lodge in Washington, to remem- won’t leave our mouth dry.ber the two engineers.The popularity of the Daiquiri was also madebigger by Ernest Hemingway, big fan of thedrink to the point of drinking several liters a day.It is in fact ascribable to the american writer thefamous sentence “Mi Mojito alla Bodeguita, miDaiquiri alla Floridita“.At the Floridita bar worked the barman Costante,a great friend of the writer, who contributed CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 30
DRINKS THE RECIPE: The preparation at home is easy. A shaker and a measurer is all we need: - 4,5 cl of white rum - 2,5 cl of lime juice - 1,5 cl of sugar syrup - Ice Pour all the ingredients into the shaker. Shake, filter and pour it in a cooled glass. Decorate it with a slice of lime.31 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
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LINE UPWinston Churchill ONE OF THE 2015 DAVIDOFF NEWS by Luca Cominelli e Michel Arlia33 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
The Winston Churchill line is one of the latest The Winston Churchill line has been created tonews introduced by Davidoff. develop a rich smoke, with strength always under control and a great balance.The line is a tribute to the famous WinstonChurchill, first minister of the United Kingdom anda big cigar aficionado, almost always usually pictu-red with a cigar between his lips.These cigars are produced in Dominican Republicand this new line is made with a particular tobaccoblend. We talked with Henke Kelner (Davidoffmaster blender) about it.The wrapper used is a Rojiza, grown in Ecuador.The binder is a San Andres, from Mexico. The filleris made of a blend of tobaccos from DominicanR. (Pilo Mejorado, Piloto Seco, Hybrid Olor) andNicaragua (Esteli seco e Condegas seco).Overall, the tripa is made by a 70% of Dominicantobacco and 30% of Nicaraguan tobacco. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 34
LINE UP 93/100 The Commander - Toro Size: cepo 54 x 151 mm (6”) EUR: 21 € (IT) | 20 € (EU) | USD: 18 $ A medium strength cigar that develops a wide and rich aromatic palette. The evolution is remarkable and the balance never come less during the smoke. Creamy and satisfying. Aromatic palette: cocoa, white pepper, fine wood, honey notes and balsamic herbs. The base is slightly sweet. 92/100 The Statesman - Robusto Size: cepo 52 x 133 mm (5,25”) EUR: 19 € (IT) | 18 € (EU) | USD: 16 $ The strength is slightly over the medium. The smoke has an excellent balance. The evolution is well noti- ceable and the intensity is great. The aromatic palette is wide and elegant. During the smoke the aromas change continuously, giving birth to a dynamic and complex smoke. A great robusto! Aromatic palette: wood, hazelnut, liquorice, aromatic herbs, coffee, leather and piquant peaks. 89/100 The Aristocrat - Churchill Size: cepo 47 x 178 mm (7”) EUR: 21 € (IT) | 20 € (EU) | USD: 19 $ Strength is slightly over the medium. The smoke is well balanced, the evolution is decent and the aromatic palette is good, as well as the intensity. The harmony is good too. Aromatic palette: wood, coffee, white pepper, earth and aromatic herbs.35 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
87/100The Artist - Petit CoronaSize: cepo 41 x 114 mm (4,5”)EUR: 10,5 € (IT) | 10 € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Medium strength. It develops a nice balanced smoke. The aromatic palette is decent, the harmony andthe persistence are good. The complexity is limited.Aromatic Palette: resin plant, cedar wood, vanilla echoes and piquant spices. 85/100The Traveller - BelicosoSize: cepo 46 x 114 mm (4,5”)EUR: 7,5 € (IT) | 7 € (EU) | USD: 7 $ Medium strength. It develops a good aromatic palette, with a decent evolution. The balance is good aswell as the intensity.Aromatic Palette: aged wood, earth, herbal notes, spicy echoes and piquant peaks. 84/100The Raconteur - Petit PanatelaSize: cepo 38 x 101 mm (4”)EUR: 6,6 € (IT) | 6 € (EU) | USD: 6,5 $ Light to medium strength. The smoke is balanced and has a decent complexity. The harmony is good butthe intensity is limited. The last part of the cigar gets slightly bitter.Aromatic palette: mineral notes, white pepper, earth and wood. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 36
SLOW ATTITUDE photo: elgrandetour.wordpress.comLanceroTHE KING OF PANETELASby Didier HouvenaghelThe Lancero is a size which needs a smaller in proportion versus the volume.amount of tobacco compared to bigger vitolas. Translated into cigar tasting this means that theHowever, this doesn’t necessary mean a smaller quantity of wrapper (lateral surface area of theuse of “volado”, the leaves which helps the combu- cylinder) becomes bigger when the cigar cepostion but don’t give too much in terms of flavors becomes smaller, when compared with the fillerand strength. The proportion is the same and, the- (volume of the cylinder).oretically, the percentage is about the same. Talking about the evolution, generally, longerHowever it is important to notice that, given the lit- cigars show more noticeable progressions thantle diameter and the small number of leaves used, their shorter peers, but this also variates withthe wrapper plays a very important role in these the type of blend. Also, thinner cigars usually havecigars. In terms of aromatic profile the impact of marked evolutions. Being less numerous in thethe wrapper is definitely more remarkable in this blend, rolled leaves can express themselves bet-size than the bigger ones. ter than when they are immerged – consider that a dilution – in a more complex blend.Considering a cylinder, when its diameter decre- One speaker will be heard more clearly alone thanases, the lateral surface area relatively increases when rounded by loud crowd. But is also depends37 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
on the speaker!Lanceros are amongst the most appreciated andchallenging vitolas for discerning aficionados. Theunfortunate ways lanceros are tasted perhapshighlight the fact that many aficionados should stillrefine their tasting skills. And the first step is oftento learn to taste slower. It is too frequently regret-table to observe aficionados tasting their differentvitolas the very same way. They adopt an identicaltasting pattern regardless of the type of cigar. Insuch conditions cigars will have tough time delive-ring their full potential.Not making efforts to understand cigars – size,shape, origin, type, potential defects, age, etc.– before starting the tasting is incredibly detri-mental; and especially for fine cigars (with specificand sensitive leaves), vintage cigars (more than25 years), and thin and long cigars. All these haveto be understood and tasted slowly.The principal factor affecting the tasting is itsown speed or pace. Aficionados often smoke tooquickly, literally rushing the tasting. The burningbeing too frequently activated, temperatures arepushed to higher levels, and the temperature dropbetween 2 puffs will not occur fully. The heat ofcombustion will run up along the tasting and couldreach detrimental threshold hence reducing thecigar aromatic spectrum.Today’s society and its social standards constan-tly push people to be on-the-go everywhere and allthe time; and by consequence this makes us artifi-cially not having availability to focus on the genuinegoals of our Life.Products and services usually presented to us inour shops and communities are produced moreoriented towards short-term and high rotationconsumerism than with a perspective of quality.Everyone has the freedom to develop our owncultures and pick the products that fit our vision,with value and authenticity. And thus to appreciatethem with a discerning eye.This is how a lancero should be looked at. Don’tsmoke that cigar. Take the time to taste it. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 38
BLIND TASTING“Lancero” tasting THE OLD FASHIONED PANETELAS39 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Trinidad Fundadores - CubaSize: cepo 40 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: 20 € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. It develops an incredibly balanced smoke. The evolution is remarkableand the aromas keep on changing during the whole smoke. Creamy and elegant.1/3: coffee, honey, citrus and vanilla. Sweet base. 94/1002/3: coffee, honey, ripe fruits and walnut. Sweet base.3/3: ripe fruit, walnut, cocoa, coffee and pan brioches. Sweet base.Flor de Selva Lancero - HondurasSize: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 15 $Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasMedium to high strength. The cigar has a great aromatic intensity and elegance. Wellbalanced and with a nice evolution. The complexity is remarkable.1/3: black pepper, fine wood, honey and vanilla hints. 93/1002/3: roasted notes, fine spices, cinnamon and coffee. Sweet base.3/3: coffee, hazelnut, white pepper and fine wood.Cohiba Lancero - CubaSize: cepo 38 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: 21,1 € (IT) - 22 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. The smoke is elegant and with a nice complexity. The evolution isgreat, as well as the aromatic intensity. The balance never comes less.1/3: fine wood, cocoa and pink pepper. 92/1002/3: vanilla, pink pepper and fine wood. Sweet base.3/3: pink pepper, fine wood and vanilla hints. Sweet base.La Flor Dominicana D. L. Lancero - Dominican R.Size: cepo 38 x 190 mm (7,4”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 23 € (EU) | USD: 15 $Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium strength. The smoke has a huge aromatic intensity. Well balanced and with agreat harmony. The construction is perfect.1/3: walnut, spices (black pepper) and piquant notes. 92/1002/3: roasted notes, coffee, walnut and black pepper.3/3: spices, coffee and aged wood. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 40
BLIND TASTINGSeñorial Lancero - Dominican R.Size: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R.High strength. A really rich smoke. The intensity is remarkable, the complexity is greatas well as the persistance. Well balanced. Great evolution.1/3: black pepper, vegetal, wood, hazelnut and earth. Sweet base. 92/1002/3: citrus, wood, aromatic herbs, and spices. Sweet base.3/3: black pepper, citrus, aromatic herbs and earth. Sweet base.Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Lancero - NicaraguaSize: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6,5 $Wrapper: Arapiraca Brazil | Binder: Cameroon | Filler: Dominican R. & NicaraguaMedium strength. It develops a smoke with a great aromatic intensity. The balance andthe persistence are remarkable. Very creamy.1/3: vegetal notes, cedar wood, hazelnut, coffee and white pepper. 91/1002/3: vegetal notes, cedar wood, hazelnut, vanilla and white pepper.3/3: aromatic herbs and hints of black pepper.Kristoff Maduro Lancero - Dominican R.Size: cepo 40 x 190 mm (7,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8 € (EU) | USD: 13 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Dominican R. & HondurasHigh strength. The aromatic intensity is great and the cigar is very satisfying. The evolu-tion is good, the complexity is great and the persistence is remarkable.1/3: cocoa, coffee, wood and vanilla. Sweet base. 91/1002/3: cocoa, coffee, spices, leather and vanilla.3/3: coffee, walnut, leather and earth.Epic Lancero - Dominican R.Size: cepo 40 x 182 mm (7,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 8,5 $Wrapper: Arapiraca Brazil | Binder: Cameroon | Filler: Dominican R. & NicaraguaMedium to high strength. It develops a smoke with a great body. The evolution is good.The balance and the persistence are great.1/3: cocoa, leather, aged wood and black pepper. 90/1002/3: earth, leather, black pepper and fine spices.3/3: earth, leather, cocoa and black pepper.41 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Montecristo Especiales No.1 - CubaSize: cepo 38 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. A well balanced smoke with a nice aromatic intensity. The persistenceis remarkable, as well as the complexity.1/3: leather, black pepper, walnut, mineral notes. Sweet base. 90/1002/3: cocoa, walnut, mineral notes and hazelnut. Sweet base.3/3: walnut, citrus, wood, mineral notes and leather.Room 101 Daruma Mutante - HondurasSize: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Dominican R. & HondurasMedium strength. It develops a creamy smoke. The aromatic profile shows a nice com-plexity. The balance is great and the harmony is good.1/3: coffee, wood and cocoa. Slightly sweet base. 89/1002/3: coffee, cocoa, leather, wood and citrus.3/3: coffee, cocoa, leather and citrus.Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador Especiales - NicaraguaSize: cepo 38 x 190 mm (7,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength slightly over the medium. It develops a nice evolution. The aromatic profile isgood, but its best characteristic is the very long persistence.1/3: earth, cocoa beans and piquant notes. 89/1002/3: coffee, smoky notes and aromatic herbs.3/3: earth, cocoa and balsamic aromas.Don Pepin Blue Label Lancero - NicaraguaSize: cepo 39 x 190 mm (7,5”) - EUR: 9,5 € (IT) - 7,5 € (EU) | USD: 8 $Wrapper: Corojo Oscuro | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: HondurasMedium to high strength. The smoke shows a decent evolution. The intensity is good, aswell as the harmony. The balance is on the edge in some draws.1/3: earth, black pepper and almond. 88/1002/3: coffee and vegetal notes.3/3: earth CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 42
BLIND TASTINGL’atelier LAT Lancero - NicaraguaSize: cepo 38 x 190 mm (7,4”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9,5 € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength just over the medium. It develops a smoke with a good complexity. The aromaticintensity is good, as well as the balance. The aromatic profile is not too wide.1/3: nutmeg, black pepper and vegetal hints. 89/1002/3: nutmeg, black pepper, vegetal hints and piquant spices.3/3: nutmeg and piquant spices.Oliva Serie V Lancero - NicaraguaSize: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 8,25 € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6,5 $Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to high strength. The intensity is good. The aromatic palette is limited in the firsthalf and then the cigar finally opens up. The balance is good.1/3: earth and black pepper. Slightly sweet base. 88/1002/3: coffee, earth and black pepper. Slightly sweet base.3/3: roasted notes, piquant notes, cocoa and balsamic herbs.Viaje Exclusivo Lancero - HondurasSize: cepo 40 x 190 mm (7,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Criollo Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. It develops a great aromatic intensity. The balance and the persi-stence are good. The complexity and the evolution are narrow.1/3: cocoa, earth, leather and black pepper. 88/1002/3: cocoa, earth, leather, coffee and black pepper. Sweet base.3/3: cocoa, wood, leather, coffee and black pepper.Pinar del Rio Oscuro Lancero - Dominican R.Size: cepo 38 x 182 mm (7,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 6,5 $Wrapper: Habano & Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to high strength. The smoke has a great intensity. The aromatic palette is nottoo wide, as well as the evolution. The balance is good.1/3: earth, cocoa, black pepper and wood. 87/1002/3: black pepper, earth, leather and wood.3/3: black pepper, earth, wood, leather and coffee.43 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
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BLIND TASTING“Corto” tasting EVERYTHING IN A QUICK SMOKE45 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Padron Serie 1964 Principe - NicaraguaSize: cepo 46 x 114 mm (4,5”) - EUR: 15 € (IT) - 12 € (EU) | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to high strength. The cigar develops a really creamy smoke. The aromaticpalette is good and the intensity is great. Well balanced and harmonious.1/2: earth, wood, herbs and vanilla spots. 91/1002/2: earth, spices and black pepper.Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Enchantment - Dominican R.Size: cepo 60 x 111 mm (4,3”) - EUR: 13 € (IT) - 10 € (EU) | USD: 12 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium to high strength. It develops an intense and deep aromatic palette. The persi-stence is good, as well as the balance. Creamy and satisfying.1/2: cocoa, almond and piquant spices. 90/1002/2: earth and aromatic herbs.Davidoff Puro d’Oro Gorditos - Dominican R.Size: cepo 58 x 95 mm (3,7”) - EUR: 17 € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 15 $Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium to high strength. This cigar is well balanced and with a remarkable body. Thearomatic palette is good, as well as the persistence.1/2: fine wood, white pepper and honey. 90/1002/2: hazelnut, coffee, black pepper and aromatic herbs.Castro Short Robusto - NicaraguaSize: cepo 40 x 90 mm (3,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to high strength. It develops an intense and rich smoke. The complexity is decent,the harmony is good. Really satisfying.1/2: cocoa, coffee, spices and black pepper. 89/1002/2: cocoa, earth and black pepper. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 46
BLIND TASTINGH. Upmann Half Coronas - CubaSize: cepo 44 x 90 mm (3,5”) - EUR: 5,4 € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaHigh strength. Creamy and satisfying smoke. The aromatic intensity is remarkable andthe persistence is long. The harmony and the balance are good.1/2: wood, earth, vegetal notes and black pepper. 89/1002/2: tree nuts, earth, wood and black pepper. Slightly sweet base.Joya de Nicaragua Joya Red Half Corona - NicaraguaSize: cepo 44 x 90 mm (3,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6 € (EU) | USD: 5 $Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to high strength. The smoke is creamy and rich. The persistence is decent. Thebalance is great.1/2: wood, earth and hazelnut. Sweet base. 89/1002/2: roasted notes, wood and hazelnut.Mombacho Corto - NicaraguaSize: cepo 50 x 101 mm (4”) - EUR: 8 € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Sun grown Habano seed | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaStrength slightly over the medium. The cigar is rich and the intensity is good. The balanceis great and the complexity good. Really satisfying.1/2: earth, walnut, piquant peaks and honey notes. 89/1002/2: earth, leather, coffee and piquant notes.Nub 460 Cameroon - NicaraguaSize: cepo 60 x 101 mm (4”) - EUR: 7,75 € (IT) - 7,5 € (EU) | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. It develops a good aromatic palette. The balance is great. Reallycreamy.1/2: wood, coffee and vanilla hints. Slightly sweet base. 89/1002/2: hazelnut and coffee. Slightly sweet base.47 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
Alec Bradley Mundial PL No.4 - NicaraguaSize: cepo 48 x 108 mm (4,25”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8 € (EU) | USD: 8 $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. The cigar is well balanced and with a decent evolution. The aromaticpalette is good.1/2: vegetal notes and piquant spices. Slightly sweet base. 88/1002/2: cinnamon and aromatic herbs. Sweet Base.Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story - Dominican R.Size: cepo 55 x 114 mm (4,5”) - EUR: 11 € (IT) - 7,5 € (EU) | USD: 7 $Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium strength. It develops a good aromatic palette with a nice intensity. The balanceis good, as well as the harmony.1/2: vegetal notes and earth. 88/1002/2: earth, leather and black pepper.Brun del Re Piccolo - Costa RicaSize: cepo 44 x 76 mm (3”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 4 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Costa Rica & NicaraguaMedium to high strength. An intense and balanced smoke. Creamy and satisfying, it alsoshows a good aromatic palette.1/2: white pepper, earth and hazelnut. 88/1002/2: piquant peaks, earth, nutmeg and cocoa.Davidoff Escurio Petit Robusto - Dominican R.Size: cepo 50 x 82 mm (3,5”) - EUR: 9,9 € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Dominican R. & BrasileStrength slightly over the medium. The smoke is creamy and the complexity is good. Wellbalanced and satisfying.1/2: herbs, spices and black pepper. 88/1002/2: earth, vegetal notes and spices. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10 48
BLIND TASTINGDon Tomàs Nicaragua Lindos - Dominican R.Size: cepo 40 x 101 mm (4”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 3 € (EU) | USD: 3 $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasStrength slightly over the medium. The cigar is rich and with a nice intensity. The persi-stence is good. Satisfying.1/2: black pepper, cocoa, coffee, aged wood and balsamic notes. 88/1002/2: aged wood, cocoa, leather, black pepper and balsamic notes.MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured Chunky - NicaraguaSize: cepo 50 x 115 mm (4,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Kentucky Fire-Cured | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. The cigar shows a great balance and the aromatic palette is harmo-nious and rich. The intensity is good.1/2: spices, white pepper and cocoa. 88/1002/2: cocoa and spices.Vegafina Fortaleza 2 Short Belicoso - Dominican R.Size: cepo 52 x 101 mm (4”) - EUR: 4,4 € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 5 $Wrapper: San Andres Criollo | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Light to medium strength. It shows a good intensity and a good balance. The aromaticpalette is wide and the smoke is creamy.1/2: coffee, walnut, wood and honey. Sweet base. 88/1002/2: hazelnut, wood, coffee and piquant peaks. Sweet base.Vegueros Entretiempos - CubaSize: cepo 52 x 110 mm (4,3”) - EUR: 5,1 € (IT) - 6,9 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium Strength. It develops a well balanced and creamy smoke. The aromatic intensityis good. The persistence and the complexity are decent.1/2: tree nuts, wood and spices. 88/1002/2: wood, aromatic herbs, coffee, black pepper and earth.49 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10
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