AWARDS Awards51 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
2017 Awards keep the style that has always on the new releases, but without forgetting thedistinguished us, aimed at giving the right focus to classic lines, capable to amaze even after yearsevery terroir. The four major producing countries from their born. To support the TOP 5, there are(Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic) also the best producers for terroir and the bestplus the “Rest of the world” cathegory, contai- buy. This year, however, we wanted to expand ourning all the cigars made in countries with a lower focus, extending the Awards to a new category,production, make up the main list. Five products which for years now has had a huge attention bywere selected in each terroir. The choice was the cigar lovers: the so-called “boutique brands”.made among the better performing cigars tested Many are now the boutique cigars, but only 10 areduring the year, from products tested in the blind the chosen ones, selected as the best among thetastings and in the reviews, with a particular eye new productions released in recent months.Best cigars Cuba ................................................................................. 53 Honduras ....................................................................... 57 Nicaragua ...................................................................... 61 Repubblica Dominciana ........................................... 65 Resto del mondo ......................................................... 69Best brands producers of the year ............................................... 75Boutique brands the best niche productions .................................... 82Best buy top cigars by quality/price ..................................... 85 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 52
AWARDSCubaThe Cuban 2017 confirmed some productions excellence. However, there are new stars in thethat have always ridden the wave and are believed Cuban panorama, which in the last years haveto be the most consistent ones, capable of never seen a considerable improvement in qualitybetraying the expectations of the aficionado, that and production consistency. The most strikingwith confidence is used to smoke these the true example is the Montecristo Edmundo. The realworkhorses produced in “La Grande Isla”, such as revelation however, was the cigar surroundedthe Hoyo de Monterrey No.2, a cigar that since by the highest expectations in 2017, the limitedthe time of the Cuban revolution represents an edition branded Cohina, the Talismán.53 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS COHIBA Talismán1 Ed. Limitata 2017MAJESTIC.RIPE FRUITS AND SPICES.CUBAN SOUL, COHIBA TASTE.The most awaited limited edition of the year, recently introduced to the mar-ket. As it happend for the past releases of the Edición Limitada Cohiba, cigarsare commercialized in a wooden box of 10 pieces, with a varnished finish, astradition for all the cigars belonging the brand. In this case, cigars are arran-ged in two rows, being a Slide Lid Box, which means the top slip.Being this is a limited edition, so all the tobacco used to make these cigars isaged for a minimum of two years.The cigars are wrapped in a colorado maduro leaf, silky to the touch. The fillingis generous and uniform. The head finish shows a pigtail. The constrictions isfree from defects.Medium to full strength (4/5). It opens up with fine wood, a touch of vanillaand a hint of white pepper in the background. Soon the spicy component turnsto pink pepper and intense notes of cocoa beans and fine wood reache thepalate. Halfway through the smoke, a riot of ripe fruit is delivered, together withan acidulous vein, making a great combination with the sweet base. Wood,cocoa and spices are now followed by hazelnuts. Going on, the spices increasein intensity, accompanying every single puff. Aromas of coffee beans, hot pep-pers and cocoa, give rise to a finale with fireworks, exhibitin a great intensity.Refined and powerful, the Cohiba Talismán’s aromatic palette seems to becreated by the union of a Siglo VI and a Behike 52. The smoke is creamy andsilky, equipped with an excellent harmony. One of the best limited edition ever,showing all the conditions for a further improvement, after a resting periodof a few years.Size: 54 x 154 mm (6,1”) 94EUR: 47 | USD: -Wrapper: CubaBinder: CubaFiller: Cuba CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 54
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS2 HOYO DE MONTERREY Epicure No.2INTESE. CEDAR AN WHITE PEPPER. CREAMY & REFINED.From the Cuban Revolution, the Epicure No. 2 has been the Robusto of thebrand. It is distinguishes itself from the the suave flavors of the brand, orientedtowards a more masculine smoke.Strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5). The smoke is sweet and startsout with notes of cedar and white pepper, followed by earth and piquant hints.Continuing, coffee beans get delivered, while the finale turns to cocoa andchili spices, with herbs in the background, completing the aromatic bouquet.A smoke of great aromatic intensity and a well structured bouquet. It exhibitsan exceptional persistency and harmony. Creamy and elegant. Satisfying.Size: 50 x 127 mm (5”) 93EUR: 11 | USD: -Wrapper: CubaBinder: CubaFiller: Cuba3 MONTECRISTO EdmundoBOLD. A SPICE BOMB. A CLASSIC MONTECRISTO.Introduced in 2004, the nowadays Edmundo has nothing to share with thefirst productions, resembling more the old Montecristos, stronger and bolder.Strength is medium – full (4/5). It start out by bringing a mix of black pepperand cedar wood to the palate, quickly followed by earthy and spicy notes. Thereis a slightly perceivable aroma of herbs in the background. Halfway through,smokey notes are added. The finale delivers rich notes of coffee beans, toge-ther with hot spices and rich herbs.Intense and equipped with an ample evolution. The spicy component is presentfrom the first puff, increasing continuously in intensity. Very satisfying.Size: 52 x 135 mm (5,3”) 92EUR: 13 | USD: -Wrapper: CubaBinder: CubaFiller: Cuba55 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
4 PARTAGAS Salomones La Casa del HabanoHARMONIOUS. WOODY & SPICY. CUBAN TASTE.Introduced in 2008, it was initially a La Casa del Habano exclusive cigar. Todayit is fairly widespread. The size is majestic and it surpasses a two hour smo-king time. 2017 production is better performing compared to the past years.Strength is medium – full (4/5). The cigar starts out with notes of cedar woodand spices, which are outlined in white pepper. Leather and hazelnut reachthen the palate. The spicy component decreases slightly in the middle section,but returns to the forefront in the finale, together with earth and spices.A cigar with a great aromatic intensity, capable to deliver a very prolongedpersistency. Excellent harmony and balance. Giant in size and goodness.Size: 57 x 184 mm (7,2”) 91EUR: 17,5 | USD: -Wrapper: CubaBinder: CubaFiller: Cuba5 TRINIDAD ReyesREFINED NUTS & CAPPUCCINO. GREAT CONSISTENCY.The Reyes is the smallest sized cigar currently produced under the Trinidadbrand. It boasts an enviable consistency in the Cuban production. It shows theclassical Pig Tail finish, common to every Trinidad cigar made in Cuba.Strength is medium (3/5). The rich nutty flavor, which is outlined in hazelnuts,is the cornerstone of the aromatic palette of this little big cigar; during thesmoke, it alternates between roasted cappuccino notes, followed in somepuffs by a vegetal aroma, which stays in the aftertaste.Equipped with an excellent harmony, it is masterfully balanced. Capable todeliver a pronounced “Trinidad profile”, enclosed in a thirty minutes smokeSize: 40 x 110 mm (4,4”) 90EUR: 8 | USD: -Wrapper: CubaBinder: CubaFiller: Cuba CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 56
AWARDSHondurasThe 2017 Awards for Honduras comprehends represent a real coup de théâtre, but the factsome producers already included in previous of seeing them often among the best producersyears top5, but also reveal some surprises. in the country, says a lot about the quality stan- dards of these brands.Alec Bradley, Flor de Selva and Eiroa, had alre-ady been in the 2015 and 2016 lists, and they Two of the five cigars, belong to brands ente-again confirmed their dedication to producing ring the TOP 5 list for the first time: S.T.K. and J.greatly performing cigars. Therefore they do not Fuego. A couple of true revelations.57 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS ALEC BRADLEY Black Market Illicit1 ToroSMOOTH.EARTHY AND SPICY.VERY SATISFYING.Among the many releases that Alec Bradley announced this year, the BlackMarket Illicit flew under the radar. Mainly because it is a TAA (TobacconistAssociation of America) exclusive. This single size release comes in the classicToro size, measuring 50 by 152 mm.The classic oversized band of the Black Market line stays unchanged, exceptthe addition of the Illicit writing, that resembles a stamp and underlines thecompletely different blend.While the color scheme for the regular Black Market boxes is kept in a morewooden look, the Illicit boxes feature a flashy red and black combination. Eachbox contains 22 cigars.As far as the blend goes, the Illicit has nothing to do with the fan favorite regu-lar Black Market line. The blend is completely different and focuses more onNicaraguan tobaccos, with the only exception of the dual binders, which arefrom Honduras. This new composition makes it a Black Market “on steroids”.Strength is medium – full (4/5). Sweet from the first puff on, it reveals notesof herbs and hazelnut, that quickly move to earth, underwood and hints ofmushrooms. Then a rich mix of black pepper and cocoa beans take over,joined by a spicy vein. The finale changes completely to balsamic and herbalnotes, supported by an intense aroma of chili.A greatly balanced smoke, paired with an excellent creaminess. It exhibits adeep and well structured aromatic palette. The evolution is well perceptibleand the smoke is very satisfying.Size: 52 x 152 mm (6”) 93EUR: - | USD: 9Wrapper: NicaraguaBinder: HondurasFiller: Nicaragua CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 58
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS2 S.T.K. Black Dahlia Corona GordaGREAT HARMONY. COFFEE & BLACK PEPPER. CREAMYThe massive black varnished box contains beautifully crafted cigars, dressedup in an oily Colorado colored wrapper, smooth to the touch.Strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5). It opens up with roasted coffeenotes and a very creamy smoke. Afterwards, aromas of wood and spices, out-lined in black pepper, reach the palate. There is a pleasant bitterness presentthroughout. Hazelnut and herbs complete the aromatic get delivered in thefinale, completing its aromatic palette.A creamy and smooth cigar, topped with an excellent and harmonious aroma-tic bouquet. Flavors are intense from start to to finish.Size: 46 x 143 mm (5.6’’) 91EUR: - | USD: 9,5Wrapper: NicaraguaBinder: NicaraguaFiller: Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua3 EIROA The first 20 Years 40 x 4INTENSE. BALSAMIC & EARTHY. A PERFECT QUICK SMOKE.It is made with a blend of tobaccos aged for four years. This line is born tocelebrate the first 20 years of Eiroa in the cigar business.Strength is medium - full (4/5). The opening is a blast of spices, that are out-lined in black pepper. After the first few puffs, the smoke turns to an intensearoma of balsamic herbs, that are developed on a slightly sweet base. Thespices move then to the background. The finale is earthy and spicy.A very satisfying smoke. Despite its small size, this cigar is intense and wellbalanced at the same time. The after taste is incredibly long. A wonderful quicksmoke, capable to fill a small period of time in the best way possible.Size: cepo 40 x 101 mm (4”) 91EUR: 10,5 | USD: 11Wrapper: HondurasBinder: HondurasFiller: Honduras59 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
4 J. FUEGO Sangre de Toro ToroSATISFYING. A PEPPER BOMB. UNDERRATED.It is dressed up in an oily and silky smooth Colorado Maduro shaded wrapper,with imperceptible veins.The cigar shows an excellent manufacture.Strength is medium – full (4/5). The aromatic palette makes its way on asweet base: leather and wood are complemented by herbs and hints of pep-per. Progressing, cocoa and roasted coffee notes are outlined. The smokestays sweet and the finale adds a rich hazelnut aroma.Intense and satisfying, it gives rise to a very creamy smoke, based on a sweetbase. The aromatic palette is ample and the aromas well alternate during thewhole smoke, making the Sangre de Toro a multifaceted and structured cigar.Size: 50 x 152 mm (6”) 90EUR: 7 | USD: 9Wrapper: NicaraguaBinder: NicaraguaFiller: Nicaragua5 FLOR DE SELVA Maduro RobustoHARMONIOUS. VERY SMOOTH & CREAMY.Box pressed and dressed up in a white band with golden lettering, whichmakes a captivating contrast with the Maduro shaded wrapper.Medium strength (3/5). The first puffs reveal woody and spicy notes, veryclose to white pepper. Going through the smoke, the cigar turns to cocoa andearth aromas, followed by a mix of nuts and almonds, together with a richroasted note of cappuccino. The finale is slighltly spicy.The cigar shows a great balance and the smoke is incredibly creamy andrefined, very smooth. The evolution is perceivable and well defined in the threethirds. The aromatic palette is well structured and harmonious.Size: 50 x 120 mm (4,7”) 90EUR: 7 | USD: 9Wrapper: HondurasBinder: Mata Fina (Brazil)Filler: Honduras (Jamastran e Azacualpa) CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 60
AWARDSNicaraguaIn recent years, Nicaragua has confirmed itself in second position, right behind the Padronas a very competitive country in the cigar indu- Serie 1964 Diplomatico Natural. This year hestry. There are many brands and producers came back, with the Maduro version of the Elworthy of notice, which year after year give life to Gueguense line and he hit the bull’s eye, makinghigh performance lines and productions. it into the first place, with a solid 95. The Corona Gorda is an exceptionally rich and satisfying cigar,Two years ago, Nicholas Melillo had approached capable to deliver a bold and true Nicaraguanthe top spot, placing his El Gueguense Torpedo aromatic palette.61 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS THE WISEMAN Maduro1 Corona GordaPOWERFUL.BLACK PEPPER AND COCOA BEANS.A VOLCANO OF FLAVORS.Since his debut with Foundation Cigar Co. in 2015, Nicholas Melillo hasdone everything right. Two years after the launch of the highly acclaimed ElGüegüense (the Wise Man), which ended up in our 2015 Awards, here itcomes the long awaited line extension: The Wise Man (El Güegüense) Maduro.Nick’s love for the yin and yang philosophy is fully showcased in this release,starting with the switched names. The Maduro shows a different color schemeon the bands: while the El Güegüense focused on blue, the Maduro focuses onred. Even the boxes are complete opposites. The El Güegüense come in beau-tiful wooden dress boxes, while the Wise Man is packaged in plain woodenboxes. It doesn’t stop there, the Wise Man sizes are all box pressed. The onlything that the two lines have in common are their five formats and the factthey come packaged in 25 count boxes.The excellent cigar manufacture keeps the El Güegüense high standards. Thecigars are perfectly rolled, all dressed up in a maduro shade wrapper, a littlerough to the touch and very oily.Strength is full (5/5). An explosion of cocoa beans and a blast of black pepperstarts out the smoke, together with some hints of leather in the background.Then, roasted espresso notes reach the palate, alternating with earth andseasoned wood. In some puff, walnut and cocoa are perceptible. The lastpart delivers balsamic herbs and the finale turns to rich dark chocolate andcashew nuts, together with a riot of spices.After the initial explosion, the strength decreases slightly, while the aromaticintensity stays incredibly elevated throughout the whole smoke. Marked evolu-tion and an exceptional evolution, make this a masterpiece of a cigar.Size: 46 x 143 mm (5.6’’) 95EUR: - | USD: 10Wrapper: MexicoBinder: NicaraguaFiller: Nicaragua CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 62
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS2 AJ FERNANDEZ New World Puro EspecialSMOOTH. ROASTED CAPPUCCINO NOTES. A SILKY SMOKE.Packaged in a fiery red box with golden lettering, once opened it revealsperfectly constructed cigars. The colors are inverted on the bands and under-neath them it shines a Colorado Claro shade wrapper.Strength is medium - full (4/5). The smoke is creamy from the first puff on.Herbs and vegetal notes reach the palate, that quickly change to rich roastedcappuccino aromas, alongside white pepper, that culminate in piquant peaks.It is then the turn of seasoned wood, followed by walnut. The finale is minty.It delivers an ample aromatic palette. Complex and with an exceptional har-mony to it. Its main characteristic is a creaminess without par.Size: 52 x 140 mm 93EUR: - | USD: 10Wrapper: NicaraguaBinder: NicaraguaFiller: Nicaragua3 CAO Amazon AnacondaINTRICATE. WALNUT & WILD PEPPER. A UNIQUE PROFILE.Totally naked, without any bands. The only unnecessary detail is a small pieceof rolled up tobacco wrapped around the head. Inside of it, there is a very par-ticular blend, made with tobacco leaves from Amazon: the Braganca.Strength is medium - full (4/5). The base, sweet and pleasantly bitter, givesrise to rich notes of cocoa and earth, followed by hints of balsamic herbs in thebackground. Halfway through the cigar, seasoned wood and spices are addedto the aromatic bouquet. The finale culminates into chili spices.The aromatic intensity is astounding, as well as the complexity. A smoke thatrequires the right amount of attention to be fully understood.Size: 52 x 152 mm (6’’) 92EUR: 11 | USD: 9Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra)Binder: NicaraguaFiller: Colombia, Brazil (Braganca) e R. Dominicana63 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
4 PLASENCIA Alma Fuerte Nestor IVBOLD. EARTHY & PEPPERY. VERY SATISFYING.The new Plasenica design is made of a triple band and the Alma Fuerte is noexception. Cigars are opulent and dressed up in a very oily Maduro wrapper.Strength is medium – full (4,5/5). It delivers rich aromas of black pepper,cocoa and a mix of walnut and peanuts. The base is sapid. The bouquet is thenenriched by notes of earth and wood, reaching the palate halfway though thesmoke. In some puffs, an interesting mineral vein is perceivable as well.Strong and equipped with an ample aromatic palette. The intensity reachesthe highest levels and each single puff is an explosion of flavors. Exceptionallysatisfying, exhibiting a very long persistency.Size: 54 x 159 mm (6,2’’) 91EUR: 20 | USD: 20Wrapper: NicaraguaBinder: NicaraguaFiller: Nicaragua5 JOYA DE NICARAGUA Antaño Gran Reserva Gran RobustoINTENSE. EARTH AND PEPPER. A NICARAGUAN TREASURE.Box pressed and dressed up with two bands, to underline that this is a Reserva,rolled with more aged and selected tobacco leaves. A captivating cigar.Strength is medium – full (4/5). It starts out with seasoned wood, earth andhints of licorice, the latter replaced by herbs and coming in forefront beforethe midway. The spices are suave at the beginning, but get more intensetowards the end of the smoke, culminating in chili spices in the finale.Excellent smoke, from both a constructive and a mechanical point of view. Itdelivers a remarkable intensity, exhibiting a well structured and a balancedaromatic palette. A tribute, with all the trimmings, to the Antaño brand.Size: 52 x 127 mm (5”) 90EUR: - | USD: 10Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo Oscuro)Binder: NicaraguaFiller: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Condega, Estelí) CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 64
AWARDSDominican R.The Dominican terroir was the best of 2017, Cigar, presented five months ago at the IPCPRregistering the highest ratings. convention. In addition to the very high score, the brand is receiving a lot of interest, because ofAfter two years, Davidoff returns to the top, con- the selected tobacco used in the blend of thesequering it with the Royal Robusto, a very limited cigars. Completing the ranking, one of the latestproduction, created with high quality tobaccos. AVO releases, the Syncro Nicarague Fogasta, theThe silver medal goes to the true revelation 2017 limited edition Balmoral and a Dominicanof this year: the “La Instructora”. A brand new classic, the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown.65 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS DAVIDOFF Royal Release1 RobustoREGAL.PIQUANT SPICES AND FINE WOOD.A BUTTERY SMOKE.What happens when you combine some of the best tobaccos with the bestcraftsmanship in the world? You get the Davidoff Royal Release (to not beconfused with the other Davidoff Royal line).Everything about this cigar oozes ultra premium. From the beautifully blue lac-quered 10 count boxes to the cigar itself, everything is high end. The tobaccosfor this release have been cultivated especially for this blend and come fromthe 2004-05 harvest; in addition there are other allocated tobaccos for thisproject, aged for eight years.Davidoff selected eight of their best Master Rollers for this line, each with 15years of experience. Everything was hand picked, from the seed to the finishedproduct. This is well reflected in the retail price, $80 to be exact, but like agood bottle of wine, this is something for a very special occasion.The colorado shade wrapper is silky and oily. Construction is very close to per-fection. Even the packaging underlines the care and prestige behind this line.Strength is medium – full (4/5). As soon as it is lit, the palate gets cuddledby a buttery smoke: notes of hazelnut, earth and vegetal hints get deliverd,supported by piquant hints. It is then the time of cappuccino and the smokebecomes sweet. A mix of fine wood, herbs and vegetal notes merge together,followed by rich chili, that become the main aroma in the finale, followed bynuances of unripe hazelnut.A smoke of great class, paired with a unique balance and resignedness. Fromstart to finish, it never looses its composure and features an unparalleledharmony. Buttery.Size: 55 x 140 mm (5,5”) 95EUR: 80 | USD: 80Wrapper: Dominican RepublicBinder: Dominican RepublicFiller: Dominican Republic CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 66
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS2 LA INSTRUCTORA Perfection Royal CoronaHUGE COMPLEXITY. SPICY & MELLOW. A REVELATION.The band design is reminiscing of a Jackson Pollock painting. An oily and red-dish wrapper makes this cigar even more appealing to smoke.Strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5). Refined spices and white pepperstart off the smoke, followed by roasted notes of coffee and walnut. Then amix of chestnut honey and vanilla, paired with entwined notes of walnut andcashews, come to the palate. The aromatic palette is completed with vegetaland piquant aromas, which dominate the finale.A meditation cigar, capable to deliver an excellent complexity. Creamy fromthe first puff on, it exhibits an aromatic palette of great harmony.Size: 48 x 143 mm (5,6“) 94EUR: - | USD: 10Wrapper: EcuadorBinder: Dominican RepublicFiller: Dominican Republic3 AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata ToroGREATLY BALANCED. WOOD AND SPICES. SATISFYING.Opulent and majestic, showing an excellent manufacture. The wrapper is oilyand silky, smooth to the touch and of a Colorado shade. The band and the linename show the use of Nicaraguan tobacco in the blend.Strength is medium - full (4/5). From the first puff on, the base of the cigaris sweet. It delivers rich notes of smoked wood, followed by spices, which areoutlined in black pepper and cinnamon. Afterwards leather and earth aromasget developed, supported by sugary and nutty hints.Very satisfying. The aromatic bouquet is well structured and the evolution isperceptible throughout the whole smoke. The intensity is excellent.Size: 54 x 152 mm (6’’) 93EUR: 10,9 | USD: 10,9Wrapper: Ecuador Habano 2000Binder: Mexico (San Andres Negro)Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic67 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
4 BALMORAL XO Gran Magnifico EL2017OPULENT. RICH & COMPLEX. A VINTAGE FLAVOR PROFILE.The shape of the cigar is particular and it seems like it was drawn on paper:this Figurado increases in diameter towards the band, by then tapering againfor the conical closure of the head. Opulent and majestic.Strength is medium - full (4/5). It starts out with a mix of nuts, earth andvegetal hints. The aftertaste exhibits nuances of white pepper and piquantpeaks. It is then the time of underwood and dried mushrooms. In the last part,the cocoa reaches the palate, followed by cappuccino and, in the finale, mint.The use of aged tobacco leaves in the blend is well perceptible: the aromaticpalette is harmonious, paired with a significant complexity. Great balance.Size: 56 x 152 mm (6’’) 92EUR: 13,5 | USD: -Wrapper: BrazilBinder: Dominican RepublicFiller: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua e Brazil5 ASHTON Viring Sun Grown RobustoRICH & COMPLEX. A COCOA BOMB. ALWAYS ON POINT.Perfectly box pressed and square. The Virgin Sun Grown line is not a recentrelease from the brand, but it confirms to be excellent year after year.Medium - full in strength (4/5). The base of the aromatic palette is made up ofearth, cocoa and black pepper. Hints of piquant spices and nuances of incenseappear half way through the smoke, where the cigar turns sweet. The bouquetis then topped with ripe fruits, together with chili spices.Equipped with an ample and well structured aromatic palette, it delivers astructured and complex smoke. Not to underestimate is the evolutionaryaspect, remarkable despite the contained lenght of the format.Size: 52 x 127 mm (5”) 91EUR: - | USD: 10Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo Oscuro)Binder: NicaraguaFiller: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Condega, Estelí) CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 68
AWARDSRest of the worldOf the five available places, three are occupied made by using only local tobacco: the El Sitioby producers who for the first time have been Robusto. Casa Turrent confirmed its presenceincluded in the Awards. as well as Byron, made by United Cigar Group,The surprises of this category have been by which two years ago had seen another cigar,far the largest, also because of the possibility branded Atabey, making into the TOP5. The win-of space on a large number of terroirs and so ner? A cigar produced in Panama, with a blendtobacco variety. Among these, it stands out a of leaves coming from the same country: theproduct completely made in the Canary Islands, Hernandez y Ruis Toro.69 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS HERNENDEZ Y RUIZ1 ToroVELVETY.A NUTTY EXPLOSION.INCREDIBLY SMOOTH & BALANCED.Hernandez Y Ruiz follows in the success of other Panamanian cigars brands.The factory produces this premium line in the old fashioned way, and theknowledge has been passed on from one generation to the next. Their mainfocus was their domestic market, but nowadays they almost exclusively exporttheir product.These cigars are puro, meaning that they are rolled exclusively withPanamanian tobaccos. Also the manifacture is amde in Panama.They come packaged in a nice 20 count wooden box, where the first layer ofcigars are in a wooden tray that can be taken out.The cigars are well made, showing no flaws. This puro from Panama is wrap-ped up in a colorado claro leaf, oily and silky to the touch. The golden bandgives it a refined look, that pairs very well with the wrapped color, giving birthto a very captivation product.Strength is light – medium (2,5/5). A mix of roasted coffe beans and nutsopens up the smoke. The background is made of a rich aroma of wet earth.The smoke is incredibly creamy, and going on, cappucino and nutty notesreach the palate, together with some peppery nuances, the latter almostimperceptible. In the last part, a vegetal vein get developed, alternating withfine wood notes. The roasted coffee is omnipresent, accompanying every sin-gle puff. The finale is delivers rich woody aromas.An elegant and incredibly creamy smoke. The aromatic palette is harmoniousand the cigar shows a magistral balance from the first to the last puff.Size: 50 x 152 mm (6’’) 93EUR: 5,5 | USD: -Wrapper: PanamaBinder: PanamaFiller: Panama CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 70
AWARDS - BEST CIGARS2 CASA TURRENT 1880 (Mexico)HUGE AFTERTASTE. EARTHY & SPICY. VERY SATISFYING.This cigar oozes Mexico from every pore. The toothy Maduro Oscuro shadeSan Andres Negro wrapper makes this cigar almost look like a chocolate bar.Strength is full (4,5/5). It reveals an intense aroma of cocoa beans, followedby earth, black pepper and hot spices. The base is sweet. During the smoke,coffee beans and balsamic herbs are added, completing the aromatic paletteand becoming the dominant flavor in the finale.An intense and strong smoke, equipped with a deep and well structured aro-matic palette. The persistency is incredibly long and the balance is at thehighest levels.Size: 54 x 165 mm (6,5”) 92EUR: - | USD: 17Wrapper: MexicoBinder: MexicoFiller: Nicaragua e Mexico3 EL SITIO Robusto (Canary Islands)INTENSE. HAZELNUT & NUTMEG. HARMONIOUSA simple band without too many trimmings dresses up the cigar. The produc-tion of this cigar is in the Canary Islands, using exclusively local tobacco.Strength medium – full (4/5). Rich piquant notes are the first to reach thepalate, followed by vegetal aromas and walnut. The bouquet is then enrichedby wood and earth. Halfway through the smoke, the cigar turns to black pep-per, chili and nutmeg. In the finale, intense balsamic herbs became the mainaroma, completing the flavor profile of this puro.It delivers a wide and structured aromatic profile, that combined with uniqueflavors create a winning recipe. Very harmonious and remarkably intense.Size: 50 x 120 mm (4,7”) 91EUR: 7,7 | USD: -Wrapper: Canary IslandsBinder: Canary IslandsFiller: Canary Islands71 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
4 BYRON Serie Siglo XIX Petit Poemas (Costarica)SMOOTH. SWEET & CREAMY. SMALL SIZE, BIG FLAVORS.Although being the smallest cigar out of the line, it shows an excellent care inits manufacture, that doesn’t have to hide behind its “big brothers”.Strength is slightly over medium (3,5/5). The first puffs delineate a very cre-amy smoke, which makes its way on a sweet and acidulous base: nuts andcappuccino reach the palate, followed by a peppery vein. The second half turnsto seasoned wood and walnut. The finale is vegetal, with roasted nuances.It features a discrete complexity, which is definitely not common in such asmall size. It is even capable of giving rise to a small evolution. Harmonious andvery satisfying, it is a perfect smoke to have in a short period of time.Size: 50 x 102 mm (4’’) 90EUR: - | USD: 20Wrapper: n/dBinder: n/dFiller: n/d5 BRUN DE RE Culebrasa (Costarica)BALANCED. COCOA & PEPPER. UNCONVENTIONAL.Made in Costa Rica and commercialized in the most classical of ways forCulebras: three cigars are intertwined and hold together with two ribbons, oneon the head and one the foot end. The cherry on top? A pig tail finished head.Medium strength (3/5). It immediately reveals an ample and harmoniousaromatic palette: a mix of spices, wood and leather reach the palate, followedby roasted notes of coffee and cocoa. In the second half, the cocoa moves tothe front, followed by walnuts. The finale delivers wood, earth and spices.Despite the format, this Culebras is easy to enjoy, thanks to an excellentbalance and to a strength level always under control.Size: 44 x 178 mm (7’’) 90EUR: 11 | USD: -Wrapper: EcuadorBinder: IndonesiaFiller: Costa Rica e Nicaragua CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 72
The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881. HEAD OFFICE ALOHA HOTEL MANUFACTURING U.S.A. DISTRIBUTION 6/F Alphaland Southgate Tower Unit F, Corta Bitarta Tabacalera Incorporada Daughters & Ryan Inc.2258 Chino Roces Ave. cor EDSA Technology Cor. Complex Avenue 207 Johnston Parkway Street People’s Technology Complex SEZ Makati City 1232 Malate, Manila Carmona, Cavite 4116 Kenly, NC 27542 Philippines TEL (632) 525-3266 TEL (919) 284-2058 TEL (632)584-4316 FAX (919) 284-2305 TEL (632)310-5047 TELEFAX(632)310-5047 www.tabacalera.com.ph [email protected]
The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.
AWARDS - BEST BRAND Best brandsThe “Best Brands” Awards category is aimed at introduced on the market and the score registe-the best producer or the best brand in each of the red in 2017. Taking all these into consideration,five territories taken into consideration. the result has led us to choose five producers / brands that struck us most in the last twelveThe list was made by choosing brands boasting a months and whose cigars were worthy of note inremarkable production consistency, new releases more than a circumstance.75 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Best brand: CubaQUAI D’ORSAYQuai d’Orsay brand was born in 1973 due to the YEAR OF BIRTH: 1973explicit request of the French import company(SEITA) and, since then, has always remained true The first limited release was desti-to itself: few were the produced sizes (five at the ned to the Asian market, back inlaunch, and then reduced, over the years, only to 2011. Since them, everyone of otherthe Corona Claro), no new reference in over forty four Quai d’Orsay Regional Editionsyears of life, clear recognizability of the liga, aimed have been exclusively commerciali-at a refined and elegant aromatic palette, with a zed in France.light strength. The distribution of the brand new Quai d’OrsayDespite the fact that since 2011 Quai d’Orsay cigars has just begun but they are now availablebrand has also been used in the Regional Editions, for purchase only in a few country. It will still takeonly five cigars have been dressed up with the some time before they will reach all the tobaccobrand’s band, four of which have been destined to shops across the world.the French market. The new cigars introduced:This year the brand, in addition to a deep restylingof the bands (which only keeps the “Quai d’Orsay” - No. 50: D no. 5 - 50 x 110mm (4.3 “). written the same and adds the “vitola de salida” of Commercialized in n box of 25 pieces;the product) and a change in the packaging box(the “papaleta” and the added “bofeton” that only - No. 54: Edmundo Grueso - 54 x 135mm (5.3 “).partially covers the cigars), introduces two new Commercialized in boxes of 10 pieces.products, which will join the Corona Claro, the sur-viving crown of the five cigars launched in 1973. Although it has not been a widespread brand on the world market, Quai d’Orsay cigars have always guaranteed a noteworthy consistency in the Cuban tobacco productions, also because of the much more limited production compared to other brands made in the Great Isla. This restyling and the introduction to standard vitolary of two new references denote the will of Habanos S.A. to relaunch the brand worldwide. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 76
AWARDS - BEST BRANDBest brand: HondurasEIROAChristian Eiroa knows how to move in the tovacco C.L.E. CIGARS WAS BORN IN 2012.business. This applies both to the business aspectas well as the cigar aspect. There is something for The brand name stands for Christianevery palate in the CLE portfolio. Luis Eiroa. Eiroa cigars have made it up into the Awards also in 2016,Ex Former president of Camacho Cigars, which ending up in first and third places inwas sold to Oettinger Davidoff group, he returned the past two years. This highlightsto the cigar scene some yeats ago, founding the the constincency and the quality ofCLE brand, which houses the CLE Collection, the their cigars.Eiroa cigars and the Asylum Cigars. The latter onewas the first brand to introduce an oversized cigar cigar business, so what better way to celebrate theto the market, and they were the ones kicking off occasion than with a brand new line: he decided tothe large ring gauge craze. create a 100% puro, showcasing everything that Honduras has to offer. The line was named “TheHe mainly produces out of his factories in Danli, First 20 Years” and this year they launched a newHonduras, with some exceptions being made in variant, called The First 20 Years Colorado. It isNicaragua. The factory name is Aladino and it was still an Honduran puro, but the tobacco used arebuilded up in 1975. At first, this was one of the now aged for five years. Also, the colorado shadetwo teathers belongig to Antonio Kafati, Christan’s wrappes, take a slower aging process.grandfather. The building was recently restructu-red and transformed into a cigar factory, from Another aspect of 2017, was a redesign for thewhere Eiroa cigars are made nowadays. brand, regarding both cigars and packaing.2015 marked Christian Eiroa 20th year in the The company also focused more on the presenta- tion, by updating the packaging of CLE brand. Eiroa has been producing great smokes over many years, showcasing a very consistent quality level. He has even set the trend for oversized cigar. We are looking back to a very exciting past 20 years, but we are even more looking forward to what Christian Eiroa has up in his sleeve for the upcoming years.77 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Best brand: NicaraguaMOMBACHO CIGARSFounded in 2010, Mombacho Cigars owes its MOMBACHO CIGARS WASname to the most famous and well-known volcano FOUNDED IN 2010. THE FACTORYin Nicaragua, which overlooks the city of Granada, IS INTHE CITY OF GRANADA.a 500 years old town. The mind and beating heart behindIn 2014 the production moved to Casa Favilli, the brand is the Italyn Claudio Sgroi,an historic colonial residence built by the Italyn President and master blender thatarchitect Mario Favilli. Since then, the beautiful boasts a long experience in thecigar factory recalling the old Cuban factories has tobacco world.become a real attraction and a tourist destination,not only for the cigar aficionados. If you go through Mombacho celebrated its tenth anniversary justGranada, a tour in this magnificent Villa is a must, last year, doing it in the best way possibile with theespecially after the renovations that have made launch of a cigar: the 10th Aniversary. An excep-it more beautiful than ever and that in the near tional smoke, that has been included in the TOP5future will see it completed in the best possible of the best cigars produced in Nicaragua, in theway, thanks to an ambitious project coming from 2016 Awards.the mind of Claudio Sgroi, president, master blen-der and beating heart of the Mombacho brand. This year Mombacho has launched a new line, aThe blends reflect the goodness of Nicaraguan vintage production: the Cosecha 2012. These areterritory, and they are all his creations. Year after cigars made using only tobaccos coming fromyear, the “Maestro” (as he is called) has always 2012 harvest. This new series is a turning point,managed to amaze with cigars and lines always as it will be produced also in the next few years; theup to expectations. concept behind the vintage tobaccos will remain the same, but year by year the harvests used will change, making each of the Cosecha lines a pro- duction as limited as it is unique. Mombacho is a boutique brand, which is expan- ding more and more. In Italy they are very well known for the Liga Maestro, and now they are also widespread in Europe. In the United States they are growing more and more, and this year Mombacho has also created the “Patina” cigars, an exclusive production for the US market. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 78
AWARDS - BEST BRANDBest brand: Dominican R.CALDWELL CIGARSRobert Caldwell has been one of the hottest CALDWELL CIGARS IS ONE OFnames in the cigar business for the last couple THE YOUNGEST AND MOST SUC-of years, right after his entrance in the tobacco CESSFULL CIGAR COMPANIES.world, happened three years ago. The mind behind all this is RobertCaldwell Cigars was founded in 2014 and, believe Caldwell, that in just three years hasit or not, in these three years it has taken the indu- been able to build up a solid and wellstry by storm, becoming one of the most known known brand, in addition to manyand appreciated brand. and significant collaborations.Many may have thought that he was going to be a relevant with projects like Lost&Found: he buysone hit wonder, limited to just a single release, but cigars that have been sitting in aging rooms ofafter the success of his first three lines (Eastern factories, repackages and resells them. A greatStandard, King is Dead and Long Live the King) idea, another success.he continued to stay consistent with great newcigars, being able to build a solid following. Last year he broke the internet by announcing a collaboration with Drew Estate, called All OutAll this is paired with a knack for eye catching, Kings, diving birth to his first Nicaragua cigar line.modern and fresh designs, which has become a This year he did it once again by announcing twosort of a trademark of him. Every box and bands collaborations. The first one involving Matt Boothshare the same common line, which make them of Room101 (who retired from the cigar businesseasy to recognize and to link to Caldwell Cigars. only a few months prior to the announcement); the line born is called Hit & Run. The other one wasRobert didn’t stop there. He continues to stay made with A.J. Fernandez, another name that has been high in demand, and goes simply by The “T.”. Parallel to all this, he also managed to build an international presence, by building a network of distributions for his cigars, reaching more than 11 countries worldwide. Caldwell has shown that he is here to stay and if he continues in this way, he will be a force to be reckoned with.79 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Best brand: Rest of the WorldCASA TURRENTCasa Turrent might be fairly new as a brand, but TURRENT FAMILY IS IN THEthe people behind it are all but beginners in the TOBACCO BUSINESS SINCE 1880.cigar industry.Turrent family started growing tobacco a long Alejandro Turrent has been abletime ago, bringing to the market also other cigar to give a huge visibility to Mesicanbrands, like Te-Amo, still made nowadays. tobaccos, creating a worldwide know brand. For 2 years in a row,2014 was a turning point, where things started his cigars ended up in the Awards,to change. They discontinued every A. Turrent even winning in 2016.branded cigar and one year later they relea-sed the Casa Turrent 1901 line (which won the This year, they presented the 1880, which paysaward for No.1 cigar from in the Rest of the Word homage to the year the family entered the tobaccocathegory) in the United States of America and in growing business. It is the most expensive lineCanada. In Europe the brand was already known under the Casa Turrent banner. It uses, as onesince they had it release a couple of years earlier, could guess, primarily Mexican tobacco. Some ofin 2013. the leaves used in the filler have been aged for ten years.In 2016, Alejandro Turrent added two more linesto the Casa Turrent brand: Serie 1942 and Serie With the 1800 Alejandro showed once again1973. Both lines continue in the path of the 1901 what Mexican tobacco is capable of, giving birthand heavily highlight Mexican tobacco. The only to another excelent cigar, able to make the Casaother leaves used in any Casa Turrent branded Turrent cigars end up in the Top 5 Rest of thecigar are from Nicaraguan. World Awards back to back. Turrent family have been growing and highlighting Mexican tobacco for years now. San Andres lea- ves has been gaining in popularity as well, dressing up more and more cigars and becoming one of the most used tobacco wrapper ever. However, If you are looking for the full Mexican experience, nothing compares the richness of Casa Turrent lines. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 80
AWARDS - BOUTIQUE BRANDSBoutique brandsIn these Awards 2017 we wanted to introduce a factory, but in most cases, they rely on a thirdnew category: the Boutique cigars. The list con- party factory to make their cigars. This meanssists of 10 products, that reassume the best that they have to meet the scrupulous standardsboutiques cigars tested during the year. of the person behind the brand (which often times reflects in the smaller availability of theseBut what does qualify as a Boutique Cigar? We cigars, because it is easier to pay more attentiondefine Boutique Cigars not by how many cigars to a smaller production).have been made or where they are made, but bywhom they are made. Meaning, how many peo- It doesn’t stop there. The person (or the smallple are behind the cigar or brand. group of people), usually runs everything from blending, design and marketing to sales, ordersAn example. A boutique cigar, by definition, is and distribution. They aren’t a big company thatcreated by one or a small number of people. have a dozen different employees for each task.They take care of carrying out every aspectrelated to the cigar and its marketing. It is possi- Here follows the list of our Top 10 Boutiqueble that some boutique brands have their own Cigars of 2017. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 82
AWARDS - BOUTIQUE BRANDS Adventura The Navigator Magellan. Size: cepo 54x120 mm (4,7”) - EUR: 12,5 | USD: - Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Indones., Ecuador | Filler: Dom R., Nica Made in Dominican Republic, it comes from Marcel Knobel’s mind and is produced by Henderson Ventura. The cigar is very intense and equipped with a good evolution. After a very spicy first part, the aromatic bouquet completely turns, bringing to the palete cocoa beans, earth, walnut and mineral nuances. In some puffs there are even smoked echoes. The strenght is slightly above average. BLT Co. Bishops Blend Corona Larga Size: cepo 46x169 mm (6,1”) - EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador | Filler: Nicaragua & U.S.A Produced in Nicaragua, it was released in 300 boxes of 20 cigars. The mind behind this cigar is James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Company. The smoke is intense and has a good evolution to it. A medium-high strength smoke, delivering a mix of vegetal notes and cocoa beans, which are followed by smoky echoes and balsamic herbs. An intense peppery vein accompanies the entire smoke. Chogui Heart Breaker Size: cepo 46x127 mm (5”) - EUR: - | USD: 10,5 Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominic. R. Made with 100% Dominican tobaccos, the cigar is equipped with a medium strength. It brings to the palate aromas of earth, wood and black pepper. Halfway through the smoke, mineral notes and nuances of ripe fruit appear. It exhibits an exceptional construction. The cigar is able to deliver a wide aromatic palette. It is well balanced and harmonious, cpable to unleash a remarkable complexity. Crowned Heads Four Kick Mule Kicks Size: cepo 42x152 mm (6”) - EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Made in Dominican Republic, in the E.P. Carrillo factory. The creator of this cigar is John Huber, who is the man behind Crowned Heads. The cigar unleash notes of dried fruit with shell (hazelnut and almond) and cocoa, all on a slightly sweet base. In the final part, it delivers aromatic herbs, slightly balsamic. Overall, a very well balanced cigar, equipped with a great aromatic intensity. Mombacho Liga Maestro Novillo Size: cepo 52x152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9,5 | USD: 9 Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Made in Nicaragua, this cigar was introduced at first into the Italyn market, and the it made into Europe and USA. It develops a fully Nicaraguan taste. The Novillo is an excellent smoke, delinvering rich notes of cocoa beans and earth, supported by a riot of black pepper and hints of chili. Flavorfull and very satisfying, it is the perfect smoke recapitulating the Mombacho philosophy: intensity, consistency and quality.83 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Southern Draw Jacobs Ladder Toro Size: cepo 52x152 mm (6”) - EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: U.S.A. | Binder: Ecuador | Filler: NicaraguaMade in Nicarauga, in the AJ Fernandez factory. In addition to the two anilas, the second half of the cigaris enclosed in a cedar sheet. Medium to full strength, it releases a riot of cocoa, black pepper and earth,followed in some puffs by leather and roasted coffee notes. There are also some nuances of cedar wood.Equipped with a wide aromatic palette and a good balance, this cigar is very intense and satisfying. The “T.” Lonsdale Size: cepo 44x165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: - | USD: 12 Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaBorn from the collaboration between Caldwell Cigars and AJ Fernandez, it is made in Nicaragua.Construction is excellent and the cigars are Box pressed. It delivers an intense smoke, endowed with avery prolonged persistence. The aromatic palette is made of a riot of black pepper, followed by notes ofcoffee, leather and cocoa. Wood nuoances are also perceptible. Medium high strength. Todos Las Dias Half Churchill Size: cepo 48x121 mm (4,8”) - EUR: | USD: 10,5 Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaWe are dealing with a Nicaraguan Puro, created by Steve Saka, which in recent years is giving birth tomany appreciated boutique productions. The cigar is wrapped up in a maduro shade wrapper. The aro-matic palette is spicy, supported by a remarable strength. It develops intense notes of earth and blackpepper, which make their way on a sweet and honey-like base. Great aromatic intensity. Very satisfying. Viking Norway Viking Robusto Size: cepo 52x127 mm (5”) - EUR: 9,5 | USD: - Wrapper: U.S.A. | Binder: Ecuador | Filler: NicaraguaProduced in Dominican Republic by E.P. Carrillo, the brand was born from the idea of Haakon Aanonsenand Arnt Aanensen. Medium-high in strength, it is creamy and exhibits a structured aromatic palette. TheBroadleaf wrapper is very noticeable. It develops earth and wood, flanked by red fruit echoes, and thencocoa, almond and walnut. In the final part, aromatic herbs and black pepper are released. Warped Maestro del Tiempo 5205 Size: cepo 46x162 mm (6,4”) - EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaA Nicaraguan “puro”, blended by Kyle Gellys of Warped Cigars and produced at the Tabsa factory. Thecigar has a slightly above average strength. The smoke gradually grows in intensity, releasing peppereynotes, earth and hazelnuts. In the second half it becomes sweet, with a particular aroma of molassesreaching the palate, making the smoking experience particularly interesting. Very creamy. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 84
AWARDS - BEST BUY Best buy The Best Buy category takes into consideration cigars that olnly belong to a price range of 6 euros /dollars or less. The focus is exclusively on cigars with a low price point, but capable to rele- ase a smoke worthy of note. The following cigars are divided by territory. There is one best buy cho- sen for every terroir: Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Rest of the World.85 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
Por Larrañaga Montecarlos Size: cepo 35x159 mm (6,3”) - EUR: 5 | USD: - Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: CubaMachines made before the Cuban revolution, since 2002 it has been produced completely by hand. It isa cigar to smoke carefully, due to its little ring gauge. It delievrs a sweet and peppery smoke, with intenseroasted notes of coffee and cappuccino. In the first par there are also sweet wooden honts. The fortalezais medium-light. A perfect morning cigar. Don Tomas B. Honduras Rothschild Size: cepo 50x115 mm (4,5”) - EUR: 2,1 | USD: - Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Bras., Hond., Nicar.Made in Honduras, it is commercialized in boundles of 5 pieces. This cigars boast an exceptional con-struction, capable to deliver an aromatic palette made of rich roasted notes of coffee, which are the mainaroma, and wood. The strenght is medium light. A simple cigar, without frills. The packaging reflects thesmoke: direct and satisfying. La Libertad Corona Size: cepo 42x152 mm (6”) - EUR: 5 | USD: - Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: R. Dom., Nicar.This Coronas is produced in Dominican Republic. It is dressed with an eye-catching wrapper leaf, veryoily and with a colorado maduro shade to it. It unleashes a very balanced smoke, supported by a mediumstrength. The aromatic palette is made of roasted coffee notes, seasoned wood and nuts, together witha peppery vein, which is delivered in every single puff. Brick House Robusto Size: cepo 54x127 mm (5”) - EUR: 5 | USD: 5 Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: NicaraguaIt is a Nicaraguan Puro, equipped with a medium-high strength, which develops a complex and harmo-nious smoke. The cigar brings to the palate notes of black pepper and coffee. Going on, some aromasof bread and cocoa beans ample the aromatic palette. In the second half, vegetal and herbaceous hintsemerge, becoming more and more intense. The base is sweet. Very creamy, and satisfying. Tabacalera Robusto Size: cepo 42x152 mm (6”) - EUR: 4 | USD: 4 Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Filippine | Filler: FilippineThis cigar is produced in the Philippines. It is able to develop a very satisfying smoke. The aromas are welldefined and the balance never come less from the first to the last puff. It releases intense notes of lea-ther, the main aroma of this Robusto, together with balsamic aromatic herbs and almost imperceptiblecocoa hints. The finish is spicy and piquant. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 86
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.87 CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017
SectionsWHAT YOU CAN FIND ON CIGARSLOVER MAGAZINEDRINKS PAIRINGSThe better beverages reviewed and explained. The best alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks whichThe new products and the old fascinated ones, perfectly match with cigars. When pairing beco-with a hint of history. mes a source of absolute pleasure.EVENTS PILLSThe main international events. A brief article that goes straight to the heart of theFairs, meetings and everything having the cigar as matter. A topic to be read in one breath, a smallthe main character. pill.FAMOUS SMOKERS SLOW ATTITUDEBiographies and curiosity about famous people of Technical ar ticles for a better understanding ofpresent and past days, that all have in common the product cigar secrets and insights of use forjust one this: a huge passion for cigars. both beginners and aficionados.INTERVIEW TOBACCO HISTORYStories of passions narrated directly by the pro- Stories from the tobacco world: the big brands,tagonists: interviews with insiders, tobacconists, the crops, the manufacturers of the past, and theimporters, collectors, and so on and so forth. city grew on the tobacco business.LINE UP TOOLSInsights, reviews and evaluations about all the Accessories are an essential element for thecigars that belong to the same line, plus details modern smoker: cutters, humidors, lighters, cigarabout its making. holders, furnishing accessories.MADE IN ITALY VINTAGEReviews, discussions and insights regarding the The world of collecting: cigars aged for decades,cigars made in Italy. The tradition of Tuscani, the the great classics of the past and rarest cubans.novelty of Nostrano del Brenta and more! The charm and the quality of the impossible. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017 88
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