Partagas Maduro No.1Size: cepo 42 x 130 mm (5.1”) - EUR: 13 € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium to full strength. Well balanced, complex and intense smoke. Creamy and sweetin some puffs, this Partagas amaze since the beginning. The persistence is remarkable.1/3: cocoa, herbs, piquant notes. Slightly sweet base. 93/1002/3: cocoa, aged wood, earth and spices.3/3: earth. Cocoa, aged wood and piquant notes.Cohiba Piramides ExtraSize: cepo 54 x 160 mm (6.3”) - EUR: 29.6 € (IT) - 29.5 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium to full bodied. Great intensity and wide aromatic palette. Good evolution andcomplexity. An elegant cigar, build on a sweet base.1/3: fine wood, hazelnut and white pepper. Slightly sweet base. 93/1002/3: cocoa, fine wood, hazelnut and white pepper.3/3: honey, cocoa, earth, herbs and piquant spices.H. Upmann Magnum 50Size: cepo 50 x 160 mm (6.3”) - EUR: 13.1€ (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. The evolution is remarkable and the aromatic intensity is excellent.Great balance and harmony for this big H. Upmann.1/3: piquant peaks, wood and roasted notes. 92/1002/3: hazelnut, piquant peaks, honey and ripe fruit. Sweet base.3/3: herbs, roasted notes, earth and piquant notes.Montecristo Open MasterSize: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 11.9 € (IT) - 11€ (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaA medium strength cigar which develops a well refined smoke. The aromatic palette iswide and the evolution is good. Well balanced, harmonic and creamy.1/3: aged wood, white pepper, earth, cocoa and piquant peaks. 91/1002/3: balsamic herbs, and earth white pepper.3/3: aromatic herbs and balsamic spices. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 50
AWARDSBest brand Monteristo EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba 2015 was a year dedicated to the Montecristo brand, because of his eightieth anniversary. It is noticeable both for the many new releases, such as the Medias Corona and the Churchill Anejados, as well as for the king of this anniversary: the Montecristo 80th Aniversario, which has not yet been released officially on the market, but was presented during the last Festival del Habano. Montecristo is the most known brand of cigars from both aficionado and non smoking people, and even though it got renewed during the years, with the latest introduction of the new band, it remains an icon in the cigar world. The new cigars introduced, the ordi- nary production tested during the year, including the “Open” line that has much improved compared to the launch of 2009, and the consistency of the “Linea Classica”, made us lean towards the choice of Montecristo, as the best of 2015. Happy Anniversary Montecristo!Best news Anejados Montecristo Churchill Anejados, Romeo y Julieta Anejados EUR: 20€ e 15€ (IT) - 19€ e 17€ (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba During the seventeenth Habanos Festival the “Anejados” line was officially presented. Currently composed by the Romeo y Julieta Piramides and the Montecristo Churchills, soon this line will be joined also by the Hoyo de Monterrey Hermoso No.4. The “Anejados” cigars are aged for a minimum of five years, and this is not referred to the individual tobacco leaves, but to the cigars, which are rolled, packed and left to rest. The sizes are different from the ones currently in production by the brand chosen to be dressed up with the Anejandos band. This line is a big news for Habanos. Aficionados always express their desire to be able to buy an aged product and this has been the answer. Between the two cigars currently released, our preference sticks to the Montecristo, which develops an aromatic palette that reminds of the 90s Montecristo.51 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Best buy can be purchased with a small budget but still, we wanted the cigars to perform really good, with noThe best Habanos considering the quality/price compromises.ratio we chose, develops a Cuban taste withouthaving to spend too much money. The three chosen cigars are easy to find and they are regularly produced. Also the Ramon Allones,The average Cuban cigars price is higher than the winner of the list, is still distributed, even if it iswhat is offered by other world producers and this a La Casa del Habano edition.best buy list gets even more important becauseof this aspect. We wanted to find which CubansRamon Allones LCDH Allones SuperioresSize: cepo 46 x 143 mm (5.6”) - EUR: 8.8 € (IT) - 8.5 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. Great balance and excellent aromatic intensity. The harmony is goodand the smoke is really creamy.1/3: cedar wood, cocoa, earth, vanilla and fine spices. 90/1002/3: earth, spices, hazelnut, coffee and wood.3/3: wood, earth and aromatic herbs.H. Upmann Half CoronasSize: cepo 44 x 90 mm (3.5”) - EUR: 5.4 € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaFull strength. Creamy and satisfying smoke. The aromatic intensity is remarkable and thepersistence 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.Por Larrañaga PicadoresSize: cepo 48 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 7.9 € (IT) - 8 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMedium strength. It develops a rustic but intense smoke. The persistence is remarkableand the balance is good. The harmony is great.1/3: vegetal notes, black pepper and nutmeg. 89/1002/3: cocoa, nutmeg and aromatic herbs.3/3: earth, cocoa and black pepper. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 52
AWARDS Davidoff Winston Churchill The Commander Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 21 € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: 18 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Mexico | Filler: Dominican R., Nicaragua The Winston Churchill line has been introduced by Davidoff in 2015. The Commander is the Toro size, which develops a great smoke, worthy of the best Dominican cigar of 2015. Medium to full strength. The cigar gives off an intense and wide aromatic palette. The evolution is remarkable and the balance never come less during the whole smoke. Very creamy, satisfying and with an incredible harmony. 1/3: spices, white pepper and fine wood. Slightly sweet base. 93/100 2/3: cocoa, honey, vegetal notes and white pepper. Sweet base. 3/3: fine wood, hints of white pepper and balsamic herbs.53 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
La Flor Dominicana La NoxSize: cepo 52 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: San Andrés, Mexico | Filler: Dominican R.Slightly over the medium strength. Creamy smoke, satisfying and complex. The intensityis amazing from the first to the last puff. The balance is great.1/3: cocoa, hazelnut, citrus and floral notes. 93/1002/3: cocoa, leather, coffee and earth.3/3: cocoa, coffee, wood, roasted notes and coffee.Arturo Fuente Opux X Perfexion No.4 Series XSize: cepo 43 x 131 mm (5.2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: 24 $Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium to full strength. A cigar with a great aromatic intensity, which develops a tons ofspices. The evolution is well perceivable and the persistence is amazingly long.1/3: spices, piquant peaks, earth and vanilla. Sweet base. 92/1002/3: spices, coca, liquorice. Slightly sweet base.3/3: almond, spices and tree nuts.Señorial LanceroSize: cepo 38 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R.Full strength. A really rich smoke. The intensity is remarkable, the complexity is great aswell as the persistence. 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.Aging room Bin no.1Size: cepo 54 x 133 mm (5,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 10 € (EU) | USD: 12 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.The strength is slightly over the medium. The intensity is great and the evolution is welldefined in the three thirds. Harmonic and with a nice persistence.1/3: cocoa, leather, mineral hints and white pepper. 91/1002/3: cocoa, black pepper, piaquant peaks and white pepper.3/3: earth, black pepper and spices. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 54
AWARDSBest line Davidoff Winston Churchill EUR: da 6,6 a 21 € (IT) - da 6 a 20 € (EU) | USD: da 6.5 a 18$ Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Mexico Filler: Dom. R., Nicaragua Among the new lines presented during the 2015, the one that showed an interesting average score was the Davidoff Winston Churchill. This line is an homage to the famous Winston Churchill, UK first minister and big aficionado, almost always pictured with a cigar between the lips. The Davidoff Winston Churchill is made using a Rojiza (Ecuador) wrapper, a San Andres (Mexico) binder and a blend of Dominican R. (Pilo Mejorado, Piloto Seco, Hybrid Olor) and Nicaraguan (Esteli seco e Condegas seco) leaves for the filler. In percetage, the filler is made of 70% of dominican leaves and 30% nicaraguan. Among the six cigars belonging to this line, two of them performed really good: the Toro (93/100) and the Robusto (92/100). Both these smokes share a great aromatic intensity, as well as a great evolution and a wide aromatic palette.Best news La Flor Dominicana La Nox EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 11 $ Wrapper: Brazil Binder: Mexico Filler: Dominican R. That this is a product given a lot of dedication, is easy to see, just looking at the packaging: a round box, with a magnetic clo- sure lid, completely black and with a half Moon drawn on the upper side. Once opened, it shows ten Toro cigars (50x165 mm). The mind behind this is Antonio Gomez, Litto’s son. We are talking about the La Flor Dominicana La Nox. The blend is made of a Brazilian Cubra Maduro Wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder and a mix of Dominican R. leaves: Piloto and Pelo de Oro. The rich cocoa scents perceivable before to lit up the cigar, get developed also during the smoke. Every puff goes around the cocoa aroma. It is tough to find a weak spot to these La Nox, it is better to just enjoy them and pay attention to every nuance. Another good news is that these cigars are not a limited edition (like it happened with some of the news introduced by La Flor Dominicana in the past years) but they will be a regular production cigars.55 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Best buy aromatic intensity of the Gilbert de Montsalvat, going through the creaminess of the La Libertad.The Dominican Republic is a huge and global cigar Everyone of these cigars give off different emo-producer. Many brands and many lines are made tions, but they all bring a great pleasure, togetherin this country and if you also consider the new with a really worthy buying price. They are good toreleases in 2015, is it easy to understand how be enjoyed in three different moment of the day,difficult it is choosing just three cigars. and these three can be considered a great tripletThe ones we chose, have some characteristic for a great smoking day.that set these three on the top: from the com-plexity of the AVO Heritage Toro, to the greatAVO Heritage ToroSize: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8.6 € (IT) - 8 € (EU) | USD: 8 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.Medium strength. It develops a complex smoke, with a great balance. The harmony ishuge and the aromatic palette intense. The evolution is good. Creamy and satisfying.1/3: wood, tree nuts, earth and black pepper. 91/1002/3: earth, cocoa and spices.3/3: tree nuts and undergrowth.Gilbert de Monsalvat Revolution Style RobustoSize: cepo 52 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua, PanamaA cigar with a strength slightly over the medium. The balance is good and the intensityis great. The evolution is decent but the aromatic palette is wide.1/3: cocoa, hazelnut and black pepper. 90/1002/3: cocoa, hazelnut, black pepper with a slight salty vein.3/3: balsamic herbs, cocoa and black pepper.La Libertad RobustoSize: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 5 $Wrapper: Habano Peru | Binder: Peru | Filler: Dominican R., NicaraguaMedium strength. The smoke is really creamy and balanced, with a nice aromatic inten-sity and a long persistence.1/3: hazelnut, fine wood and spices. Slightly sweet base. 88/1002/3: liquorice, nut and white pepper.3/3:cedar wood, leather and white pepper. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 56
AWARDS Flor de Selva Lancero 20th Anniversario Size: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Born to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Maya Selva Cigars, this Lancero is dressed up with a second band, located on the cigar foot. The choice of a Lancero size makes this cigar even more exclusive, because there are no Lanceros produced regularly by Flor de Selva brand and not even by the other two Maya Selva brands (Cumpay and Villa Zamorano). Medium to full strength. The cigar has a great aromatic intensity and elegance. Well balanced and with a good evolution. The complexity is remarkable. 1/3: black pepper, fine wood, honey and vanilla hints. 93/100 2/3: roasted notes, spices, cinnamon and coffee. Sweet base. 3/3: coffee, hazelnut, white pepper and fine wood.57 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Black Lotus RobustoSize: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 16.5 $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasMedium to full strength. Well balanced and creamy smoke. The aromatic palette and theevolution are great. The persistence is incredibly long.1/3: spices, cinnamon, earth and almond. Slightly sweet base. 91/1002/3: spices, piquant peaks and almond. Slightly sweet base.3/3: leather, herbs and piquant peaks.Room101 Master Collection Three MutanteSize: cepo 38 x 178 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: NicaraguaSlightly over the medium strength. A well balanced cigar, with a wide aromatic palette.The aromas well alternate during the smoke. Great harmony.1/3: white pepper, coffe and fine wood. 91/1002/3: spices, black peper and roasted notes. Slightly sweet base.3/3: black peper, caffe, wood and roasted notes.Camacho Triple MaduroSize: cepo 54 x 155 mm (6.1”) - EUR: 16,7 € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 12 $Wrapper: San Andres Mad. | Binder: Corojo Mad. | Filler: Honduras, Dom R., Brazil Mad.Full bodied. A satisfying cigar, with a remarkable intensity. The evolution is limited but thearomatic palette is wide. The harmony is good and the persistence really long.1/3: earth, cocoa and hazelnut. Slightly sweet base. 90/1002/3: spices, black pepper and herbs.3/3: spices, black pepper and balsamic herbs.Alec Bradley Black Market RobustoSize: cepo 52 x 133 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 7 € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6.5 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Honduras, PanamaMedium strength. The aromatic palette is complex and uncommon. The cigar shows agood harmony, balance and evolution.1/3: fine spices, cinnamon, earth and almond. Slightly sweet base. 90/1002/3: spices, piquant peaks, almond. The base is slightly sweet.3/3: leather, aromatic herbs and piquant peaks. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 58
AWARDSBest line Room101 Master Three Collection EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 8-12 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican R. Filler: Nicaragua The third Room101 Master edition, or better, the third master collection. After the color black and the gold, now it’s white time, which accompanies the production of 105.000 cigars, produced in five sizes and packed in 20 count boxes: the Mutante (Lancero), Sucio (Churchill), Monstro (Robusto with a 60 cep), Roxxo (Petit Robusto) e Papi Chulo (Perla). The boxes are well made, with a true care for details. Putting two of them close, you cans see the Sakura Logo (Sakura means cherry blossom). This line is made in Honduras, using a blend of tobaccos from Ecuador, Dominican R. and Nicaragua. The attention to details is noticeable also once the box is open: the cigars are perfectly made and they are true masterpieces. But the Master Collection doesn’t stop to amaze: once the cigars are lit up, they develop a well balanced smoke, with a nice complexity and harmony. The best of the line are the Mutante (91/100) and the Roxxo (91/100).Best news Asylum 33 EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 10-13 $ Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras The aging and the selection of the tobacco leaves for the cigar manifacturing are two aspects that are given more and more importance by the producers. The Aslym 33 is a line shaped around this concept, to give birth to a smoke which is able to provide all the pros and cha- racteristics that the aged leaves are capable of. In detail, the tobaccos used for the Asylum 33 are aged for 7 years and the production is made in Danlì, in the El Aladino factory. The cigars are Honduran puros and the sizes are four: Corona Gorda (46x14 mm), Robusto (50x114mm), Toro (52x152mm) e Gordo (70x152mm). Packed in 25 count boxes, the logo chosen is the Providence Eye. The best sizes of the line are the Corona Gorda and the Robusto.59 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Best buy Honduras for others countries means depriving yourself of many truly satisfying cigars, especiallyAlthough many aficionados are focusing their if you want to keep an eye on your wallet, tryingattention to other producing country, Honduras is to find great smokes without having to pay a highstill a place with many manufacturers and there price.are a lot of cigars that show a truly convenient This is the right section to shape the three hon-quality/price ratio. duran best buy cigars of 2015, the ones thatThe mith climate is able to give birth to recogniza- amazed us the most, considering the small price.ble blends, easy to riconduce to the Honduras, dueto the territorial characteristic. UnderestimatingCLE Connecticut RobustoSize: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras | Filler: HondurasMedium strength. Fresh and balanced smoke. It develops a nice aromatic palette, witha good complexity. The harmony is great.1/3: wood, pink pepper, hazelnut and vegetal notes. 90/1002/3: wood, citrus, pink pepper and tree nuts.3/3: spices, black pepper, piquant peaks and herbs.C.A.O. Osa LOT50Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Connecticut broadleaf | Filler: Honduras, NicaraguaWith a strength just over the medium, it develops a satisfying and intense smoke. Theevolution and the persistence are good.1/3: wood and hints of vanilla. Sweet base. 89/1002/3: earth and hazelnut. Slightly sweet base.3/3: earth and balsamic herbs.Kuuts RobustoSize: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 6$Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaSlightly over the medium strength. The cigars shows a nice intensity and a great balance.The persistence is remarkable and the harmony is great.1/3: spices, young wood, black pepper and piquant notes. 88/1002/3: spices, young wood and black pepper.3/3: young wood, balsamic herbs and spices. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 60
AWARDS Padron 1964 Diplomatico Natural Size: cepo 50 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 23 € (IT) - 19 € (EU) | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua The 1964 Aniversario Serie was introduced in 1994, to celebrate the 30th anniver- sary of the Padron Company. Eleven sizes are dressed up with the 1964 year band. The tobacco used to make these cigars is aged four years and the shape is box pres- sed, in honor to the old cuban tradition. Medium to full strength. The remarkable aromatic intensity, the long persistence, the great balance and the nice evolution, make this Padron the best Nicaragua cigar of 2015. Incredibly creamy and satisfying, it develops a great complexity and elegance. 1/3: milk chocolate, black pepper, piquant spices. 94/100 2/3: black pepper, hazelnut and cocoa. 3/3: cocoa, balsamic herbs and earth.61 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
El Gueguense TorpedoSize: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6.5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 11.5 $Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99 | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaFull strength. The cigar develops a huge aromatic intensity. Well balanced and harmo-nious, it has a great complexity as well. The persistence is remarkable.1/3: green pepper, cocoa, fine wood. Sweet base. 94/1002/3: fine wood, black pepper and nutmeg.3/3: green pepper, earth and tuber.Drew Estate Liga Unico Dirty RatSize: cepo 44 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 12 $Wrapper: Connecticut Sun Grown Habano | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Nicaragua, HondurasMedium to full strength. It develops a really complex and intense smoke. Persistence andharmony are remarkable. The balance is great and the smoke incredibly thick.1/3: hazelnut, white pepper, oily notes, incense and piquant peaks. 93/1002/3: nut, cocoa and spices.3/3: coca, nut and aromatic herbs.Plasencia Reserva Organica ChurchillSize: cepo 48 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9.5 € (EU) | USD: 8 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. A cigar with a great balance and a rich and elegant aromatic palette.The evolution is really good and the aromas are very intense. Satisfying.1/3: earth, carob, aromatic herbs and piquant notes. Sweet base. 92/1002/3: fine wood, aromatic herbs and spices.3/3: nut and cinnamon. Sweet base.Nicarao Exclusivo RodolfoSize: cepo 54 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15€ (EU) | USD: 14 $Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to full bodied. Great balance and very good complexity. The aromatic palette iswide, harmonious and elegant. Intensity and persistence are remarkable.1/3: leather, cocoa, cinnamon, herbs and black pepper. 91/1002/3: cocoa, black pepper. Slightly sweet base.3/3 cocoa, cinnamon, herbs and black pepper. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 62
AWARDSBest line Plasencia Reserva Organica EUR: - - (IT) - 6-10 € (EU) | USD: 5-9$ $ Wrapper: Nicragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua This line is made to enjoy the smoking experience belonged to more than five hundred years ago, when no chemical fer- tilizers or pesticides were used. The tobacco cultivation and growth are made in the most possible natural way, due to the use of some strategies that Nestor Plasencia Jr. decided to use. The soil fertilization is made using californian earthworms and the Macuna Pruriens, a legume which is able to absorb the 78% of nitrogen present in the atmosphere and transfer it into the soil during its flowering period. Parasites are kept away by sunflower plants and a mix consisting of all-natural juice of garlic and oil of the Neem tree, which acts as an insect repellent. All this attention has given rise to a line that releases an aromatic palette definitely particular and easy to recognize, because there is truly nothing on the market able to give off similar aromas and flavors.Best news Foundation Cigars El Gueguense EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 9-12 $ Wrapper, Binder: Corojo99 Filler: Corojo99, Criollo98 100% Nicaragua, this is the main feature that El Gueguense wants to communicate: from the tobacco used to the labor, from the name to the images on the box, you can definitely say that everything is about Nicaragua. A cigar line that lite- rally teleports the smoker to the Central America, through an intense, deep and thich smoke. A trip to do with the safety belts fastened because the aromas and flavors that are perceived by the taste buds are comparable only to a roller- coaster ride. All the tobacco used in the production of “El Gueguense” is selected by Nick Melillo, founder and master blender of this brand that needs no introduction. His will to create a Nicaraguan Puro able to reflect Nicaragua was achieved. The decision to use only tobacco produced in the same country is an added value that, nowadays, is very rare.63 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Best buy quality/price ratio, we decided to collocate them in the following list. They develop rich smokes,The best buy of Nicaragua is a category not easy satisfying and with a nice evolution. This is whatto summarize just having three spots. Many are the Nicaragua Best Buy cigars have in common.the cigars noteworthy that we could put in this Smoking them and appreciating them, the thou-section and the choice wasn’t easy at all. ght that you will always have in your mind will be the gratitude for the producers, who were able toThe three cigars we wanted to reward has many realize such great cigars as such a great price.characteristics that could put them into the top 5Nicaragua as well, but because of their incredibleDrew Estate Nica Rustica “El Brujito”Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) 7.5 € (EU) | USD: 6 $Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Mexico (San Andres) | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. It develops a deep aromatic palette, with a very nice evolution. Theintensity is remarkable and the smoke quantity is huge. Long persistence.1/3: cocoa, earth, black pepper and aromatic herbs. 92/1002/3: cocoa, almond, spices. Slightly sweet base.3/3: wood, honey, herbs and piquant peaks.Joya de Nicaragua Joya Red Short ChurchillSize: cepo 48 x 120 mm (4,75”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6,5 € (EU) | USD: 5 $Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaSlightly over the medium strength. Despite the size, the evolution is noticeable and thearomatic palette is wide, as well as harmonious and incredibly creamy.1/3: leather, white pepper, young wood and herbs. 91/1002/3: herbs, white pepper and coffe.3/3: coffee, leather and white pepper.Cumpay ChurchillSize: cepo 47 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 7.2 € (IT) - 7.5 € (EU) | USD: 7.5 $Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Dominican R., HondurasMedium strength. The evolution of this churchill is amazing. The aromatic palette is wideand has a good complexity. Well balanced and with a good harmony.1/3: wood, white pepper and piquant notes. 91/1002/3: fine wood, hazelnut, white pepper, mineral notes and nut.3/3: ripe fruit and hazelnut. Sweet base. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 64
AWARDS La Palina Goldie Laguito Especial - USA Size: cepo 40 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 23 € (IT) - 19 € (EU) | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador | Filler: Dominican R., Nicaragua The Goldie Line is made completely by one torcedora: Maria Sierra. Her career in the tobacco world began more than 32 years ago, when she became the first woman in Cuba trained to roll cigars. Her teacher was the famous E.R. Irizarri, the personal tor- cedor of Fidel Castro. In this line blend are used medio tiempo leaves. Medium strength. Well balanced smoke, with a good harmony. The aromas are rich and intense. The complexity is good and the persistence is great. 1/3: floral notes, undergrowth and cinnamon. 92/100 2/3: leather, coffee, earth and nutmeg. 3/3: undergrowth and earth.65 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Royal Danish Single Blend Tivoli - PanamaSize: cepo 54 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Panama, Costa RicaMedium to high strength. The cigar shows a great evolution and balance. The aromaticpalette is well defined and intense. The complexity is good.1/3: cocoa, almond, citrus and piquant peaks. Sweet base. 91/1002/3: cocoa, roasted notes, black pepper, piquant bits. Sweet base.3/3: cocoa, coffee, leather and black pepper.Atabey Brujos - Costa RicaSize: cepo 52 x 124 mm (4.9”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 25 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium strength. It develops an incredibly rich and creamy smoke, with a good comple-xity. The balance is great as well as the harmony.1/3: fine wood, nut and coffee. Sweet base. 90/1002/3: fine wood, coffee and hazelnut. Slightly sweet base.3/3: spices, hazelnut and roasted notes. Slightly sweet base.Graycliff Espresso Elegante - BahamasSize: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 10 $Wrapper: Costa Rica | Binder: Cameroon | Filler: Ecuador, NicaraguaThe strength is slightly over the medium. It develops a creamy, intense and satysfingsmoke. The evolution is good and the aromatic palette wide and harmonious.1/3: leather, earth, spices. 90/1002/3: coffee, earth leather and herbs.3/3: coffee, hazelnut and spices.Tatuaje Regios - USASize: cepo 50 x 140 mm (5.5”) - EUR: 10.5 € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: 9 $Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaMedium to full strength. The cigar has a really long persistence. The aromatic paletteis rustic but intense and rich. The balance never come less and the smoke is creamy.1/3: earth, undergrowth and hazelnut. 90/1002/3: wood, undergrowth, tree nuts.3/3: earth, aromatic herbs and tree nuts. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 66
AWARDSBest line Royal Danish Regal Blend EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Maduro Binder, Filler: Ecuador, Panama, Jamaica This line is based on the history of the Danish west Indies were, that between the half of the ‘700 and the firsts of the ‘800, were part of the Kingdoom of Denmark. At that time, the King’s ships brought back tobacco from the Caribbean to the Royality. Made in Costarica, the Regal Blend is a line counting four cigars: Royal Twister (58 x 184 mm – 7.2”), Dark Crown (52 x 152 mm – 6”) and Queens #1 (52 x 127 mm – 5”), availa- ble in the standard version and in the gold and swarovski one. These cigars develops rich and intense smokes, with a deep aromtic palette. Harmonious and well balance, the cigars are satysfing. The construction is well made and the attention on the details is easily recognizable, from the ribbon that run vertically to the cigars to the swarovski in the middle of the band.Best news Brun del Re Piccolo EUR: - € (IT) - 4 € (EU) | USD: 3.5 $ This line is made of three cigars, which share all the same size (44 x 75mm cepo - 3 “) but are rolled with different blends. The choice of rewarding such a small size is simple: these smokes develop moments of intense pleasure, which are enjoyable during the span of the day, at any time. Combined with a coffee or a piece of chocolate, they give off a rich, intense and very fulfilling smoke. These little flavor bombs, are suitable for those who are looking for a small moment of pleasure in terms of time but big in terms of flavors, perfect to disconnect from the daily grind. Of the three versions, the Ltd. Edition (Habano Ecuador wrapper and Nicaraguan/Dominican R. filler) is the one we preferred, but also the other two, the Smooth (Ecuador wrapper and Nicaragua/Costa Rica filler) and Strong (Costa Rica Maduro wrapper and Nicaragua/Costa Rica filler) perform very good too. All three lines are rolled with an Indonesian binder.67 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
Best buy for cigars with high potentials and brands that will surely have something to give in the internatio-Saying “rest of the world” means considering nal cigar scene very soon, exploring more or lessmany countries, some increasingly in the spot- known terroir all around the world.light, other forgotten and others still growing.The products listed in this best buy are among the Without prejudice or preconceptions, as facingmost disparate and there would be no wonder if new products should always be, here are the bestone of these cigars haven’t been heard or if the smokes that are too often overlooked.band is not at all familiar.However, the purpose of this Awards is lookingTabacalera Pyramides - PhilippinesSize: cepo 38 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Philippines | Filler: PhilippinesSlightly over the medium strength. The aromatic bouquet is wide and with a great inten-sity. The evolution is well noticeable and the harmony is nice. Long persistence.1/3: earth, undergrowth and spices. Slightly sweet base.2/3: green pepper, earth and leather. Sweet base. 91/1003/3: spices, piquant peaks, earth, leather and aromatic herbs.Brun del Re Premum Robusto - Costa RicaSize: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7.5 € (EU) | USD: - $Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: NicaraguaThe strength is slightly over the medium. The smoke is aromatically intense, with a goodbalance and very creamy. The harmony is also good.1/3: hazelnut, earth and many spices (white pepper). 90/1002/3: a lot of spices, earth and hazelnut.3/3: cocoa, nutmeg, earth and piquant peaks.Te Amo Revolution Robusto - MexicoSize: cepo 50 x 133 mm (5.2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 4.5 $Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Mexico | Filler: Mexico, NicaraguaMedium strength. It develops a nice aromatic palette. The intensity is good, as well asthe balance. The persistence is nice and the harmony remarkable.1/3: black pepper, coffee, cedar wood and spices. 89/1002/3: coffee, earth, vegetal notes and black pepper.3/3: black pepper and spices. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 68
VINTAGEDunhillCabinetta by Luca Cominelli Dunhill is a brand that was produce for a truly small amount of time. In 1977 was born the idea to create the “Dunhill” brand, but only in 1982 the agreement between Dunhill and Cubatabaco was achieved. Cigars got into the market from 1984 to 1991. A little time window, that created a mith, a brand incredibly sought after nowadays, with an amazing collectible value.69 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
CUBA Dunhill 50 Cabinetta Size: cepo 50 x 124 mm (4,9”) Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba EUR: 250 €/pz (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 300 $/pz Box: 25 pz Year: 1985 Cigar is well made, the filling is generous and homogeneous. The wrapper has a colorado maduro shade and is still oily after thirty years of aging. - pre lighting - The cold develops light woody notes. - first third - The opening is rich and brings to the palate aged wood and white pepper. The cigar is amazingly creamy and develops a plenty amount of smoke, fulfilling the mouth. Going through the third, wood and fine spices come to the palate, with hints of nut and piquant peaks. The persistence is remarkable. The strength is medium (3/5). - second third - The aromatic palette gets wider: now there are rich balsamic herbs refreshing the smoke, that alternates the wood and the spices. The piquant notes are still well perceivable. The strength doesn’t change. - third third - The balsamic herbs now are the main aroma. The white pepper is on the background with the omnipresent aged wood. The strength incre- ases, becoming medium to full (4/5). The finale is long and satisfying. - conclusions - The Cabinetta is a cigar that develops an incredibly creamy smoke. The persistence is long and the complexity is remarkable, especially in the first part, where there are more aromatic shades perceivable. The second half gets stronger, but the balance never come less. This smoke is for a truly restricted number of people, due to the difficulties in finding these cigars. If you have the change to lit one up, prepare yourself for a memorable smoke. SCORE PAIRINGS 96 Alcoholic: Champagnes Analcoholic: White tea CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 70
SMOKES FROM THE WORLD71 CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11
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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.73 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 SLOW ATTITUDEThe main international events. Technical ar ticles for a better understanding ofFairs, meetings and everything having the cigar as the product cigar secrets and insights of use forthe main character. both beginners and aficionados.FAMOUS SMOKERS SMOKES FROM THE WORLDBiographies and curiosity about famous people To understand completely cigars, it’s importantof present and past days, that all have in com- to experience all the terroir of reference, appre-mon just one this: a huge passion for slow smoke ciating all the characteristics and the differencesand /or cigars which makes every producer country unique.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 74
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