CigarsLover Winter 2017 MAGAZINEWRAPPER 10 WHISKY LEAVES OF 2017 AGING IN IRISH TUBOS COFFEETRINIDAD THE 5THE MYTH BOTTLES2017 AWARDS
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TEAM & EDITORIAL LCoigavrser Magazine Editor: Luca Cominelli Deputy Editor: Michel Arlia Graphic Designer: Mario Amelio Authors: Federico Bosco Marketing: Giuseppe Mitolo Translations: Kaarel Kluge Cigars Blind Tasting: Luca Cominelli Michel ArliaWhisky Blind Tasting: Nicola Ruggiero Nicolò Veronese Roberto Canzi Simone Poggi Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Nicolò Veronese Rachelle Mauleon Simone Poggi Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.) Daniel Hardinger (U.S.A.) Dustin Wall (U.S.A.) Giuseppe Mitolo (Italy) Luca Cominelli (Italy) Michel Arlia (Switzerland) Nelson Campos (El Salvador) Nicolas Joseph Bevilacqua (U.S.A.) Richard Frazier (U.S.A.) Sebastian Hefel (Austria) Simone Poggi (Italy) Alder Repizzi (Italy) Federico Bosco (Italy) Luca Cominelli (Italy) Davide Bettini (Switzerland)3 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
EditorialCigarsLover Magazine Winter issue contains a recap of all the products tested throughout the year, withthe purpose of being able to recommend the best cigars, the ones that most impressed us. The focus ison the latest news introduced to the market in the past months, which are never lacking; year after yearthe news kept on growing, even though the FDA seemed to have them considerably limited 12 monthsago. Also the classic lines have been under test: it would be a mistake forgetting a safe port, capable toboast a great consistency, making them a perfect every day smoke.Before reaching the AWARDS, this issue contains an article about wrapper leaves: from the most usedand common ones, to the most rare and sought after ones, passing through the tasting notes and thepeculiarities that each one of them is capable to develop.What is the cheapest and most effective method for a long aging? It is within reach by everyone and isoften not considered: the “tubos”!In addition to the cigars of the year, we have also created a selection of whiskey, chosen among thenewest product presented during the year. The spirits that most impressed us are enlisted in a TOP10,a sort of reminder, which contains all the bottles to have in the upcoming New Year.Enjoy the reading! ”Passion moves us!”CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 4
INDEXContentsTeam 11 CigarsLover people ................................................ 3Editorial thoughts about the magazine ................................ 4Rating how to read the scoring scale ............................... 8Celebration cigar 15 the double meaning .................................................... 9Aging “low cost” tubos .............................................................................. 11The wrapper leafa 19 varieties, aromas and characteristics ............ 15Trinidad origins of a myth ........................................................ 19Matches the vintage trend ....................................................... 23 235 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Inspirado watch 33 Macanudo & Cuervo y Sobrinos ........................ 27The Auld Alliance Singapore ..................................................................... 29Finishing the optional step ....................................................... 31Irish Coffee 42 the Irish heat ............................................................... 33The 5 bottles collectable whiskies ................................................. 3710 whisky of 2017 great products for the upcoming year ............ 42Awards 2017 .............................................................................. 51Vacabulary & Sections what you can find on the magazine ............. 87 51 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 6
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INFORatingHOW TO READ THE SCORING SCALEI sigari /distillati recensiti presentano una valutazione in centesimi. Questo per riuscire a dare a ognisigaro /distillato un punteggio preciso, in grado by collocarlo all’interno by un’ampia scala by valori. Ilpunteggio che i sigari /distillati ricevono è dato dalla media dagli esemplari testati.I prodotti che rientrano nel blind tasting vengono testati senza la consapevolezza by cosa si stia provando,in modo da poter avere la descrizione più oggettiva possibile. La valutazione e la descrizione sono il risul-tato della comparazione by più schede degustative.95-100: memorable. Great product under every single aspect. It delivers a pleasure tough to forget. 90-94: excellent. High quality cigar/drink, very satisfying. 86-89: very good. Despite some little defects, it is very enjoyable. 81-85: decent. The product exhibits both virtus and vices. <80: mediocre. Not very enjoyable, due to a lot of poor characteristics.CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 8
PILLSCelebration Cigar THE DOUBLE MEANING by Roberto Canzi When discussing a “Celebration Cigar”, most of the aficionados would think about a specific rele- ase, made to celebrate an important event, such as the company founder’s birthday or of the brand itself. There is however also the other end of the spectrum, which is giving the celebration cigar an emotional twist, capable of bringing back in mind old and sweet memories, associated with the per- fect cigar: a marriage, a birth of a child, a birthday or, more simply, a business success. In these cases feelings are central, and pairing the special event with a carefully chosen cigar is a must. But how can we choose? Old time smokers and aficionados who have been developing this passion for years would open their own humidor with watering eyes and after seve- ral hours of uncertainty, with slightly trembling hands, would manage to select, among the long desired sticks, a special vintage cigar reserved for a special moment, a limited edition of a pre- stigious brand, or simply the favorite one. Goes without saying, choice will be a difficult one. The newcomers would most probably visit the trusted tobacconist and, with the same excitement, would ask for suggestions and advices, the last ones after many others received by friends; all the pro- posals would be analyzed and, at the end, they will leave the shop satisfied by the chosen smoke, anti- cipating the experience in their imagination. The most difficult part is over. In our mind we have associated a specific celebration with a pleasure object, no matter where the cigar is from or which are the tobaccos used for the blend. Now it is time to live the present: in that particular moment, cigar becomes a central element of the joyful celebration, the cherry on top of the cake, part of our life. From now on this cigar will be indissolubly bound to the event in our emotional sphere, fur- ther strengthening happiness memory.9 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Modern in spirit, fuller in flavor and stronger in attitude. Specially designed and blended for those who want more.www.joyacigars.com @joyacigars #JoyaBlack MEDIUM MEXICAN SAN ANDRES NICARAGUAN WRAPPER BINDER & FILLER BODIED
SLOW ATTITUDEAging “low cost”TUBOSby Giuseppe MitoloIn the last decade, step by step, aluminum tubes and increasing market share that the tubo conti-gained space on tobacconists’ shelves. nues to retain are multiple. Many manufacturers choose this packaging because of the differentYet the usage of this rigid metal packaging is not advantages it features: cigar protection from sud-very recent in origins. Bibliographic sources indi- den humidity changes or from traumatic impacts,cate Francisco E. Fonseca (owner of the Cuban preservation of original aroma and, last but notbrand bringing the same name) as the first one least, a simpler single stick sale, also to cope withwho used this special metal cilinder for his cigars, importing countries-specific sales regulations.starting from the ‘40s. From the decade on, End-users are selecting a tubo cigar for the samethe tubo was progressively adopted by other reasons, plus for the after purchase storage andCaribbean factorie as well. Probably in those years transport easiness.this casing was often chosen since it was ensu-ring correct storage conditions during worldwide However, many aficionados are considering theshipments, in an epoch when most of the business tubo as a mid-long term aging tool. This casingwas done via slow sea transport. cannot, alone, substitute a humidification system. Even though it grants excellent short term sto-Nowadays, the reasons behind the consistent rage features, it cannot compensate for sudden11 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
humidity and temperature variations in the longrun. The latter in particular, due to the used metal-lic material, will tend to increase and decreasequite quickly, with the cigar inside undergoing ther-mal stress. This said, if a correct and constantstorage can be granted, the cigar could benefitfrom the time to refine and age (for a medium tolong aging process we suggest to keep humidityand temperature below average: 15-18 °C and58-62% relative humidity).The potentiality of the tube as “aging tool” residesin being almost airtight, minimizing humidity andtemperature variations (these aspects are furthermitigated by the presence inside of a cedar woodsleeve), once placed in the humidor. The hermeticclosure also limits the oxygen exchange, grantingminimal oxidation and extending standard agingtime. This is the reason why smoking two identi-cal cigars which have been preserved in the sameidentical conditions for decades, but packed in abox or in a tube, a stronger aroma can be foundin the latter one.One additional crucial aspect to be consideredwhen aging a cigar is the economic investment:when cigars are purchased for aging, normallyone buys a box or a cabinet. However in the lastfew years, many cigars (not only the highly expen-sive ones) are available in tubos, thus offering agood aging alternative decreasing the investment.In fact, even though the single stick price is higher,the possibility to choose how many cigars to buyoffers to the aficionado the decision to betterregulate the investment, maybe dedicating thesame amount of money, but splitting it into diffe-rent references.As last comment, since most smokers tend topurchase cigars from boxes, tobacco shops oftenfeature tubes which have been on shelf for a longtime: where it is possible to identify the packagingor manufacturing date (which are to be foundinside the tubos’ box for Cubans but cannot be writ-ten in some other packaging made by Caribbranfactories), you would be surprised by finding pro-ducts already aged for some years, differentlyfrom the samples from a box or from a cabinet,which are rarely older than twelve months. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 12
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www.zenith-watches.com LEGENDS ARE FOREVERCHRONOMASTER I El Primero Legend of Cohiba CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 14
SLOW ATTITUDEThe wrapper leafVARIETIES, AROMAS & CHARACTERISTICSby Michel ArliaWrappers are one of the main selling points about So, what can you expect from a certain type ofa cigar. The better it looks, the more you gravitate wrapper tobacco? What is it that distinguishestowards buying that cigar. But when it comes to that wrapper? What we are going to focus on, areblending, wrapper plays an equally important role. the overall characteristics coming from different types of wrapper leaves.Over the last decade, different types of wrapperleaves have grown in popularity and the variety of AFRICAN CAMEROONtobaccos used from different countries, has paral- A thinner and delicate tobacco, with a grainylelly grown as well. texture to it, grown in the Bertoua region. This type of tobacco originates from an imported SumatraMany tobacco varieties are grown outside of seed from Indonesia. It is mainly a sun-growntheir originary country. Even recently, manufactu- tobacco, with colors varying from light, almost gre-rers have gone above and beyond to bring new enish, to dark brown. A flavorful and rich tobacco,types of tobacco leaves from regions that were with subtle notes of wood and spices, paired withnot known for their tobacco before: Florida Sun a slight sweetness.Grown, Dominican Yamasá, Brazilian Bragançaand many more. Found on: A. Fuente Hemingway, Oliva Serie G, etc.15 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
BRAZILIAN ARAPIRACA packs tons of flavors, translating in earthy notesThis leaf gets its name from the region where it and sweetness.is cultivated and grown. The seed is Bahia. It isMaduro in color, but not as sweet as other “clas- Found on: AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro, Misic” Maduro wrappers. Compared to other Bahia Querida, etc.leaves, it is a more gentle and less earthy tobacco. CONNECTICUT SHADEFound on: Epic Maduro Fuerte, Roma Craft Another tobacco that the Connecticut River ValleyIntemperance BA XXI, etc. is famous for. This expensive wrapper leaf, as the name suggests, is grown in the shade (underBRAZILIAN MATA FINA sheets of cloth). It is the complete opposite of theAlso this tobacco gets its name from the growing Broadleaf wrapper: silky smooth and with almostregion to the east of the country and the actual no visible veins. It is also famous for its goldenseed used for growing it is again a Bahia seed. A color. This thin wrapper is mild, with hints of wood,sun-grown leaf, that when the curing process is grass and sweetness.done, turns in to a dark, almost black, tobacco.Smooth, sweet and rich in flavor, it develops mainly Found on: Ashton Cabinet, Highclare Castle, etc.earthy aromas. COROJOFound on: Roma Craft Wunder|Lust, Villiger San Developed in Cuba in the 1930’s. This seed wasDoro Maduro, etc. created through the selective breeding of the Criollo seed. Due to being prone to diseases (likeBROADLEAF Blue Mold) it was crossbred to create a moreThe Connecticut River Valley is famous for it. resistant strain. One of the better known varietyAlthough, varieties grown in other regions of the is Corojo ’99, which is a cross between a CorojoUnited States have gained a lot of popularity: the and a Connecticut seed. Nowadays, it is grown inPennsylvania Broadleaf for example. Another fully many different countries like Honduras, Mexico,sun-grown tobacco, that is famous for its big lea- Nicaragua and even in Kentucky, USA. Corojo lea-ves. Usually stalk cut (cut with an axe, not broken ves have fine veins with a dark brown and uniformoff by hand), it leaves the curing barn in a dark tonality, with characteristics ranging from pep-color. The leaves are heavy, thick, oily and veiny pery/smooth/sweet, that due to its toughnessat the same time. A rustic looking wrapper that can showcase burn issues. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 16
SLOW ATTITUDEFound on: Camacho Corojo, Joya de Nicaragua this tobacco its distinctive earthy aroma. Once fer-Dark Corojo, etc. mented the color tends to be on the darker side of the spectrum. San Andres wrapper has grownCRIOLLO in popularity over the years and many producersMostly referred to the seed originally grown in feature it in some of their lines.Cuba, can be considered and another originalCuba one. Since Criollo means “Native Seed” in Found on: Casa Turrent Serie 1901, La FlorSpanish, it can also indicate seeds that are native Dominicana La Nox, etc.to a particular country and may not derive fromthe original Cuban ones. This means the tobacco SUMATRAflavor can vary from country to country. This seed Hailing from the Indonesian island that bears thewas susceptible to mold. A famous and mold same name, this strain of tobacco is anotherresistant hybrid variety is Criollo ’98, prominently famous one and also cultivated in all the maincultivated in Honduras and Nicaragua. Honduran cigar growing countries in Middle and SouthCriollo ’98 is milder in taste, while the Nicaraguan America. This very distinctive leaf tends to be onversion is slightly more flavorful. A tobacco where the milder and sweeter side of the spectrum. Thethe difference in flavor completely depends on the Indonesian grown wrapper often seems matt andsoil in which it is grown. motely, with almost no sheen. Ecuador’s Sumatra is probably the most popular, on the other handFound on: Alec Bradley Nice Puro, Tatuaje Black can be darker and oilier.Label, etc. Found on: Viking Nordic Warrior, La RelobaHABANO Sumatra, etc.This tobacco is supposed to be a cross between aCuban and Connecticut Shade seed. Named after Honorable Mentions:its Cuban origin, were it was developed, this seedis cultivated in countries like Ecuador, Honduras CANDELAand Nicaragua. Although, the most famous and Is both a color and a wrapper variety. At oneprobably most used Habano wrappers come from point in time, yeas ago, it was the most popularEcuador. The natural oiliness and great cross-bre- wrapper leaf used on cigars. The Candela color isading ability have made this a versatile tobacco gained by a special fermentation process. A mild,and depending on the variety, it can range from smooth and sweet tobacco.being bold and spicy to sweet and complex. Found on: Illusione 88 Candela, Rocky Patel TheFound on: My Father, Enclave Habano, etc. Edge Candela, etc.INDONESIAN BESUKI KENTUCKYMostly grown in the Java region. There are three Compared to all the other tobaccos used fortypes of Besuki: VO (Vroege Oogst) Dutch for “early cigars, this gets a fire cured treatment. A seedharvest”, NO (Na Oogst) Dutch for “late harvest” that, over the years, has adapted the characte-and TBN (Tembakau Bawah Naungan), which loo- ristics to the soil that it is grown into. In Italy, forsely translates into “Shade Grown”. An aromatic example, the tobacco has different characteristicand sweet tobacco. depending on where it is cultivated. Nevertheless, the best Kentucky wrappers are cultivated inFound on: Montague, CVJ Cigars, etc. North America, in the region of Kentucky and Tennessee, thanks to thier texture and elasticity.MEXICAN SAN ANDRESThe rich volcanic soil along the Gulf of Mexico gives Found on: Toscano, Amazon, etc.17 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
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TOBACCO HISTORYTrinidadORIGINS OF A MYTHby Giuseppe MitoloTrinidad brand, despite being a quite recent one, solved in 1994 when Fidel Castro implicitly confir-features a story which is worth being told again, med its existence, but also stating he always usedat least for the several points shared with Cohiba. Cohibas as gift to the leading politicians visiting La Isla Grande.As mentioned in another article (CigarsLoverMagazine Spring 2016), the Laguito No.1 made In addition to the manufacturing site, Trinidad’sfor Cohiba was born with this name in 1966 and history is bound to the Cohiba one since, startingsince that year on the manufacturing was offi- from 1968, the supervision of El Laguito’s pro-cially established in the El Laguito factory, as per duction was in the hands of Avelino Lara, one ofthe explicit indication by the Lider Maximo Fidel the most famous Cuban “ligadores” (master blen-Castro: the purpose was to address the cigars ders), who kept his position of factory director uprolled there as diplomatic gifts. to 1994. The two ligas of the manufactured cigars were (and still are) different in terms of usedFew years later (1969) however, a gossip star- tobaccos fermentations: three for the Cohibas,ted that another Laguito No.1, not the Cohiba the standard two for the Trinidads.one, was actually manufactured at El Laguito, alsoto be used as diplomatic gifts. The mystery was Aficionados were requested to wait 1997 before19 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
the cigar was officially launched on the global mar- Foundador produced from 1997 to 2004ket as Trinidad Fundadores. This was also the year Foundador produced from 2004 to nowadaysthe cigar changed its name (from Laguito No.1to Fundadores) and its shape: despite length wasconfirmed (192 mm), the diameter increasedfrom 38 (grueso which was a characteristic of theLaguito No.1 vitola de galera) to 40, celebratingthe birth of a new vitola de galera, named Laguitoespecial. Additional difference between the twocigars was the two bands: even though graphicallyidentical, the Trinidad Fundadores’ one was slightlylarger than the previous Laguito No.1’s one.The main curiosity shared by all the aficionados ishowever expressed by the most classical question:from a taste perspective, how different were thetwo Trinidads pre and post-1997? On this we canmention the very short statement by Min Ron Neein his “An illustrated encyclopaedia of post revo-lution Havana cigars”, talking about the LaguitoNo.1 by Trinidad: “They tasted very similar to avery good Cohiba Lanceros to me. The strengthwas 4/5.”. If you are looking for a more detailedand complete review, you can find the same in ourwebsites cigarslover.com and cigarslovermaga-zine.com.Brand offering was only made it wider in 2004when, in addition to Fundadores, Reyes (vitola degalera reyes, 40 x 110), Coloniales (coloniale, 44x 132) and Robusto Extra (doble, 50 x 155), werereleased, all of them characterized by a pig-tailhead finish, which became a symbol of this brand(up to now a unique case in Cuban production) andby a new band, which has survived up to now.In 2012 however, with no evident reasons, themanufacturing of Robusto Extra was stopped,even though the sales had no problems, and thesmoke was capable of delivering a very intere-sting experience, so that it was often comparedto Cohiba Siglo VI (cañonazo, 52 x 150) becauseof similar dimensions. Since 2004 the wholeTrinidad production has been moved from ElLaguito to Francisco Donatien’s factory in Pinardel Rio.In 2009, to celebrate the 40th birthday of thisbrand, the Robusto T (Del Valle, 124 x 50) was CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 20
TOBACCO HISTORYintroduced in the standard vitolario, then discon- del Habano event.tinued 3 years after. Most probably, the releaseof a Robusto sized cigar (even though with a pig- However, despite the Trinidad brand was officiallytail finish), placed in the same price range and the launched in 1969, Cuba is not insensitive to thehistorical association to the Cohiba brand, was 1997 date, the year of the commercial internatio-posing this cigar in a direct competition with the nal launch of the Trinidad Fundadores, the othermore established and famous Cohiba Robusto, milestone. This is confirmed by the launch in 2007compared to which the Trinidad was not at same of the first Trinidad Limited Edition (Ingenios) and,level of performance. ten years after, in 2017, when the La Trova (caño- nazo especial 166 x 52) has been given to shops,A very different success was obtained by the as the first La Casa del Habano dedicated editionhumidor released the year after to celebrate the by Trinidad.brand’s anniversary. Only manufactured in fourhundred units, it was featuring forty Cañonazo The attention showed by Habanos SA to this brandT, a pig-tail headed cañonazo as per the typical has always been remarkable; it is not a casualityTrinidad characteristic. that, with Cuaba and San Cristobal de La Habana, is one of the “niche brands”.Not related to any specific celebration, the 2011Book Habanos was the first approach of the brand Evident proofs can be identified: the few cigarsto the very limited collectors-oriented production, which are part of the catalogue provide a con-which also released the new Torre Iznaga module, stant manufacturing quality, which is difficult tothen rarely repeated by other brand as Regional match in the nowadays Cuban production; theEditions. dedicated packaging (varnished semi boite nature for 12 or 24 sticks, where cigars are aligned inAnd it is a must mentioning the “Farm House”, different levels and perpendicularly to the openingreleased between 2001 and 2002: a graceful direction of the box) is exclusive; the few Limitedmasterpiece, since calling it a humidor is a mere Editions kept the brand aside from the high num-offense. It featured a typical Cuban campesina bers production frenzy; having in the portfolio ahouse, where ten Fundadores and ten Double real tobacco manufacturing masterpiece suchRobusto (robusto Especiales, 192 x 50) were sto-red. The first hundred released units, which wereindividually numbered, made it the most desiredand expensive collector-market humidor.Following this important success, in 2003different replicas of Farm House, not clearly num-bered, were released, and sold during the Festival21 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
as the Fundadores, which is comparable to the TRINIDAD LIMITED EDITIONSCohiba Lancero, has given to the brand a specialevidence. 2007 Ingenios Cervante (42 x 165 - 6,5”)For all these reasons this brand has become areal favorite of many Cuban cigars lovers, even to 2010 Short Robusto Tthe ladies, who can find in these cigars a sweet Short Del Valle (50 x 102 - 4”)aromatic palette and a mild to medium body. 2016 Topes Curiosity Topes (56 x 125 - 4,9”)Before Castro’s revolution a different “Trinidad”brand existed (Trinidad y Hermanos) which, howe-ver, had nothing to do with the 1969 one; theancient brand was paying homage to the city ofTrinidad (Sancti Spiritus province), which gainedthe World Heritage by UNESCO status in 1988. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 22
PILLSMatchesTHE VINTAGE TRENDby Luca CominelliYears are passing by, trendy habits are chan- It has to be absolutely avoided to put tobacco inging, but Classics are forever. Cigar gesture is, touch with the crackling flame originated by thein everybody’s imagination, often linked to a thin sulfur. Few seconds have to pass, and when thewood stick, the match. Lighting up moment is a flame becomes stable, this is the sign that wood,real ritual, when the fruition is anticipated of the and no longer sulfur, is burning and one can pro-previously smelled and cut cigar. The classical ceed with no further hesitations, putting cigar’squick hand movement to quench the match is, in foot near to the flame.addition, the one really initiating the smoke. Differently from the completely odourless butane,Many aficionados do consider this the best ligh- match’s fire gives off the aromas related to bur-ting modality. Is this the truth? ning wood. We are talking about something really minor and almost negligible, but present. SaidEven though gesture has timeless charm, the that, the best storage method for cigars is thematch features some peculiarities to pay atten- wooden humidor. Even the best ones, craftedtion to. First of all it goes without saying that it using extensively aged woods, feature a mild woo-has to be used in closed environment or avoided den aroma. This is not a problem at all for cigars,in open air during windy days; moreover, a lot of and the wood of the match is not an issue as well.attention has to be given to actual lighting up. Tocreate a flame, the head of the match is covered For a “purist” looking for the best “aseptic” ligh-in sulfur which, thanks to friction, triggers a spark ting, matches are not the best method. Howeverand then fire. Differently from match’s wood, for those individuals considering lighting up a realwhich burns without releasing smells which can ritual, the gesture introduced by the match isimpact on the cigar, sulfur has a very strong smell. quite difficult to be overtaken.23 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
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EVENTSInspirado watchMACANUDO & CUERVO Y SOBRINOSby Luca CominelliOn Monday 20th of November, the collaboration The watch is a limited edition dedicated to thebetween Cuervo y Sobrinos and Macanudo was Macanudo brand and specifically to the Inspiradoofficially launched, bringing to life a watch with line, from which it takes the flamboyant and eye-great attention to details. catching orange color.The event was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, Only 50 watches were made and they will be soldin a two days event about slow smoking. From exclusively in the Macanudo shops of New York,the beautiful Admiral Hotel to the Macanudo Amsterdam and Copenhagen.lounge, only a few steps away, in an atmosphereof friendship and common passion for cigars the The dial is decorated with the “M“ of Macanudolong-awaited presentation took place. and the hands that mark the hours recall once again the color of the Inspirado line. The real treatCuervo y Sobrinos is a company with roots running is placed in the back of the clock. Sliding it from thedeep, back to 135 years, when it was founded in wrist, the transparent back reveals the mechani-1882 in Cuba, in the city of La Habana. They pro- sms, on which the writing “Macanudo Inspirado“duce luxury watches, which are handmade with is written.maximum attention.27 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Although this is not the first or the only watchcreated by a collaboration between a tobaccocompany and a luxury watch producer, what reallystands out is the attention to details and the factthat nothing has been left to chance. What hasleft us equally satisfied is the packaging in whichthe beautiful watch is enclosed: it is not a box thatis inspired by a humidor, it is a real humidor ofimposing size and ready to be used right away.The orange coloring ties it again to the Inspiradobrand and the materials of which it is made from,immediately give off the image of a quality product,made to be used and to last over time; in short,everything but a simple souvenir or ornament.Maria Luisa Giannini, Managing Director at Cuervoy Sobrino, during the presentaton said: “we aredeeply enthusiastic about this collaboration, bornwith a prestigious brand that is known by all cigarlovers”. During the evening, Mark Renard, coordi-nator of the Macanudo project, stated that “a newchapter has just begun for us. Both brands areaimed toward the same clientele”. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 28
LOUNGEThe Auld AllianceSINGAPOREby Simone Poggi ““Far East also means culture by searching of the intricate Chinese calligraphies, of the impos- for the thinking self.” sible to understand and order street food, but of Tiziano Terzani, the European lifestyle, of the futuristic architectu- ral masterpieces, of the New-Yorker restaurants, Firenze 1938 – Orsigna 2004 of the Swisse order and tidiness as well. Even the local civic duty can teach us important lessons,As a result of few travels to China, India, Malesia such as the funny campaign devoted to increa-and Philippines one could be tempted to believe sing the local public transport courtesy, wherehaving seen most of the treasures Far East might several ad-hoc created, Japanese manga styledisplay. And this is one of the distinction points of characters suggest appropriate metro behaviors.the true traveler, since he does not make easy As an example #GiveWayGlenda, young and highlyassumptions; an unexplored corner always exists, implausible curly girl, suggesting to leave the seata different and unique place which can contribute free for elder people. All this topped by generousto open our minds, and sometimes even to open Asian style. Sometimes even passing the limits,our eyes wide. This can well be said for the Cigars as for the severe prohibition of importing chewingWorld, for sure. gums, carefully confiscated at Customs on arrival. In this picture we can better understand the desireSingapore in itself accounts for this, is the Far East29 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
for re-creating some of the English high class life-style images, such as a classic leather coacheslounge, exceptional atmosphere only enlightenedby few “retro” lights, pointing straight to one ofthe most incredible whiskeys selection ever seen,1500 bottles which could cause numbness evento top experts.Only issue, here cigars are not sold, the law doesnot allow so; however for those (such as us) whobrought a stick from home, the careful waitershows a dedicate room, a real tasting haven, hid-den by a sliding door, where it is possible to bothsmoke and organize few people private parties.We did not reserve, but tonight it is free, a clearomen that the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto willmagnificently marry the chosen Nikka from theBarrel. And this is true with no doubts. The thincapa is a silky one, showing evidently it has beenaged to perfection. The draw since the beginningprovides deep sensations, with an importantvolume of dense and pleasant smoke reaching thepalate. The body is quite intense, but the sweetnotes of the whiskey are rounding and smoothingthe cigar. Remarked notes of hazelnut are imme-diately given off, paired by a great quality leather.In the second tercio the aromas palette widens,with some puffs resembling roasted coffee, notwithout moving into black pepper notes, evidentand very nice, which the spirit helps quenching.We actually burn out our fingers to smoke the lastcentimeters, we would try to squeeze the glass ifthat would help. Truly a great pairing, such as FarEast and Switzerland, such as Singapore.POSITION REACHABILITY CIGARS SPIRITS SERVICE quite not difficult not sold more than careful central to reach 1.500 bottlesINFOThe Auld Alliance, 9 Bras Basah Road, RendeVous Hotel Gallery #02-02ª, Singapore 189559http://www.theauldalliance.sg/ CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 30
PILLS Finishing THE OPTIONAL STEP by Nicolò Veronese By ageing the whisky in oak casks we aim to transfer aromas and flavours from the barrel to the spirit. Choosing a good casks is essential to obtain a good whisky. In addition to ageing, we have the finishing process: distille- ries use very distinctive casks to give the spirit another layer of complexity and to round its edges. Although it may seem a common practice amongst produ- cers today, this process has gone from being experimental to become a widespread one only during the last fifteen- twenty years. Among the most used barrels for finishing there are Port pipes, which as the name implies are large 650-liters barrels that contained Vinho do Porto and Sherry butts, a smaller type of oak casks used for sherry maturation. There are also Madeira barrels and those used for ageing Rum. Recently some distilleries have raised the bar by introducing the use of casks purchased from wineries, like Sauternes, Barolo, Amarone, French barriques and Tokaji, but virtually any type of cask is usable. Glenfiddich just released two whiskies with an even more experimental finishing: in IPA (Indian Pale Ale) and ice wine barrels, a particular type of wine obtained by vinification of frozen grapes harvested in winter. Starting from a product with a certain character, it’s obvious that the master blender has to choose the right cask for the right spirit: nothing weak and nothing over- powering. To give a practical example, a master blender won’t use a very flavorful barrel like a first-filll Sherry butt to finish a spirit with a light body and subtle taste. In essence, the finishing process allows the various distil- leries to experiment and play with a much wider range of flavors and products. However since it’s a drastic intervention on the distillate, finishing attracted some criticism: detractors say that its aim is to soften products otherwise too sharp for the consumer, and sometimes it serves to hide certain defects of the final product.31 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Triple-aged & hand-selected by all the Maestros del Ron CubanoFrom left to right:Juan Carlos GONZALES, Manuel CALDERON,Cesar Augusto MARTI, Asbel MORALES,Maestros del Ron Cubano Taste our know-how wisely.
DRINKSIrish CoffeeTHE IRISH HEATby Nicola RuggieroIf someone would ask you what kind of beverage with “why not an Irish Whiskey, soothing like a girl’sdo you associate with Ireland, what would come kiss, finished with the addition of coffee, as blackinto your mind? as Cromwell’s heart, and a float of Irish cream. This is the famous Irish Coffee“. Stanton DelaplaneUndoubtedly about Irish whiskey… but what if you was so impressed by the story that on his returnwere asked to think of a warm beverage instead? to San Francisco decided to report what he hadWithout any doubt, the Irish Coffee would be the learned in his editorial and after only a couple ofprotagonist. A warm beverage made with simple weeks from its publication, he convinced Jackand common ingredients, but not easy to select, Koeppler, barman and owner of the Buena Vistaprocess and combine. For that reason it’s not Bar (historical bar of the city, known for its con-difficult to find a place that serves this drink, but sumption of two carton of Irish Whiskey per year)to find a place that serves a proper Irish Coffee to recreate the recipe. Starting from that day, themade with care, because oftentimes you end up Whiskey consumption reached a thousand car-drinking a beverage made of coffee and alcohol tons per year.which are not properly mixed. It is a recipe thatcontains the warmth of the Irish people, to the The recipe got so popular that reached the bigpoint that it helps to counteract the cold tempe- cities of the United States, becoming a real trend.ratures of Ireland. Over time, however, Joe’s unhealthy life and his proximity to alcohol, pushed him to the edge ofThis drink was casually born in 1943, at the success of this popular drink.airport of Foyones. An airplane was heading from There were many who argued that the use of theBotwood to New Foundland. The adverse weather whiskey was the only way to cover the horribleconditions forced the captain to turn around the taste of the Irish coffee, but Joe always repliedplane and land. The exhausted passenger were that in reality the making of it also came from theasked if the could heat themselves up sipping on every morning habit to prepare a remedy to reco-something hot. Chef Joe Sheridan was asked to ver from the hangovers of the night before.provide beverages for passengers. That night,the Irish coffee was born under unexpected cir- Being a member of Alcoholics Anonymus he toldcumstances, and yet it remained unknown until of his definitive detachment from whiskey and1950, when Stanton Delaplane, a journalist alcohol in general, that filled his life with financialfrom San Francisco, was waiting for its plane at and health problems. His detachment was soShannon airport (where he was transferred after drastic that it led him to abandon his career asthe closure of Foyenes airport). He went to bar barman and consequently made him no longerto recover from that autumn evening cold and he able to benefit economically from the popularitywas served an Irish Coffee. He was immediately of his drink.smitten by the drink and was curious enough toask how it was prepared. The fame of the Buena Vista Bar also aroused curiosity to Count Cryl McCormack, who reque-Joe did not hesitate to tell him that it was born to sted an interview with Joe. One of the mostheat up the poor passengers who were rerouted noteworthy question of the interview was: “whatback due to bad weather conditions and concluded whiskey brands do you recommend for the making33 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
of the drink?“ Joe answered that, because of their to let the cream rest for forty-eight hours afterpopularity in the upper middle class, he preferred making it.to use John Powers or John Jameson, which wereserved in the best Irish hotels. The barman Joe Even today, the Buena Vista Bar is considered theSheridan was completely shelved from the story. mecca of Irish Coffee in the United States, with anSame goes for the journalist Stanton Delaplane, annual consumption of nineteen thousand liters ofwho was never involved in the advertisement cam- Irish Whiskey.paigns of the Irish Whiskey industry to put the IrishCoffee on all menus around the United States. The Joe Sheridan instead, rests in the cemetery ofjournalist was so outraged by the story, that he Oakland since 1962.distanced himself from it. IRISH COFFEE RECIPEDespite the many coffee based creations that fol- • Heat up a 6 ounces glass (about 18cl) withlowed, the Irish Coffee was unique enough to still hot waterbe in the cultural baggage of every bartender. As • Fill the glass up to 3/4 with black coffeementioned before, the making of the drink is not • Dissolve 3 sugar cubessimple at all. The problem, still recurrent, seems • Add a shot of Irish whiskey (3cl are recomto be linked directly to the cream that is supposed mended) and top it with cream that mustto float on the black liquid without breaking down. float on the drink (to facilitate the operationHistory tells us that the solution was brought to it is good to mount it slightly).light thanks to the mayor of San Francisco, whoowned a dairy shop and advised the experimenters CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 34
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DRINKSThe 5 bottlesCOLLECTABLE WHISKIESby Federico BoscoCollecting bottles of whiskey has always been a PORT ELLEN 12yo - 1980hot topic: is it better to buy expensive bottles andkeeping them closed or is it a better idea ope- Distilled: 1967 or 1968ning and share them no matter what is Bottled: 1980the liquid inside? Distillery: Port Ellen Bottler: Port EllenDistilleries are releasing more and more ABV: 40%often limited editions of their whiskies. No. of bottles: not declaredThese products are intended for wealthy Size: 750mlcollectors willing to do whatever it takes to Last known price: 15.000 $have those rare and precious bottles. Thesecondary whiskey market is flourishing In February 2015 Serge Valentin, thenow more than ever: sales volume most known whisky reviewer in theand prices incresead as well,and it looks like every record world, gave a score of 99/100 tohas been broken. this whisky. He ended his tasting notes by saying: “I will neverWe decided to create a find a better whisky than this”.non-exhaustive list of verysought-after bottles. We Port Ellen distillery closeddidn’t chose the most in 1983, and this bott-expensive ones, but we ling is dedicated to a visitfocus our attention on from Queen Elizabeth II inproducts capable to tell 1980. The label says “12a story. This list containshighly regarded whiskies years old”, which meansby those who have this spirit was distillatebeen lucky enough to in 1967. Very little istaste them, giving up known about this par-a decent amount ofmoney coming from ticolar bottling, excepttheir sale. its rarity and quality. Iain McArthur, theWith this introduc- legendary Lagavulintion, it is clear thatwe are referring to warehouse mana-unique bottling. ger made the casks selection for thisHere follow five of whisky, and maybethe most rare bottlesever made. he is the only one to remeber something more about this treasure. Few of these bottles37 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
were up to auction a few times in the past years, figure. The box itself consists of two differentand they were sold for an “average” price, chea- woods with hand carved details. It’s a smallper than what you could expect from a so rare masterpiece and a real piece of history.and sought-after bottle of whisky. BOWMORE 1966KARUIZAWA 1960 Cask 5627 SAMAROLI “BOUQUET”Distilled: 1 February 1960 Distilled: 1966Bottled: 1 January 2013 Bottled: 1984Distillery: Karuizawa Distillery: Bowmore Bottler: Samaroli Bottler: Karuizawa ABV: 53% Cask Strength ABV: 51.8% Cask No. of bottles: 720 bottles Strength Size: 750ml No. of bottles: 41 bottles Last known price: 24.800 $ Size: 700ml Last known price: Silvano Samaroli is considered 115.000 $ by many a pioneer of single malt whiskies as we know them today, Karuizawa was a Japanese and one of the first independent distillery operating between bottlers in the world. He was a 1955 and 2001. well known Italyn master, capable to select an impressive amount of Japanese law does excellent products even from unde- not allow the recon- restimated distilleries. struction or the reopening of a The Bowmore Bouquet is closed distillery, considered by many as the so the remai- best Bowmore ever made; ning stocks have just say “Bouquet” to any been acquired whisky enthusiast and you by Number One will see them quickly chan- Drinks: their limi- ging their facial expression. ted releases and the intrinsic value This bottle is practically non- of the spirit con- existent due to the fact that tribute to create a only 720 bottles were pro- very sought-after duced back in 1984, and product. they have been tasted by whisky enthusiasts all over The “cask 5627” the world; the last few bot- is probably the tles belong to big collectors. oldest barrel of The chance to find one of Karuizawa, a relic these is almost the same as of a distillery that winnig the lottery. will never exist again. The packa- The back-label says: “It’s like ging of the 41 bottles drinking straight from theis unique: the double label was hand-produced in barrel”. No better wordsJapan and in Glasgow, Scotland. Each bottle is can describe this bottling,accompanied by a unique hand-carved wooden CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 38
DRINKS definitely to consider as a liquid before World War II, a totally different era, and gold made in Scotland. bottled more than 30 years ago. A bottle that tells History better than many others: an intrinsic MACALLAN value that should not be underestimated. VINTAGE 1926 BALVENIE 50 YO CASK 191 Distilled: 1926 Bottled: 1986 Distilled: 26 January 1952 Distillery: Macallan Bottled: 6 September 2002 Bottler: Macallan Distillery: Balvenie ABV: 42.6% Bottler: Balvenie No. of bottles: 40 bottles ABV: 45.1% Cask Strength Size: 750ml No. of bottles: 83 bottles Last known price: 85.000 $ Size: 700ml Last known price: In every ranking of the most 37.000 $ expensive whiskies in the world you come across a Balvenie is known for the sweetly intense character bottle of Macallan, no of their whiskies. Cask matter what. 191 was among the last barrels filled in 1952 at We have selected Balvenie distillery: it is a the most evoca- dark and tive one. This is thick spirit. an exception whi- sky, capable to 83 bottles were give of a superb hand-labelled dram , even it and signed would be tough by David finding someone Stewart, the willing to have a mind behind five zeros loss Balvenie and by opening this its reputa- bottle. tion. He was able to give The 1926 is the something oldest vintage of more to the the series: the distillery pro- whisky had been duction over matured for 60 the last 50 years before the years. This bottling. Just a few is an almost whiskies can boast impossible to this numbers. An taste whisky. aging of 40-50 years is already A whisky to capable to give be conside- birth to a unique red as a a nectar. This spirit legendary one . was distilled way39 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 40
LIFE IS SHORTTAKE THE TRIPSMOKE A CIGARHAVE A COFFEEENJOY YOUR LIFE WELCOME TO OUR WORLD. Gurkha www.importadoracorazza.ch
DRINKS10 The list of the suggested 10 whiskies of 2017 iswhisky a selection of products coming from all over the world, belonging to different terroir.of 2017 The criteria we adopted to make the choices regards spirits commercialized in 2017 as new or as a new batch, capable to deliver a very high quality dram. There are also some rare products, not so easy to find, that will gain value in terms of “collectability”. The list is about what to buy in order to have great prodcuts for the year ahead. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 42
DRINKSAMRUT BENROMACHPortonova 2009 Triple Distilled62,1% | €€ | India 50,0% | €€€ | ScotlandThe Indian distillery was founded after World War Benromach is a Speyside distillery founded inII, but it did not produce whisky until the 1980s. 1898, which has gone through several closureThe company is aimed towards innovation and back in the 1900s, until its acquisition by Gordontechnology while maintaining low production costs & MacPhail, an independent Scottish bottler. Theand thus commercialize a product at a fair price. brand has been completely renewed, as so theIt was a very good decision and Amrut is now a range of products. Nowadays, new releases areconstantly growing brand. often coming to the market.Just like Kavalan, Amrut also has the “problem” of The triple distillation is a rather expensive pro-evaporation, and the maturation of whisky takes cess that only few distilleries maintain today.place much faster. Benromach decided to play this card, introducing the Vintage 2009.Amrut products rarely exceed 7/8 years ofageing, and Portonova is an example of that. Solid With this 2009 Triple Distilled there is a sortand complex product, it has some very particular of return to origins, due to the use of methodsnuances, which make it able to compete on equal almost completely in disuse, which not many otherlevels with more renowed products. produters can boast. This whisky is something really new, to try absolutely and do bring in to theThe decision to maintain a high ABV is appreciable. new year.43 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
BULLEIT KAVALAN10 Years Old Solist Vinho Barrique45,6% | € | U.S.A. 56,3% | €€€ | TaiwanAugustus Bulleit founded the distillery in 1830. He Kavalan is a distillery located in Taiwan. Recentlywanted to commercialize his favorite bourbon, the founded, in a few years it has been able to establishone he regularly carried around in barrels to sell. itself on the market among international compe-One day, mysteriously, he disappeared, also brin- titions, winning prizes almost everywhere, oftenging with him the secret of his bourbon. Based surpassing a lot of well known producers. Thein Louisville, the distillery has been operating for organoleptic characteristics are different compa-the second time since 1987, after distilling from red to the Scotch or Japanese whiskies, making1830 to 1860. the tasting of these products very interesting.The 10 Years Old is a new product but at the same The flagships of the entire production are thetime is a matured one. New because it arrived in “Solist”, full-grade bottling that are young in termsmany countries in 2017, navigated because in the of age but, due to the high tropical evaporation,US has been available since 2013, and above all, are capable to deliver a great complexity.because boasts a remarkable aging for a bourbon. Vinho Barrique is aged in barrels that previouslyThis 10 years is a step forward to the more tradi- contained red or white wine, before being filledtional and widespread Bulleit, aged about 6 years. with whiskey.The gradation is slightly higher and guarantees anexcellent result. Each cask we tried was exceptional. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 44
DRINKSLAGAVULIN MAKER’S MARK12 2017 Cask Strength56,5% | €€ | Scotland 55,8% | €€ | U.S.A.Lagavulin is located on the south coast of Islay, in Maker’s Mark entered the market in 1958Scotland, and together with Ardbeg and Laphroaig and it is a distillate of barley and wheat, withoutit represents a solid reality in the peated Scoth rye, despite the American tradition. The ageingwhisky world. method is special: young barrels are movedThe malt comes from the nearby Port Ellen plant upwards regularly, as was done several years agoand is peated at around 40 PPM, a quite high in the bourbon world. Straight from Kentucky, thislevel which goes well with the complexity of all the is the cask strength version of the classic “redLagavulin branded high quality whisky, that exhibits wax” Maker’s Mark, named after the red sealingan enviable consistency and an extremely reduced wax-like closure that closes the cap.core – range of products. The distillery does not have many products in itsThe 12yo is an annual and limited edition, but since core-range, yet it boastds a solid reputation for itsits first appearance ten years ago it has been a quality and consistency.guaranteed excellence confirmed every year. Many other U.S. distilleries offer full-grade bottlesA whisky with two souls: the power given by peat, touching over 60 degrees, making it difficult toits youth and high alcohol content being a cask drink given the high ABV. This Maker’s Mark, withstrenght. All without any defect. The usual, classic its 54/55 degrees, is a good compromise, moreand splendid Lagavulin 12. intense, but still fresh and enjoyable.45 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
MIYAGIKYO OCTOMORESingle Malt 08.345,0% | €€ | Japan 61,2% | €€€ | ScotlandMiyagikyo was founded by the legendary Masataka Octomore is a Bruichladdich brand, dedicated toTaketsuru in 1969. Once in the uninhabited area the production of very peated whiskies. The distil-located between two rivers and mountains (now lery is located on the island of Islay and producesknown as the Miyagi prefecture), Taketsuru deci- three very different spirits: Bruichladdich, not pea-ded to build a distillery, considering it the perfect ted, Port Charlotte, peated at about 50 PPM, andspot: right humidity, plenty of water and clean air. Octomore, always above 100 parts per million ofThe love towards Japanese whiskies shows no peat. With the 08.3 PPM is over 300, making thissigns of diminishing. whisky the “most peated in the world”.In the last five years the few aged bottles available This line is an experiment wanted by Jim McEwan,on the market were literally raided and prices on who for years has been bringing quite young butthe market got quite high, also due to the almost very solid products onto the market. Needless tototal lack of products with a long maturation. say, these malts are extremely appreciated or extremely disdained; however, the intrinsic value ofThis product, practically the only one available in an operation of this kind, which often sees ageingthe distillery’s core-range, represents an excellent in particular selected barrels and ABV often abovecompromise between the search for Japanese 55°, has to be apprecciated. A particolar way toproducts and the complexity that only years of create something unique in the vast panorama ofaging can give to whiskey. peated whiskies. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 46
DRINKSPUNI SPINGBANKSole 12 Years Old Cask Strength46% | €€ | Italy 56,5% | €€ | ScotlandPuni distillery produces for just a few weeks during Campbeltown has a fairly wide history of distille-the whole year, and annually renews its core-range ries: at the most favorable moment, there wereof products. about 35 open distilleries in this part of Scotland.We have seen a constant and gradual improve- Today the number has been reduced to 3, amongment of the production from this distillery, the only which Springbank stands out, making some ratherone in Italy. peculiar products. Springbank uses a completely manual production method; the distillery produc-This whisky is the latest one released from Puni, tion has a quite small capacity, which guaranteeslocated in Glorenza, Trentino-Alto Adige. e a solid consistency in the products con a soldi consistency of its products.A whisky that matures for two years in ex-bou-rbon casks and the next two in ex-sherry Pedro This 12 year old is regularly commercialized inXimenez barrels. The “Sole” represents a decisive different cask strenght batches, with a predomi-step forward. Youth is not perceivable and com- nance of ex-sherry barrels (about 70%). Despiteplexity is guaranteed by the choice of barrels. its young age, this Scotch delivers a high maturity and a prominent complexity; a “masculine” malt.Continuing on this path, in the future this producerwill be gradually more and more apprecciated, due The different batches maintain an excellent qualityto the constant improvement of their products. level, at a very interesting quality /price ratio.47 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
For Don Tomás Nicaragua, Master Blender Leader Arapiraca, Brazil and covered with a shade-grownAgustín Garcia worked closely with the blending wrapper from Jalapa.team in Estelí, Nicaragua and with tobacco grower Don Tomás Nicaragua showcases a nice, spicyPedro Gurdian, who specializes in growing tobacco and nutty flavor, paired with sweetness, woody,within the virgin soils of the Nicaraguan regions and salty notes and has nicely defined colors andJalapa, Condega Pueblo and Estelí. Filler tobaccos very little, thin veins. It has significant body andfrom these regions are blended with Dominican features fantastic construction which leads to thePiloto Cubano, held together by a binder from perfect smoking experience. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 48
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