CigarsLover Magazine Winter 2017 by CigarsLover Magazine

MAGAZINE

WRAPPER LEAVES

10 WHISKY OF 2017

AGING IN TUBOS

IRISH COFFEE

TRINIDAD THE MYTH

THE 5 BOTTLES

2017 AWARDS

Winter 2017

CigarsLover

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

TEAM & EDITORIAL

Lover Cigars

Magazine

Editor: Deputy Editor: Graphic Designer: Authors:

Marketing:

Translations:

Cigars Blind Tasting:

Whisky Blind Tasting:

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Mario Amelio Federico Bosco Giuseppe Mitolo Kaarel Kluge Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Nicola Ruggiero NicolĂ˛ Veronese Roberto Canzi Simone Poggi Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia NicolĂ˛ 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)

Editorial CigarsLover Magazine Winter issue contains a recap of all the products tested throughout the year, with the purpose of being able to recommend the best cigars, the ones that most impressed us. The focus is on the latest news introduced to the market in the past months, which are never lacking; year after year the news kept on growing, even though the FDA seemed to have them considerably limited 12 months ago. Also the classic lines have been under test: it would be a mistake forgetting a safe port, capable to boast 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 used and common ones, to the most rare and sought after ones, passing through the tasting notes and the peculiarities 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 is often not considered: the “tubos”! In addition to the cigars of the year, we have also created a selection of whiskey, chosen among the newest 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

INDEX

Contents Team

CigarsLover people

................................................ 3

Editorial

thoughts about the magazine ................................ 4

Rating

how to read the scoring scale ............................... 8

Celebration cigar

the double meaning .................................................... 9

Aging â&#x20AC;&#x153;low costâ&#x20AC;?

tubos .............................................................................. 11

The wrapper leafa

varieties, aromas and characteristics ............ 15

Trinidad

origins of a myth ........................................................ 19

Matches

the vintage trend ....................................................... 23

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

Inspirado watch

Macanudo & Cuervo y Sobrinos ........................ 27

The Auld Alliance

Singapore ..................................................................... 29

Finishing

the optional step ....................................................... 31

Irish Coffee

the Irish heat ............................................................... 33

The 5 bottles

collectable whiskies ................................................. 37

10 whisky of 2017

great products for the upcoming year ............ 42

Awards

2017 .............................................................................. 51

Vacabulary & Sections

what you can find on the magazine ............. 87

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

THE BEST HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM

Available on CigarsLoverStore.com

SECOND GENERATION. EVEN MORE EFFICENT.

INFO

Rating

HOW TO READ THE SCORING SCALE I sigari /distillati recensiti presentano una valutazione in centesimi. Questo per riuscire a dare a ogni sigaro /distillato un punteggio preciso, in grado by collocarlo all’interno by un’ampia scala by valori. Il punteggio 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 risultato della comparazione by più schede degustative.

95-100:

memorable. Great product under every single aspect. It delivers a pleasure tough to forget.

excellent. High quality cigar/drink, 90-94: very satisfying.

good. Despite some little defects, it 86-89: very is very enjoyable.

decent. The product exhibits both virtus 81-85: and vices.

Not very enjoyable, due to a <80: mediocre. lot of poor characteristics.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

PILLS

Celebration Cigar THE DOUBLE MEANING by Roberto Canzi

When discussing a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebration Cigarâ&#x20AC;?, most of the aficionados would think about a specific release, made to celebrate an important event, such as the company founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 perfect 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 several 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 prestigious 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 proposals would be analyzed and, at the end, they will leave the shop satisfied by the chosen smoke, anticipating 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, further strengthening happiness memory.

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 BODIED

MEXICAN SAN ANDRES WRAPPER

NICARAGUAN BINDER & FILLER

SLOW ATTITUDE

Aging “low cost” TUBOS

by Giuseppe Mitolo

In the last decade, step by step, aluminum tubes gained space on tobacconists’ shelves. Yet the usage of this rigid metal packaging is not very recent in origins. Bibliographic sources indicate Francisco E. Fonseca (owner of the Cuban brand bringing the same name) as the first one who used this special metal cilinder for his cigars, starting from the ‘40s. From the decade on, the tubo was progressively adopted by other Caribbean factorie as well. Probably in those years this casing was often chosen since it was ensuring correct storage conditions during worldwide shipments, in an epoch when most of the business was done via slow sea transport. Nowadays, the reasons behind the consistent

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and increasing market share that the tubo continues to retain are multiple. Many manufacturers choose this packaging because of the different advantages it features: cigar protection from sudden humidity changes or from traumatic impacts, preservation of original aroma and, last but not least, a simpler single stick sale, also to cope with importing countries-specific sales regulations. End-users are selecting a tubo cigar for the same reasons, plus for the after purchase storage and transport easiness. However, many aficionados are considering the tubo as a mid-long term aging tool. This casing cannot, alone, substitute a humidification system. Even though it grants excellent short term storage features, it cannot compensate for sudden

humidity and temperature variations in the long run. The latter in particular, due to the used metallic material, will tend to increase and decrease quite quickly, with the cigar inside undergoing thermal stress. This said, if a correct and constant storage can be granted, the cigar could benefit from the time to refine and age (for a medium to long aging process we suggest to keep humidity and temperature below average: 15-18 °C and 58-62% relative humidity). The potentiality of the tube as “aging tool” resides in being almost airtight, minimizing humidity and temperature variations (these aspects are further mitigated by the presence inside of a cedar wood sleeve), once placed in the humidor. The hermetic closure also limits the oxygen exchange, granting minimal oxidation and extending standard aging time. This is the reason why smoking two identical cigars which have been preserved in the same identical conditions for decades, but packed in a box or in a tube, a stronger aroma can be found in the latter one. One additional crucial aspect to be considered when aging a cigar is the economic investment: when cigars are purchased for aging, normally one buys a box or a cabinet. However in the last few years, many cigars (not only the highly expensive ones) are available in tubos, thus offering a good aging alternative decreasing the investment. In fact, even though the single stick price is higher, the possibility to choose how many cigars to buy offers to the aficionado the decision to better regulate the investment, maybe dedicating the same amount of money, but splitting it into different references. As last comment, since most smokers tend to purchase cigars from boxes, tobacco shops often feature tubes which have been on shelf for a long time: where it is possible to identify the packaging or manufacturing date (which are to be found inside the tubos’ box for Cubans but cannot be written in some other packaging made by Caribbran factories), you would be surprised by finding products already aged for some years, differently from the samples from a box or from a cabinet, which are rarely older than twelve months. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

www.zenith-watches.com

LEGENDS ARE FOREVER CHRONOMASTER I El Primero Legend of Cohiba

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

SLOW ATTITUDE

The wrapper leaf VARIETIES, AROMAS & CHARACTERISTICS by Michel Arlia

Wrappers are one of the main selling points about a cigar. The better it looks, the more you gravitate towards buying that cigar. But when it comes to blending, wrapper plays an equally important role. Over the last decade, different types of wrapper leaves have grown in popularity and the variety of tobaccos used from different countries, has parallelly grown as well. Many tobacco varieties are grown outside of their originary country. Even recently, manufacturers have gone above and beyond to bring new types of tobacco leaves from regions that were not known for their tobacco before: Florida Sun Grown, Dominican Yamasรก, Brazilian Braganรงa and many more.

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So, what can you expect from a certain type of wrapper tobacco? What is it that distinguishes that wrapper? What we are going to focus on, are the overall characteristics coming from different types of wrapper leaves. AFRICAN CAMEROON A thinner and delicate tobacco, with a grainy texture to it, grown in the Bertoua region. This type of tobacco originates from an imported Sumatra seed from Indonesia. It is mainly a sun-grown tobacco, with colors varying from light, almost greenish, to dark brown. A flavorful and rich tobacco, with subtle notes of wood and spices, paired with a slight sweetness. Found on: A. Fuente Hemingway, Oliva Serie G, etc.

BRAZILIAN ARAPIRACA This leaf gets its name from the region where it is cultivated and grown. The seed is Bahia. It is Maduro in color, but not as sweet as other “classic” Maduro wrappers. Compared to other Bahia leaves, it is a more gentle and less earthy tobacco. Found on: Epic Maduro Fuerte, Roma Craft Intemperance BA XXI, etc. BRAZILIAN MATA FINA Also this tobacco gets its name from the growing region to the east of the country and the actual seed used for growing it is again a Bahia seed. A sun-grown leaf, that when the curing process is done, turns in to a dark, almost black, tobacco. Smooth, sweet and rich in flavor, it develops mainly earthy aromas. Found on: Roma Craft Wunder|Lust, Villiger San Doro Maduro, etc. BROADLEAF The Connecticut River Valley is famous for it. Although, varieties grown in other regions of the United States have gained a lot of popularity: the Pennsylvania Broadleaf for example. Another fully sun-grown tobacco, that is famous for its big leaves. Usually stalk cut (cut with an axe, not broken off by hand), it leaves the curing barn in a dark color. The leaves are heavy, thick, oily and veiny at the same time. A rustic looking wrapper that

packs tons of flavors, translating in earthy notes and sweetness. Found on: AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro, Mi Querida, etc. CONNECTICUT SHADE Another tobacco that the Connecticut River Valley is famous for. This expensive wrapper leaf, as the name suggests, is grown in the shade (under sheets of cloth). It is the complete opposite of the Broadleaf wrapper: silky smooth and with almost no visible veins. It is also famous for its golden color. This thin wrapper is mild, with hints of wood, grass and sweetness. Found on: Ashton Cabinet, Highclare Castle, etc. COROJO Developed in Cuba in the 1930’s. This seed was created through the selective breeding of the Criollo seed. Due to being prone to diseases (like Blue Mold) it was crossbred to create a more resistant strain. One of the better known variety is Corojo ’99, which is a cross between a Corojo and a Connecticut seed. Nowadays, it is grown in many different countries like Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and even in Kentucky, USA. Corojo leaves have fine veins with a dark brown and uniform tonality, with characteristics ranging from peppery/smooth/sweet, that due to its toughness can showcase burn issues.

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SLOW ATTITUDE

Found on: Camacho Corojo, Joya de Nicaragua Dark Corojo, etc. CRIOLLO Mostly referred to the seed originally grown in Cuba, can be considered and another original Cuba one. Since Criollo means “Native Seed” in Spanish, it can also indicate seeds that are native to a particular country and may not derive from the original Cuban ones. This means the tobacco flavor can vary from country to country. This seed was susceptible to mold. A famous and mold resistant hybrid variety is Criollo ’98, prominently cultivated in Honduras and Nicaragua. Honduran Criollo ’98 is milder in taste, while the Nicaraguan version is slightly more flavorful. A tobacco where the difference in flavor completely depends on the soil in which it is grown. Found on: Alec Bradley Nice Puro, Tatuaje Black Label, etc. HABANO This tobacco is supposed to be a cross between a Cuban and Connecticut Shade seed. Named after its Cuban origin, were it was developed, this seed is cultivated in countries like Ecuador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Although, the most famous and probably most used Habano wrappers come from Ecuador. The natural oiliness and great cross-breading ability have made this a versatile tobacco and depending on the variety, it can range from being bold and spicy to sweet and complex. Found on: My Father, Enclave Habano, etc. INDONESIAN BESUKI Mostly grown in the Java region. There are three types of Besuki: VO (Vroege Oogst) Dutch for “early harvest”, NO (Na Oogst) Dutch for “late harvest” and TBN (Tembakau Bawah Naungan), which loosely translates into “Shade Grown”. An aromatic and sweet tobacco. Found on: Montague, CVJ Cigars, etc. MEXICAN SAN ANDRES The rich volcanic soil along the Gulf of Mexico gives

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this tobacco its distinctive earthy aroma. Once fermented the color tends to be on the darker side of the spectrum. San Andres wrapper has grown in popularity over the years and many producers feature it in some of their lines. Found on: Casa Turrent Serie 1901, La Flor Dominicana La Nox, etc. SUMATRA Hailing from the Indonesian island that bears the same name, this strain of tobacco is another famous one and also cultivated in all the main cigar growing countries in Middle and South America. This very distinctive leaf tends to be on the milder and sweeter side of the spectrum. The Indonesian grown wrapper often seems matt and motely, with almost no sheen. Ecuador’s Sumatra is probably the most popular, on the other hand can be darker and oilier. Found on: Viking Nordic Warrior, La Reloba Sumatra, etc.

Honorable Mentions: CANDELA Is both a color and a wrapper variety. At one point in time, yeas ago, it was the most popular wrapper leaf used on cigars. The Candela color is gained by a special fermentation process. A mild, smooth and sweet tobacco. Found on: Illusione 88 Candela, Rocky Patel The Edge Candela, etc. KENTUCKY Compared to all the other tobaccos used for cigars, this gets a fire cured treatment. A seed that, over the years, has adapted the characteristics to the soil that it is grown into. In Italy, for example, the tobacco has different characteristic depending on where it is cultivated. Nevertheless, the best Kentucky wrappers are cultivated in North America, in the region of Kentucky and Tennessee, thanks to thier texture and elasticity. Found on: Toscano, Amazon, etc.

DISCOVER THE FLAT FLAME.

Available on CigarsLoverStore.com

TOBACCO HISTORY

Trinidad ORIGINS OF A MYTH by Giuseppe Mitolo

Trinidad brand, despite being a quite recent one, features a story which is worth being told again, at least for the several points shared with Cohiba. As mentioned in another article (CigarsLover Magazine Spring 2016), the Laguito No.1 made for Cohiba was born with this name in 1966 and since that year on the manufacturing was officially established in the El Laguito factory, as per the explicit indication by the Lider Maximo Fidel Castro: the purpose was to address the cigars rolled there as diplomatic gifts. Few years later (1969) however, a gossip started that another Laguito No.1, not the Cohiba one, was actually manufactured at El Laguito, also to be used as diplomatic gifts. The mystery was

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solved in 1994 when Fidel Castro implicitly confirmed its existence, but also stating he always used Cohibas as gift to the leading politicians visiting La Isla Grande. In addition to the manufacturing site, Trinidad’s history is bound to the Cohiba one since, starting from 1968, the supervision of El Laguito’s production was in the hands of Avelino Lara, one of the most famous Cuban “ligadores” (master blenders), who kept his position of factory director up to 1994. The two ligas of the manufactured cigars were (and still are) different in terms of used tobaccos fermentations: three for the Cohibas, the standard two for the Trinidads. Aficionados were requested to wait 1997 before

the cigar was officially launched on the global market as Trinidad Fundadores. This was also the year the cigar changed its name (from Laguito No.1 to Fundadores) and its shape: despite length was confirmed (192 mm), the diameter increased from 38 (grueso which was a characteristic of the Laguito No.1 vitola de galera) to 40, celebrating the birth of a new vitola de galera, named Laguito especial. Additional difference between the two cigars was the two bands: even though graphically identical, the Trinidad Fundadores’ one was slightly larger than the previous Laguito No.1’s one.

In 2012 however, with no evident reasons, the manufacturing of Robusto Extra was stopped, even though the sales had no problems, and the smoke was capable of delivering a very interesting experience, so that it was often compared to Cohiba Siglo VI (cañonazo, 52 x 150) because of similar dimensions. Since 2004 the whole Trinidad production has been moved from El Laguito to Francisco Donatien’s factory in Pinar del Rio. In 2009, to celebrate the 40th birthday of this brand, the Robusto T (Del Valle, 124 x 50) was

Foundador produced from 2004 to nowadays

Brand offering was only made it wider in 2004 when, in addition to Fundadores, Reyes (vitola de galera reyes, 40 x 110), Coloniales (coloniale, 44 x 132) and Robusto Extra (doble, 50 x 155), were released, all of them characterized by a pig-tail head finish, which became a symbol of this brand (up to now a unique case in Cuban production) and by a new band, which has survived up to now.

Foundador produced from 1997 to 2004

The main curiosity shared by all the aficionados is however expressed by the most classical question: from a taste perspective, how different were the two Trinidads pre and post-1997? On this we can mention the very short statement by Min Ron Nee in his “An illustrated encyclopaedia of post revolution Havana cigars”, talking about the Laguito No.1 by Trinidad: “They tasted very similar to a very good Cohiba Lanceros to me. The strength was 4/5.”. If you are looking for a more detailed and complete review, you can find the same in our websites cigarslover.com and cigarslovermagazine.com.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

TOBACCO HISTORY introduced in the standard vitolario, then discontinued 3 years after. Most probably, the release of a Robusto sized cigar (even though with a pigtail finish), placed in the same price range and the historical association to the Cohiba brand, was posing this cigar in a direct competition with the more established and famous Cohiba Robusto, compared to which the Trinidad was not at same level of performance. A very different success was obtained by the humidor released the year after to celebrate the brand’s anniversary. Only manufactured in four hundred units, it was featuring forty Cañonazo T, a pig-tail headed cañonazo as per the typical Trinidad characteristic. Not related to any specific celebration, the 2011 Book Habanos was the first approach of the brand to the very limited collectors-oriented production, which also released the new Torre Iznaga module, then rarely repeated by other brand as Regional Editions. And it is a must mentioning the “Farm House”, released between 2001 and 2002: a graceful masterpiece, since calling it a humidor is a mere offense. It featured a typical Cuban campesina house, where ten Fundadores and ten Double Robusto (robusto Especiales, 192 x 50) were stored. The first hundred released units, which were individually numbered, made it the most desired and expensive collector-market humidor. Following this important success, in 2003 different replicas of Farm House, not clearly numbered, were released, and sold during the Festival

del Habano event. However, despite the Trinidad brand was officially launched in 1969, Cuba is not insensitive to the 1997 date, the year of the commercial international launch of the Trinidad Fundadores, the other milestone. This is confirmed by the launch in 2007 of the first Trinidad Limited Edition (Ingenios) and, ten years after, in 2017, when the La Trova (cañonazo especial 166 x 52) has been given to shops, as the first La Casa del Habano dedicated edition by Trinidad. The attention showed by Habanos SA to this brand has always been remarkable; it is not a casuality that, with Cuaba and San Cristobal de La Habana, is one of the “niche brands”. Evident proofs can be identified: the few cigars which are part of the catalogue provide a constant manufacturing quality, which is difficult to match in the nowadays Cuban production; the dedicated packaging (varnished semi boite nature for 12 or 24 sticks, where cigars are aligned in different levels and perpendicularly to the opening direction of the box) is exclusive; the few Limited Editions kept the brand aside from the high numbers production frenzy; having in the portfolio a real tobacco manufacturing masterpiece such

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as the Fundadores, which is comparable to the Cohiba Lancero, has given to the brand a special evidence. For all these reasons this brand has become a real favorite of many Cuban cigars lovers, even to the ladies, who can find in these cigars a sweet aromatic palette and a mild to medium body. Curiosity

TRINIDAD LIMITED EDITIONS 2007 Ingenios Cervante (42 x 165 - 6,5”) 2010 Short Robusto T Short Del Valle (50 x 102 - 4”) 2016 Topes Topes (56 x 125 - 4,9”)

Before Castro’s revolution a different “Trinidad” brand existed (Trinidad y Hermanos) which, however, had nothing to do with the 1969 one; the ancient brand was paying homage to the city of Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus province), which gained the World Heritage by UNESCO status in 1988.

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PILLS

Matches THE VINTAGE TREND by Luca Cominelli

Years are passing by, trendy habits are changing, but Classics are forever. Cigar gesture is, in everybody’s imagination, often linked to a thin wood stick, the match. Lighting up moment is a real ritual, when the fruition is anticipated of the previously smelled and cut cigar. The classical quick hand movement to quench the match is, in addition, the one really initiating the smoke. Many aficionados do consider this the best lighting modality. Is this the truth? Even though gesture has timeless charm, the match features some peculiarities to pay attention to. First of all it goes without saying that it has to be used in closed environment or avoided in open air during windy days; moreover, a lot of attention has to be given to actual lighting up. To create a flame, the head of the match is covered in sulfur which, thanks to friction, triggers a spark and then fire. Differently from match’s wood, which burns without releasing smells which can impact on the cigar, sulfur has a very strong smell.

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It has to be absolutely avoided to put tobacco in touch with the crackling flame originated by the sulfur. Few seconds have to pass, and when the flame becomes stable, this is the sign that wood, and no longer sulfur, is burning and one can proceed with no further hesitations, putting cigar’s foot near to the flame. Differently from the completely odourless butane, match’s fire gives off the aromas related to burning wood. We are talking about something really minor and almost negligible, but present. Said that, the best storage method for cigars is the wooden humidor. Even the best ones, crafted using extensively aged woods, feature a mild wooden aroma. This is not a problem at all for cigars, and the wood of the match is not an issue as well. For a “purist” looking for the best “aseptic” lighting, matches are not the best method. However for those individuals considering lighting up a real ritual, the gesture introduced by the match is quite difficult to be overtaken.

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EVENTS

Inspirado watch MACANUDO & CUERVO Y SOBRINOS by Luca Cominelli

On Monday 20th of November, the collaboration between Cuervo y Sobrinos and Macanudo was officially launched, bringing to life a watch with great attention to details.

The watch is a limited edition dedicated to the Macanudo brand and specifically to the Inspirado line, from which it takes the flamboyant and eyecatching orange color.

The event was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in a two days event about slow smoking. From the beautiful Admiral Hotel to the Macanudo lounge, only a few steps away, in an atmosphere of friendship and common passion for cigars the long-awaited presentation took place.

Only 50 watches were made and they will be sold exclusively in the Macanudo shops of New York, Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

Cuervo y Sobrinos is a company with roots running deep, back to 135 years, when it was founded in 1882 in Cuba, in the city of La Habana. They produce luxury watches, which are handmade with maximum attention.

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The dial is decorated with the “M“ of Macanudo and the hands that mark the hours recall once again the color of the Inspirado line. The real treat is placed in the back of the clock. Sliding it from the wrist, the transparent back reveals the mechanisms, on which the writing “Macanudo Inspirado“ is written.

Although this is not the first or the only watch created by a collaboration between a tobacco company and a luxury watch producer, what really stands out is the attention to details and the fact that nothing has been left to chance. What has left us equally satisfied is the packaging in which the beautiful watch is enclosed: it is not a box that is inspired by a humidor, it is a real humidor of imposing size and ready to be used right away. The orange coloring ties it again to the Inspirado brand 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 Cuervo y Sobrino, during the presentaton said: “we are deeply enthusiastic about this collaboration, born with a prestigious brand that is known by all cigar lovers”. During the evening, Mark Renard, coordinator of the Macanudo project, stated that “a new chapter has just begun for us. Both brands are aimed toward the same clientele”.

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LOUNGE

The Auld Alliance SINGAPORE by Simone Poggi

““Far East also means culture by searching for the thinking self.” Tiziano Terzani, Firenze 1938 – Orsigna 2004

As a result of few travels to China, India, Malesia and Philippines one could be tempted to believe having seen most of the treasures Far East might display. And this is one of the distinction points of the true traveler, since he does not make easy assumptions; an unexplored corner always exists, a different and unique place which can contribute to open our minds, and sometimes even to open our eyes wide. This can well be said for the Cigars World, for sure. Singapore in itself accounts for this, is the Far East

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of the intricate Chinese calligraphies, of the impossible to understand and order street food, but of the European lifestyle, of the futuristic architectural masterpieces, of the New-Yorker restaurants, of the Swisse order and tidiness as well. Even the local civic duty can teach us important lessons, such as the funny campaign devoted to increasing the local public transport courtesy, where several ad-hoc created, Japanese manga style characters suggest appropriate metro behaviors. As an example #GiveWayGlenda, young and highly implausible curly girl, suggesting to leave the seat free for elder people. All this topped by generous Asian style. Sometimes even passing the limits, as for the severe prohibition of importing chewing gums, carefully confiscated at Customs on arrival. In this picture we can better understand the desire

for re-creating some of the English high class lifestyle images, such as a classic leather coaches lounge, exceptional atmosphere only enlightened by few “retro” lights, pointing straight to one of the most incredible whiskeys selection ever seen, 1500 bottles which could cause numbness even to top experts. Only issue, here cigars are not sold, the law does not allow so; however for those (such as us) who brought a stick from home, the careful waiter shows a dedicate room, a real tasting haven, hidden by a sliding door, where it is possible to both smoke and organize few people private parties. We did not reserve, but tonight it is free, a clear omen that the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto will magnificently marry the chosen Nikka from the Barrel. And this is true with no doubts. The thin capa is a silky one, showing evidently it has been aged to perfection. The draw since the beginning provides deep sensations, with an important volume of dense and pleasant smoke reaching the palate. The body is quite intense, but the sweet notes of the whiskey are rounding and smoothing the cigar. Remarked notes of hazelnut are immediately given off, paired by a great quality leather. In the second tercio the aromas palette widens, with some puffs resembling roasted coffee, not without moving into black pepper notes, evident and very nice, which the spirit helps quenching. We actually burn out our fingers to smoke the last centimeters, we would try to squeeze the glass if that would help. Truly a great pairing, such as Far East and Switzerland, such as Singapore.

POSITION

REACHABILITY

CIGARS

SPIRITS

SERVICE

quite

not difficult

not sold

more than

careful

central

to reach

1.500 bottles

INFO The Auld Alliance, 9 Bras Basah Road, RendeVous Hotel Gallery #02-02ª, Singapore 189559 http://www.theauldalliance.sg/

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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: distilleries 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 producers today, this process has gone from being experimental to become a widespread one only during the last fifteentwenty 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 overpowering. 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 distilleries 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.

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Triple-aged & hand-selected by all the Maestros del Ron Cubano

From left to right: Juan Carlos GONZALES, Manuel CALDERON, Cesar Augusto MARTI, Asbel MORALES, Maestros del Ron Cubano

Taste our know-how wisely.

DRINKS

Irish Coffee THE IRISH HEAT by Nicola Ruggiero

If someone would ask you what kind of beverage do you associate with Ireland, what would come into your mind? Undoubtedly about Irish whiskey… but what if you were asked to think of a warm beverage instead? Without any doubt, the Irish Coffee would be the protagonist. A warm beverage made with simple and common ingredients, but not easy to select, process and combine. For that reason it’s not difficult to find a place that serves this drink, but to find a place that serves a proper Irish Coffee made with care, because oftentimes you end up drinking a beverage made of coffee and alcohol which are not properly mixed. It is a recipe that contains the warmth of the Irish people, to the point that it helps to counteract the cold temperatures of Ireland. This drink was casually born in 1943, at the airport of Foyones. An airplane was heading from Botwood to New Foundland. The adverse weather conditions forced the captain to turn around the plane and land. The exhausted passenger were asked if the could heat themselves up sipping on something hot. Chef Joe Sheridan was asked to provide beverages for passengers. That night, the Irish coffee was born under unexpected circumstances, and yet it remained unknown until 1950, when Stanton Delaplane, a journalist from San Francisco, was waiting for its plane at Shannon airport (where he was transferred after the closure of Foyenes airport). He went to bar to recover from that autumn evening cold and he was served an Irish Coffee. He was immediately smitten by the drink and was curious enough to ask how it was prepared. Joe did not hesitate to tell him that it was born to heat up the poor passengers who were rerouted back due to bad weather conditions and concluded

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with “why not an Irish Whiskey, soothing like a girl’s kiss, finished with the addition of coffee, as black as Cromwell’s heart, and a float of Irish cream. This is the famous Irish Coffee“. Stanton Delaplane was so impressed by the story that on his return to San Francisco decided to report what he had learned in his editorial and after only a couple of weeks from its publication, he convinced Jack Koeppler, barman and owner of the Buena Vista Bar (historical bar of the city, known for its consumption of two carton of Irish Whiskey per year) to recreate the recipe. Starting from that day, the Whiskey consumption reached a thousand cartons per year. The recipe got so popular that reached the big cities of the United States, becoming a real trend. Over time, however, Joe’s unhealthy life and his proximity to alcohol, pushed him to the edge of success of this popular drink. There were many who argued that the use of the whiskey was the only way to cover the horrible taste of the Irish coffee, but Joe always replied that in reality the making of it also came from the every morning habit to prepare a remedy to recover from the hangovers of the night before. Being a member of Alcoholics Anonymus he told of his definitive detachment from whiskey and alcohol in general, that filled his life with financial and health problems. His detachment was so drastic that it led him to abandon his career as barman and consequently made him no longer able to benefit economically from the popularity of his drink. The fame of the Buena Vista Bar also aroused curiosity to Count Cryl McCormack, who requested an interview with Joe. One of the most noteworthy question of the interview was: “what whiskey brands do you recommend for the making

of the drink?“ Joe answered that, because of their popularity in the upper middle class, he preferred to use John Powers or John Jameson, which were served in the best Irish hotels. The barman Joe Sheridan was completely shelved from the story. Same goes for the journalist Stanton Delaplane, who was never involved in the advertisement campaigns of the Irish Whiskey industry to put the Irish Coffee on all menus around the United States. The journalist was so outraged by the story, that he distanced himself from it. Despite the many coffee based creations that followed, the Irish Coffee was unique enough to still be in the cultural baggage of every bartender. As mentioned before, the making of the drink is not simple at all. The problem, still recurrent, seems to be linked directly to the cream that is supposed to float on the black liquid without breaking down. History tells us that the solution was brought to light thanks to the mayor of San Francisco, who owned a dairy shop and advised the experimenters

to let the cream rest for forty-eight hours after making it. Even today, the Buena Vista Bar is considered the mecca of Irish Coffee in the United States, with an annual consumption of nineteen thousand liters of Irish Whiskey. Joe Sheridan instead, rests in the cemetery of Oakland since 1962. IRISH COFFEE RECIPE • Heat up a 6 ounces glass (about 18cl) with hot water • Fill the glass up to 3/4 with black coffee • Dissolve 3 sugar cubes • Add a shot of Irish whiskey (3cl are recom mended) and top it with cream that must float on the drink (to facilitate the operation it is good to mount it slightly).

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DRINKS

The 5 bottles COLLECTABLE WHISKIES by Federico Bosco

Collecting bottles of whiskey has always been a hot topic: is it better to buy expensive bottles and keeping them closed or is it a better idea opening and share them no matter what is the liquid inside? Distilleries are releasing more and more often limited editions of their whiskies. These products are intended for wealthy collectors willing to do whatever it takes to have those rare and precious bottles. The secondary whiskey market is flourishing now more than ever: sales volume and prices incresead as well, and it looks like every record has been broken. We decided to create a non-exhaustive list of very sought-after bottles. We didn’t chose the most expensive ones, but we focus our attention on products capable to tell a story. This list contains highly regarded whiskies by those who have been lucky enough to taste them, giving up a decent amount of money coming from their sale. With this introduction, it is clear that we are referring to unique bottling. Here follow five of the most rare bottles ever made.

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PORT ELLEN 12yo - 1980 Distilled: 1967 or 1968 Bottled: 1980 Distillery: Port Ellen Bottler: Port Ellen ABV: 40% No. of bottles: not declared Size: 750ml Last known price: 15.000 $

In February 2015 Serge Valentin, the most known whisky reviewer in the world, gave a score of 99/100 to this whisky. He ended his tasting notes by saying: “I will never find a better whisky than this”. Port Ellen distillery closed in 1983, and this bottling is dedicated to a visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 1980. The label says “12 years old”, which means this spirit was distillate in 1967. Very little is known about this particolar bottling, except its rarity and quality. Iain McArthur, the legendary Lagavulin warehouse manager made the casks selection for this whisky, and maybe he is the only one to remeber something more about this treasure. Few of these bottles

were up to auction a few times in the past years, and they were sold for an “average” price, cheaper than what you could expect from a so rare and sought-after bottle of whisky.

KARUIZAWA 1960 Cask 5627 Distilled: 1 February 1960 Bottled: 1 January 2013 Distillery: Karuizawa Bottler: Karuizawa ABV: 51.8% Cask Strength No. of bottles: 41 bottles Size: 700ml Last known price: 115.000 $

Karuizawa was a Japanese distillery operating between 1955 and 2001. Japanese law does not allow the reconstruction or the reopening of a closed distillery, so the remaining stocks have been acquired by Number One Drinks: their limited releases and the intrinsic value of the spirit contribute to create a very sought-after product. The “cask 5627” is probably the oldest barrel of Karuizawa, a relic of a distillery that will never exist again. The packaging of the 41 bottles is unique: the double label was hand-produced in Japan and in Glasgow, Scotland. Each bottle is accompanied by a unique hand-carved wooden

figure. The box itself consists of two different woods with hand carved details. It’s a small masterpiece and a real piece of history.

BOWMORE 1966 SAMAROLI “BOUQUET” Distilled: 1966 Bottled: 1984 Distillery: Bowmore Bottler: Samaroli ABV: 53% Cask Strength No. of bottles: 720 bottles Size: 750ml Last known price: 24.800 $

Silvano Samaroli is considered by many a pioneer of single malt whiskies as we know them today, and one of the first independent bottlers in the world. He was a well known Italyn master, capable to select an impressive amount of excellent products even from underestimated distilleries. The Bowmore Bouquet is considered by many as the best Bowmore ever made; just say “Bouquet” to any whisky enthusiast and you will see them quickly changing their facial expression. This bottle is practically nonexistent due to the fact that only 720 bottles were produced back in 1984, and they have been tasted by whisky enthusiasts all over the world; the last few bottles belong to big collectors. The chance to find one of these is almost the same as winnig the lottery. The back-label says: “It’s like drinking straight from the barrel”. No better words can describe this bottling, CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

DRINKS definitely to consider as a liquid gold made in Scotland.

MACALLAN VINTAGE 1926 Distilled: 1926 Bottled: 1986 Distillery: Macallan Bottler: Macallan ABV: 42.6% No. of bottles: 40 bottles Size: 750ml Last known price: 85.000 $

In every ranking of the most expensive whiskies in the world you come across a bottle of Macallan, no matter what. We have selected the most evocative one. This is an exception whisky, capable to give of a superb dram , even it would be tough finding someone willing to have a five zeros loss by opening this bottle. The 1926 is the oldest vintage of the series: the whisky had been matured for 60 years before the bottling. Just a few whiskies can boast this numbers. An aging of 40-50 years is already capable to give birth to a unique nectar. This spirit was distilled way

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before World War II, a totally different era, and bottled more than 30 years ago. A bottle that tells History better than many others: an intrinsic value that should not be underestimated.

BALVENIE 50 YO CASK 191 Distilled: 26 January 1952 Bottled: 6 September 2002 Distillery: Balvenie Bottler: Balvenie ABV: 45.1% Cask Strength No. of bottles: 83 bottles Size: 700ml Last known price: 37.000 $

Balvenie is known for the sweetly intense character of their whiskies. Cask 191 was among the last barrels filled in 1952 at Balvenie distillery: it is a dark and thick spirit. 83 bottles were hand-labelled and signed by David Stewart, the mind behind Balvenie and its reputation. He was able to give something more to the distillery production over the last 50 years. This is an almost impossible to taste whisky. A whisky to be considered as a a legendary one .

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LIFE IS SHORT TAKE THE TRIP SMOKE A CIGAR

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www.importadoracorazza.ch

10 DRINKS

whisky of 2017

The list of the suggested 10 whiskies of 2017 is a selection of products coming from all over the world, belonging to different terroir. 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;collectabilityâ&#x20AC;?. The list is about what to buy in order to have great prodcuts for the year ahead.

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DRINKS

AMRUT Portonova

BENROMACH 2009 Triple Distilled

62,1% | €€ | India

50,0% | €€€ | Scotland

The Indian distillery was founded after World War II, but it did not produce whisky until the 1980s. The company is aimed towards innovation and technology while maintaining low production costs and thus commercialize a product at a fair price. It was a very good decision and Amrut is now a constantly growing brand.

Benromach is a Speyside distillery founded in 1898, which has gone through several closure back in the 1900s, until its acquisition by Gordon & MacPhail, an independent Scottish bottler. The brand has been completely renewed, as so the range of products. Nowadays, new releases are often coming to the market.

Just like Kavalan, Amrut also has the “problem” of evaporation, and the maturation of whisky takes place much faster.

The triple distillation is a rather expensive process that only few distilleries maintain today. Benromach decided to play this card, introducing the Vintage 2009.

Amrut products rarely exceed 7/8 years of ageing, and Portonova is an example of that. Solid and complex product, it has some very particular nuances, which make it able to compete on equal levels with more renowed products. The decision to maintain a high ABV is appreciable.

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With this 2009 Triple Distilled there is a sort of return to origins, due to the use of methods almost completely in disuse, which not many other produters can boast. This whisky is something really new, to try absolutely and do bring in to the new year.

BULLEIT 10 Years Old

KAVALAN Solist Vinho Barrique

45,6% | € | U.S.A.

56,3% | €€€ | Taiwan

Augustus Bulleit founded the distillery in 1830. He wanted to commercialize his favorite bourbon, the one he regularly carried around in barrels to sell. One day, mysteriously, he disappeared, also bringing with him the secret of his bourbon. Based in Louisville, the distillery has been operating for the second time since 1987, after distilling from 1830 to 1860.

Kavalan is a distillery located in Taiwan. Recently founded, in a few years it has been able to establish itself on the market among international competitions, winning prizes almost everywhere, often surpassing a lot of well known producers. The organoleptic characteristics are different compared to the Scotch or Japanese whiskies, making the tasting of these products very interesting.

The 10 Years Old is a new product but at the same time is a matured one. New because it arrived in many countries in 2017, navigated because in the US has been available since 2013, and above all, because boasts a remarkable aging for a bourbon.

The flagships of the entire production are the “Solist”, full-grade bottling that are young in terms of age but, due to the high tropical evaporation, are capable to deliver a great complexity.

This 10 years is a step forward to the more traditional and widespread Bulleit, aged about 6 years. The gradation is slightly higher and guarantees an excellent result.

Vinho Barrique is aged in barrels that previously contained red or white wine, before being filled with whiskey. Each cask we tried was exceptional. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

DRINKS

LAGAVULIN 12 2017

MAKER’S MARK Cask Strength

56,5% | €€ | Scotland

55,8% | €€ | U.S.A.

Lagavulin is located on the south coast of Islay, in Scotland, and together with Ardbeg and Laphroaig it represents a solid reality in the peated Scoth whisky world. The malt comes from the nearby Port Ellen plant and is peated at around 40 PPM, a quite high level which goes well with the complexity of all the Lagavulin branded high quality whisky, that exhibits an enviable consistency and an extremely reduced core – range of products. The 12yo is an annual and limited edition, but since its first appearance ten years ago it has been a guaranteed excellence confirmed every year. A whisky with two souls: the power given by peat, its youth and high alcohol content being a cask strenght. All without any defect. The usual, classic and splendid Lagavulin 12.

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Maker’s Mark entered the market in 1958 and it is a distillate of barley and wheat, without rye, despite the American tradition. The ageing method is special: young barrels are moved upwards regularly, as was done several years ago in the bourbon world. Straight from Kentucky, this is the cask strength version of the classic “red wax” Maker’s Mark, named after the red sealing wax-like closure that closes the cap. The distillery does not have many products in its core-range, yet it boastds a solid reputation for its quality and consistency. Many other U.S. distilleries offer full-grade bottles touching over 60 degrees, making it difficult to drink given the high ABV. This Maker’s Mark, with its 54/55 degrees, is a good compromise, more intense, but still fresh and enjoyable.

MIYAGIKYO Single Malt

OCTOMORE 08.3

45,0% | €€ | Japan

61,2% | €€€ | Scotland

Miyagikyo was founded by the legendary Masataka Taketsuru in 1969. Once in the uninhabited area located between two rivers and mountains (now known as the Miyagi prefecture), Taketsuru decided to build a distillery, considering it the perfect spot: right humidity, plenty of water and clean air. The love towards Japanese whiskies shows no signs of diminishing.

Octomore is a Bruichladdich brand, dedicated to the production of very peated whiskies. The distillery is located on the island of Islay and produces three very different spirits: Bruichladdich, not peated, Port Charlotte, peated at about 50 PPM, and Octomore, always above 100 parts per million of peat. With the 08.3 PPM is over 300, making this whisky the “most peated in the world”.

In the last five years the few aged bottles available on the market were literally raided and prices on the market got quite high, also due to the almost total lack of products with a long maturation.

This line is an experiment wanted by Jim McEwan, who for years has been bringing quite young but very solid products onto the market. Needless to say, these malts are extremely appreciated or extremely disdained; however, the intrinsic value of an operation of this kind, which often sees ageing in particular selected barrels and ABV often above 55°, has to be apprecciated. A particolar way to create something unique in the vast panorama of peated whiskies.

This product, practically the only one available in the distillery’s core-range, represents an excellent compromise between the search for Japanese products and the complexity that only years of aging can give to whiskey.

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DRINKS

PUNI Sole

SPINGBANK 12 Years Old Cask Strength

46% | €€ | Italy

56,5% | €€ | Scotland

Puni distillery produces for just a few weeks during the whole year, and annually renews its core-range of products. We have seen a constant and gradual improvement of the production from this distillery, the only one in Italy.

Campbeltown has a fairly wide history of distilleries: at the most favorable moment, there were about 35 open distilleries in this part of Scotland. Today the number has been reduced to 3, among which Springbank stands out, making some rather peculiar products. Springbank uses a completely manual production method; the distillery production has a quite small capacity, which guarantees e a solid consistency in the products con a soldi consistency of its products.

This whisky is the latest one released from Puni, located in Glorenza, Trentino-Alto Adige. A whisky that matures for two years in ex-bourbon casks and the next two in ex-sherry Pedro Ximenez barrels. The “Sole” represents a decisive step forward. Youth is not perceivable and complexity is guaranteed by the choice of barrels. Continuing on this path, in the future this producer will be gradually more and more apprecciated, due to the constant improvement of their products.

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This 12 year old is regularly commercialized in different cask strenght batches, with a predominance of ex-sherry barrels (about 70%). Despite its young age, this Scotch delivers a high maturity and a prominent complexity; a “masculine” malt. The different batches maintain an excellent quality level, at a very interesting quality /price ratio.

For Don Tomás Nicaragua, Master Blender Leader Agustín Garcia worked closely with the blending team in Estelí, Nicaragua and with tobacco grower Pedro Gurdian, who specializes in growing tobacco within the virgin soils of the Nicaraguan regions Jalapa, Condega Pueblo and Estelí. Filler tobaccos from these regions are blended with Dominican Piloto Cubano, held together by a binder from

Arapiraca, Brazil and covered with a shade-grown wrapper from Jalapa. Don Tomás Nicaragua showcases a nice, spicy and nutty flavor, paired with sweetness, woody, and salty notes and has nicely defined colors and very little, thin veins. It has significant body and features fantastic construction which leads to the perfect smoking experience. CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

AWARDS

Awards

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

2017 Awards keep the style that has always distinguished us, aimed at giving the right focus to every terroir. The four major producing countries (Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic) plus the “Rest of the world” cathegory, containing all the cigars made in countries with a lower production, make up the main list. Five products were selected in each terroir. The choice was made among the better performing cigars tested during the year, from products tested in the blind tastings and in the reviews, with a particular eye

on the new releases, but without forgetting the classic lines, capable to amaze even after years from their born. To support the TOP 5, there are also the best producers for terroir and the best buy. This year, however, we wanted to expand our focus, extending the Awards to a new category, which for years now has had a huge attention by the cigar lovers: the so-called “boutique brands”. Many are now the boutique cigars, but only 10 are the chosen ones, selected as the best among the new productions released in recent months.

Best cigars

Cuba ................................................................................. 53 Honduras ....................................................................... 57 Nicaragua ...................................................................... 61 Repubblica Dominciana ........................................... 65 Resto del mondo ......................................................... 69

Best brands

producers of the year ............................................... 75

Boutique brands

the best niche productions .................................... 82

Best buy

top cigars by quality/price ..................................... 85

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AWARDS

Cuba The Cuban 2017 confirmed some productions that have always ridden the wave and are believed to be the most consistent ones, capable of never betraying the expectations of the aficionado, that with confidence is used to smoke these the true workhorses produced in “La Grande Isla”, such as the Hoyo de Monterrey No.2, a cigar that since the time of the Cuban revolution represents an

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excellence. However, there are new stars in the Cuban panorama, which in the last years have seen a considerable improvement in quality and production consistency. The most striking example is the Montecristo Edmundo. The real revelation however, was the cigar surrounded by the highest expectations in 2017, the limited edition branded Cohina, the Talismán.

AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

COHIBA Talismán Ed. Limitata 2017

MAJESTIC. RIPE FRUITS AND SPICES. CUBAN SOUL, COHIBA TASTE. The most awaited limited edition of the year, recently introduced to the market. As it happend for the past releases of the Edición Limitada Cohiba, cigars are commercialized in a wooden box of 10 pieces, with a varnished finish, as tradition for all the cigars belonging the brand. In this case, cigars are arranged 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 is aged for a minimum of two years. The cigars are wrapped in a colorado maduro leaf, silky to the touch. The filling is generous and uniform. The head finish shows a pigtail. The constrictions is free from defects. Medium to full strength (4/5). It opens up with fine wood, a touch of vanilla and a hint of white pepper in the background. Soon the spicy component turns to pink pepper and intense notes of cocoa beans and fine wood reache the palate. Halfway through the smoke, a riot of ripe fruit is delivered, together with an acidulous vein, making a great combination with the sweet base. Wood, cocoa and spices are now followed by hazelnuts. Going on, the spices increase in intensity, accompanying every single puff. Aromas of coffee beans, hot peppers and cocoa, give rise to a finale with fireworks, exhibitin a great intensity. Refined and powerful, the Cohiba Talismán’s aromatic palette seems to be created by the union of a Siglo VI and a Behike 52. The smoke is creamy and silky, equipped with an excellent harmony. One of the best limited edition ever, showing all the conditions for a further improvement, after a resting period of a few years.

Size: 54 x 154 mm (6,1”) EUR: 47 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba

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AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

HOYO DE MONTERREY Epicure No.2

INTESE. CEDAR AN WHITE PEPPER. CREAMY & REFINED. From the Cuban Revolution, the Epicure No. 2 has been the Robusto of the brand. It is distinguishes itself from the the suave flavors of the brand, oriented towards a more masculine smoke. Strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5). The smoke is sweet and starts out with notes of cedar and white pepper, followed by earth and piquant hints. Continuing, coffee beans get delivered, while the finale turns to cocoa and chili spices, with herbs in the background, completing the aromatic bouquet. A smoke of great aromatic intensity and a well structured bouquet. It exhibits an exceptional persistency and harmony. Creamy and elegant. Satisfying. Size: 50 x 127 mm (5”) EUR: 11 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba

MONTECRISTO Edmundo

BOLD. A SPICE BOMB. A CLASSIC MONTECRISTO. Introduced in 2004, the nowadays Edmundo has nothing to share with the first productions, resembling more the old Montecristos, stronger and bolder. Strength is medium – full (4/5). It start out by bringing a mix of black pepper and cedar wood to the palate, quickly followed by earthy and spicy notes. There is a slightly perceivable aroma of herbs in the background. Halfway through, smokey notes are added. The finale delivers rich notes of coffee beans, together with hot spices and rich herbs. Intense and equipped with an ample evolution. The spicy component is present from the first puff, increasing continuously in intensity. Very satisfying. Size: 52 x 135 mm (5,3”) EUR: 13 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

PARTAGAS Salomones La Casa del Habano

HARMONIOUS. WOODY & SPICY. CUBAN TASTE. Introduced in 2008, it was initially a La Casa del Habano exclusive cigar. Today it is fairly widespread. The size is majestic and it surpasses a two hour smoking 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 wood and spices, which are outlined in white pepper. Leather and hazelnut reach then 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 prolonged persistency. Excellent harmony and balance. Giant in size and goodness. Size: 57 x 184 mm (7,2”) EUR: 17,5 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba

TRINIDAD Reyes

REFINED NUTS & CAPPUCCINO. GREAT CONSISTENCY. The Reyes is the smallest sized cigar currently produced under the Trinidad brand. It boasts an enviable consistency in the Cuban production. It shows the classical 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 the smoke, it alternates between roasted cappuccino notes, followed in some puffs by a vegetal aroma, which stays in the aftertaste. Equipped with an excellent harmony, it is masterfully balanced. Capable to deliver a pronounced “Trinidad profile”, enclosed in a thirty minutes smoke Size: 40 x 110 mm (4,4”) EUR: 8 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba

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AWARDS

Honduras The 2017 Awards for Honduras comprehends some producers already included in previous years top5, but also reveal some surprises. Alec Bradley, Flor de Selva and Eiroa, had already been in the 2015 and 2016 lists, and they again confirmed their dedication to producing greatly performing cigars. Therefore they do not

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

represent a real coup de thĂŠĂ˘tre, but the fact of seeing them often among the best producers in the country, says a lot about the quality standards of these brands. Two of the five cigars, belong to brands entering the TOP 5 list for the first time: S.T.K. and J. Fuego. A couple of true revelations.

AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

ALEC BRADLEY Black Market Illicit Toro

SMOOTH. EARTHY AND SPICY. VERY SATISFYING. Among the many releases that Alec Bradley announced this year, the Black Market Illicit flew under the radar. Mainly because it is a TAA (Tobacconist Association of America) exclusive. This single size release comes in the classic Toro size, measuring 50 by 152 mm. The classic oversized band of the Black Market line stays unchanged, except the addition of the Illicit writing, that resembles a stamp and underlines the completely different blend. While the color scheme for the regular Black Market boxes is kept in a more wooden look, the Illicit boxes feature a flashy red and black combination. Each box contains 22 cigars. As far as the blend goes, the Illicit has nothing to do with the fan favorite regular Black Market line. The blend is completely different and focuses more on Nicaraguan tobaccos, with the only exception of the dual binders, which are from 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 notes of herbs and hazelnut, that quickly move to earth, underwood and hints of mushrooms. Then a rich mix of black pepper and cocoa beans take over, joined by a spicy vein. The finale changes completely to balsamic and herbal notes, supported by an intense aroma of chili. A greatly balanced smoke, paired with an excellent creaminess. It exhibits a deep and well structured aromatic palette. The evolution is well perceptible and the smoke is very satisfying.

Size: 52 x 152 mm (6”) EUR: - | USD: 9 Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Honduras Filler: Nicaragua

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AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

S.T.K. Black Dahlia Corona Gorda

GREAT HARMONY. COFFEE & BLACK PEPPER. CREAMY The massive black varnished box contains beautifully crafted cigars, dressed up in an oily Colorado colored wrapper, smooth to the touch. Strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5). It opens up with roasted coffee notes and a very creamy smoke. Afterwards, aromas of wood and spices, outlined in black pepper, reach the palate. There is a pleasant bitterness present throughout. Hazelnut and herbs complete the aromatic get delivered in the finale, completing its aromatic palette. A creamy and smooth cigar, topped with an excellent and harmonious aromatic bouquet. Flavors are intense from start to to finish. Size: 46 x 143 mm (5.6’’) EUR: - | USD: 9,5 Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua

EIROA The first 20 Years 40 x 4

INTENSE. BALSAMIC & EARTHY. A PERFECT QUICK SMOKE. It is made with a blend of tobaccos aged for four years. This line is born to celebrate 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 outlined in black pepper. After the first few puffs, the smoke turns to an intense aroma of balsamic herbs, that are developed on a slightly sweet base. The spices move then to the background. The finale is earthy and spicy. A very satisfying smoke. Despite its small size, this cigar is intense and well balanced at the same time. The after taste is incredibly long. A wonderful quick smoke, capable to fill a small period of time in the best way possible. Size: cepo 40 x 101 mm (4”) EUR: 10,5 | USD: 11 Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras

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J. FUEGO Sangre de Toro Toro

SATISFYING. 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 a sweet base: leather and wood are complemented by herbs and hints of pepper. Progressing, cocoa and roasted coffee notes are outlined. The smoke stays sweet and the finale adds a rich hazelnut aroma. Intense and satisfying, it gives rise to a very creamy smoke, based on a sweet base. The aromatic palette is ample and the aromas well alternate during the whole smoke, making the Sangre de Toro a multifaceted and structured cigar. Size: 50 x 152 mm (6”) EUR: 7 | USD: 9 Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua

FLOR DE SELVA Maduro Robusto

HARMONIOUS. VERY SMOOTH & CREAMY. Box pressed and dressed up in a white band with golden lettering, which makes a captivating contrast with the Maduro shaded wrapper. Medium strength (3/5). The first puffs reveal woody and spicy notes, very close to white pepper. Going through the smoke, the cigar turns to cocoa and earth aromas, followed by a mix of nuts and almonds, together with a rich roasted note of cappuccino. The finale is slighltly spicy. The cigar shows a great balance and the smoke is incredibly creamy and refined, very smooth. The evolution is perceivable and well defined in the three thirds. The aromatic palette is well structured and harmonious. Size: 50 x 120 mm (4,7”) EUR: 7 | USD: 9 Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Mata Fina (Brazil) Filler: Honduras (Jamastran e Azacualpa)

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AWARDS

Nicaragua In recent years, Nicaragua has confirmed itself as a very competitive country in the cigar industry. There are many brands and producers worthy of notice, which year after year give life to high performance lines and productions. Two years ago, Nicholas Melillo had approached the top spot, placing his El Gueguense Torpedo

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in second position, right behind the Padron Serie 1964 Diplomatico Natural. This year he came back, with the Maduro version of the El Gueguense line and he hit the bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye, making it into the first place, with a solid 95. The Corona Gorda is an exceptionally rich and satisfying cigar, capable to deliver a bold and true Nicaraguan aromatic palette.

AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

THE WISEMAN Maduro Corona Gorda

POWERFUL. BLACK PEPPER AND COCOA BEANS. A VOLCANO OF FLAVORS. Since his debut with Foundation Cigar Co. in 2015, Nicholas Melillo has done everything right. Two years after the launch of the highly acclaimed El Güegüense (the Wise Man), which ended up in our 2015 Awards, here it comes 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 scheme on the bands: while the El Güegüense focused on blue, the Maduro focuses on red. Even the boxes are complete opposites. The El Güegüense come in beautiful wooden dress boxes, while the Wise Man is packaged in plain wooden boxes. It doesn’t stop there, the Wise Man sizes are all box pressed. The only thing that the two lines have in common are their five formats and the fact they come packaged in 25 count boxes. The excellent cigar manufacture keeps the El Güegüense high standards. The cigars are perfectly rolled, all dressed up in a maduro shade wrapper, a little rough to the touch and very oily. Strength is full (5/5). An explosion of cocoa beans and a blast of black pepper starts out the smoke, together with some hints of leather in the background. Then, roasted espresso notes reach the palate, alternating with earth and seasoned wood. In some puff, walnut and cocoa are perceptible. The last part delivers balsamic herbs and the finale turns to rich dark chocolate and cashew nuts, together with a riot of spices. After the initial explosion, the strength decreases slightly, while the aromatic intensity stays incredibly elevated throughout the whole smoke. Marked evolution and an exceptional evolution, make this a masterpiece of a cigar. Size: 46 x 143 mm (5.6’’) EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua

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AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

AJ FERNANDEZ New World Puro Especial

SMOOTH. ROASTED CAPPUCCINO NOTES. A SILKY SMOKE. Packaged in a fiery red box with golden lettering, once opened it reveals perfectly constructed cigars. The colors are inverted on the bands and underneath 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 roasted cappuccino 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 harmony to it. Its main characteristic is a creaminess without par. Size: 52 x 140 mm EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua

CAO Amazon Anaconda

INTRICATE. WALNUT & WILD PEPPER. A UNIQUE PROFILE. Totally naked, without any bands. The only unnecessary detail is a small piece of rolled up tobacco wrapped around the head. Inside of it, there is a very particular blend, made with tobacco leaves from Amazon: the Braganca. Strength is medium - full (4/5). The base, sweet and pleasantly bitter, gives rise to rich notes of cocoa and earth, followed by hints of balsamic herbs in the background. Halfway through the cigar, seasoned wood and spices are added to the aromatic bouquet. The finale culminates into chili spices. The aromatic intensity is astounding, as well as the complexity. A smoke that requires the right amount of attention to be fully understood. Size: 52 x 152 mm (6’’) EUR: 11 | USD: 9 Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra) Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Colombia, Brazil (Braganca) e R. Dominicana

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PLASENCIA Alma Fuerte Nestor IV

BOLD. EARTHY & PEPPERY. VERY SATISFYING. The new Plasenica design is made of a triple band and the Alma Fuerte is no exception. 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 then enriched by notes of earth and wood, reaching the palate halfway though the smoke. In some puffs, an interesting mineral vein is perceivable as well. Strong and equipped with an ample aromatic palette. The intensity reaches the highest levels and each single puff is an explosion of flavors. Exceptionally satisfying, exhibiting a very long persistency. Size: 54 x 159 mm (6,2’’) EUR: 20 | USD: 20 Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua

JOYA DE NICARAGUA Antaño Gran Reserva Gran Robusto

INTENSE. 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 and hints of licorice, the latter replaced by herbs and coming in forefront before the midway. The spices are suave at the beginning, but get more intense towards the end of the smoke, culminating in chili spices in the finale. Excellent smoke, from both a constructive and a mechanical point of view. It delivers a remarkable intensity, exhibiting a well structured and a balanced aromatic palette. A tribute, with all the trimmings, to the Antaño brand. Size: 52 x 127 mm (5”) EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo Oscuro) Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Condega, Estelí)

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AWARDS

Dominican R. The Dominican terroir was the best of 2017, registering the highest ratings. After two years, Davidoff returns to the top, conquering it with the Royal Robusto, a very limited production, created with high quality tobaccos. The silver medal goes to the true revelation of this year: the â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Instructoraâ&#x20AC;?. A brand new

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Cigar, presented five months ago at the IPCPR convention. In addition to the very high score, the brand is receiving a lot of interest, because of the selected tobacco used in the blend of these cigars. Completing the ranking, one of the latest AVO releases, the Syncro Nicarague Fogasta, the 2017 limited edition Balmoral and a Dominican classic, the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown.

AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

DAVIDOFF Royal Release Robusto

REGAL. PIQUANT SPICES AND FINE WOOD. A BUTTERY SMOKE. What happens when you combine some of the best tobaccos with the best craftsmanship in the world? You get the Davidoff Royal Release (to not be confused with the other Davidoff Royal line). Everything about this cigar oozes ultra premium. From the beautifully blue lacquered 10 count boxes to the cigar itself, everything is high end. The tobaccos for this release have been cultivated especially for this blend and come from the 2004-05 harvest; in addition there are other allocated tobaccos for this project, aged for eight years. Davidoff selected eight of their best Master Rollers for this line, each with 15 years of experience. Everything was hand picked, from the seed to the finished product. This is well reflected in the retail price, $80 to be exact, but like a good bottle of wine, this is something for a very special occasion. The colorado shade wrapper is silky and oily. Construction is very close to perfection. Even the packaging underlines the care and prestige behind this line. Strength is medium â&#x20AC;&#x201C; full (4/5). As soon as it is lit, the palate gets cuddled by 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 smoke becomes 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 by nuances of unripe hazelnut. A smoke of great class, paired with a unique balance and resignedness. From start to finish, it never looses its composure and features an unparalleled harmony. Buttery. Size: 55 x 140 mm (5,5â&#x20AC;?) EUR: 80 | USD: 80 Wrapper: Dominican Republic Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic

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AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

LA INSTRUCTORA Perfection Royal Corona

HUGE COMPLEXITY. SPICY & MELLOW. A REVELATION. The band design is reminiscing of a Jackson Pollock painting. An oily and reddish wrapper makes this cigar even more appealing to smoke. Strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5). Refined spices and white pepper start off the smoke, followed by roasted notes of coffee and walnut. Then a mix of chestnut honey and vanilla, paired with entwined notes of walnut and cashews, come to the palate. The aromatic palette is completed with vegetal and piquant aromas, which dominate the finale. A meditation cigar, capable to deliver an excellent complexity. Creamy from the first puff on, it exhibits an aromatic palette of great harmony. Size: 48 x 143 mm (5,6“) EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic

AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata Toro

GREATLY BALANCED. WOOD AND SPICES. SATISFYING. Opulent and majestic, showing an excellent manufacture. The wrapper is oily and silky, smooth to the touch and of a Colorado shade. The band and the line name show the use of Nicaraguan tobacco in the blend. Strength is medium - full (4/5). From the first puff on, the base of the cigar is sweet. It delivers rich notes of smoked wood, followed by spices, which are outlined in black pepper and cinnamon. Afterwards leather and earth aromas get developed, supported by sugary and nutty hints. Very satisfying. The aromatic bouquet is well structured and the evolution is perceptible throughout the whole smoke. The intensity is excellent. Size: 54 x 152 mm (6’’) EUR: 10,9 | USD: 10,9 Wrapper: Ecuador Habano 2000 Binder: Mexico (San Andres Negro) Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

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BALMORAL XO Gran Magnifico EL2017

OPULENT. 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 again for the conical closure of the head. Opulent and majestic. Strength is medium - full (4/5). It starts out with a mix of nuts, earth and vegetal hints. The aftertaste exhibits nuances of white pepper and piquant peaks. 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 aromatic palette is harmonious, paired with a significant complexity. Great balance. Size: 56 x 152 mm (6’’) EUR: 13,5 | USD: Wrapper: Brazil Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua e Brazil

ASHTON Viring Sun Grown Robusto

RICH & COMPLEX. A COCOA BOMB. ALWAYS ON POINT. Perfectly box pressed and square. The Virgin Sun Grown line is not a recent release 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 of earth, cocoa and black pepper. Hints of piquant spices and nuances of incense appear half way through the smoke, where the cigar turns sweet. The bouquet is then topped with ripe fruits, together with chili spices. Equipped with an ample and well structured aromatic palette, it delivers a structured and complex smoke. Not to underestimate is the evolutionary aspect, remarkable despite the contained lenght of the format. Size: 52 x 127 mm (5”) EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo Oscuro) Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Condega, Estelí)

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AWARDS

Rest of the world Of the five available places, three are occupied by producers who for the first time have been included in the Awards. The surprises of this category have been by far the largest, also because of the possibility of space on a large number of terroirs and so tobacco variety. Among these, it stands out a product completely made in the Canary Islands,

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made by using only local tobacco: the El Sitio Robusto. Casa Turrent confirmed its presence as well as Byron, made by United Cigar Group, which two years ago had seen another cigar, branded Atabey, making into the TOP5. The winner? A cigar produced in Panama, with a blend of leaves coming from the same country: the Hernandez y Ruis Toro.

AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

HERNENDEZ Y RUIZ Toro

VELVETY. 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 the knowledge has been passed on from one generation to the next. Their main focus was their domestic market, but nowadays they almost exclusively export their product. These cigars are puro, meaning that they are rolled exclusively with Panamanian tobaccos. Also the manifacture is amde in Panama. They come packaged in a nice 20 count wooden box, where the first layer of cigars are in a wooden tray that can be taken out. The cigars are well made, showing no flaws. This puro from Panama is wrapped up in a colorado claro leaf, oily and silky to the touch. The golden band gives it a refined look, that pairs very well with the wrapped color, giving birth to a very captivation product. Strength is light – medium (2,5/5). A mix of roasted coffe beans and nuts opens 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 notes reach the palate, together with some peppery nuances, the latter almost imperceptible. In the last part, a vegetal vein get developed, alternating with fine wood notes. The roasted coffee is omnipresent, accompanying every single puff. The finale is delivers rich woody aromas. An elegant and incredibly creamy smoke. The aromatic palette is harmonious and the cigar shows a magistral balance from the first to the last puff. Size: 50 x 152 mm (6’’) EUR: 5,5 | USD: Wrapper: Panama Binder: Panama Filler: Panama

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AWARDS - BEST CIGARS

CASA TURRENT 1880 (Mexico)

HUGE AFTERTASTE. EARTHY & SPICY. VERY SATISFYING. This cigar oozes Mexico from every pore. The toothy Maduro Oscuro shade San 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, followed by earth, black pepper and hot spices. The base is sweet. During the smoke, coffee beans and balsamic herbs are added, completing the aromatic palette and becoming the dominant flavor in the finale. An intense and strong smoke, equipped with a deep and well structured aromatic palette. The persistency is incredibly long and the balance is at the highest levels. Size: 54 x 165 mm (6,5”) EUR: - | USD: 17 Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Mexico Filler: Nicaragua e Mexico

EL SITIO Robusto (Canary Islands)

INTENSE. HAZELNUT & NUTMEG. HARMONIOUS A simple band without too many trimmings dresses up the cigar. The production 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 the palate, followed by vegetal aromas and walnut. The bouquet is then enriched by wood and earth. Halfway through the smoke, the cigar turns to black pepper, chili and nutmeg. In the finale, intense balsamic herbs became the main aroma, completing the flavor profile of this puro. It delivers a wide and structured aromatic profile, that combined with unique flavors create a winning recipe. Very harmonious and remarkably intense. Size: 50 x 120 mm (4,7”) EUR: 7,7 | USD: Wrapper: Canary Islands Binder: Canary Islands Filler: Canary Islands

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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 in its 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 creamy smoke, which makes its way on a sweet and acidulous base: nuts and cappuccino reach the palate, followed by a peppery vein. The second half turns to seasoned wood and walnut. The finale is vegetal, with roasted nuances. It features a discrete complexity, which is definitely not common in such a small size. It is even capable of giving rise to a small evolution. Harmonious and very satisfying, it is a perfect smoke to have in a short period of time. Size: 50 x 102 mm (4’’) EUR: - | USD: 20 Wrapper: n/d Binder: n/d Filler: n/d

BRUN DE RE Culebrasa (Costarica)

BALANCED. COCOA & PEPPER. UNCONVENTIONAL. Made in Costa Rica and commercialized in the most classical of ways for Culebras: three cigars are intertwined and hold together with two ribbons, one on 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 harmonious aromatic palette: a mix of spices, wood and leather reach the palate, followed by roasted notes of coffee and cocoa. In the second half, the cocoa moves to the front, followed by walnuts. The finale delivers wood, earth and spices. Despite the format, this Culebras is easy to enjoy, thanks to an excellent balance and to a strength level always under control. Size: 44 x 178 mm (7’’) EUR: 11 | USD: Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Indonesia Filler: Costa Rica e Nicaragua

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The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

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ALOHA HOTEL Unit F, Corta Bitarta Street Malate, Manila TEL (632) 525-3266

MANUFACTURING Tabacalera Incorporada Technology Cor. Complex Avenue Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technology Complex SEZ Carmona, Cavite 4116 TEL (632)584-4316

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U.S.A. DISTRIBUTION Daughters & Ryan Inc. 207 Johnston Parkway Kenly, NC 27542 TEL (919) 284-2058 FAX (919) 284-2305

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

AWARDS - BEST BRAND

Best brands

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Brandsâ&#x20AC;? Awards category is aimed at the best producer or the best brand in each of the five territories taken into consideration. The list was made by choosing brands boasting a remarkable production consistency, new releases

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introduced on the market and the score registered in 2017. Taking all these into consideration, the result has led us to choose five producers / brands that struck us most in the last twelve months and whose cigars were worthy of note in more than a circumstance.

Best brand: Cuba QUAI D’ORSAY

Quai d’Orsay brand was born in 1973 due to the explicit request of the French import company (SEITA) and, since then, has always remained true to itself: few were the produced sizes (five at the launch, and then reduced, over the years, only to the Corona Claro), no new reference in over forty years of life, clear recognizability of the liga, aimed at a refined and elegant aromatic palette, with a light strength. Despite the fact that since 2011 Quai d’Orsay brand has also been used in the Regional Editions, only five cigars have been dressed up with the brand’s band, four of which have been destined to the French market. This year the brand, in addition to a deep restyling of the bands (which only keeps the “Quai d’Orsay” written the same and adds the “vitola de salida” of the product) and a change in the packaging box (the “papaleta” and the added “bofeton” that only partially covers the cigars), introduces two new products, which will join the Corona Claro, the surviving crown of the five cigars launched in 1973.

YEAR OF BIRTH: 1973 The first limited release was destined to the Asian market, back in 2011. Since them, everyone of other four Quai d’Orsay Regional Editions have been exclusively commercialized in France.

The distribution of the brand new Quai d’Orsay cigars has just begun but they are now available for purchase only in a few country. It will still take some time before they will reach all the tobacco shops across the world. The new cigars introduced: - No. 50: D no. 5 - 50 x 110mm (4.3 “). Commercialized in n box of 25 pieces; - No. 54: Edmundo Grueso - 54 x 135mm (5.3 “). Commercialized in boxes of 10 pieces. 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.

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AWARDS - BEST BRAND

Best brand: Honduras EIROA

Christian Eiroa knows how to move in the tovacco business. This applies both to the business aspect as well as the cigar aspect. There is something for every palate in the CLE portfolio. Ex Former president of Camacho Cigars, which was sold to Oettinger Davidoff group, he returned to the cigar scene some yeats ago, founding the CLE brand, which houses the CLE Collection, the Eiroa cigars and the Asylum Cigars. The latter one was the first brand to introduce an oversized cigar to the market, and they were the ones kicking off the large ring gauge craze. He mainly produces out of his factories in Danli, Honduras, with some exceptions being made in Nicaragua. The factory name is Aladino and it was builded up in 1975. At first, this was one of the two teathers belongig to Antonio Kafati, Christan’s grandfather. The building was recently restructured and transformed into a cigar factory, from where Eiroa cigars are made nowadays. 2015 marked Christian Eiroa 20th year in the

C.L.E. CIGARS WAS BORN IN 2012. The brand name stands for Christian Luis Eiroa. Eiroa cigars have made it up into the Awards also in 2016, ending up in first and third places in the past two years. This highlights the constincency and the quality of their cigars. cigar business, so what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a brand new line: he decided to create a 100% puro, showcasing everything that Honduras has to offer. The line was named “The First 20 Years” and this year they launched a new variant, called The First 20 Years Colorado. It is still an Honduran puro, but the tobacco used are now aged for five years. Also, the colorado shade wrappes, take a slower aging process. Another aspect of 2017, was a redesign for the brand, regarding both cigars and packaing. The company also focused more on the presentation, 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.

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Best brand: Nicaragua MOMBACHO CIGARS

Founded in 2010, Mombacho Cigars owes its name to the most famous and well-known volcano in Nicaragua, which overlooks the city of Granada, a 500 years old town. In 2014 the production moved to Casa Favilli, an historic colonial residence built by the Italyn architect Mario Favilli. Since then, the beautiful cigar factory recalling the old Cuban factories has become a real attraction and a tourist destination, not only for the cigar aficionados. If you go through Granada, a tour in this magnificent Villa is a must, especially after the renovations that have made it more beautiful than ever and that in the near future will see it completed in the best possible way, thanks to an ambitious project coming from the mind of Claudio Sgroi, president, master blender and beating heart of the Mombacho brand. The blends reflect the goodness of Nicaraguan territory, and they are all his creations. Year after year, the “Maestro” (as he is called) has always managed to amaze with cigars and lines always up to expectations.

MOMBACHO CIGARS WAS FOUNDED IN 2010. THE FACTORY IS INTHE CITY OF GRANADA. The mind and beating heart behind the brand is the Italyn Claudio Sgroi, President and master blender that boasts a long experience in the tobacco world. Mombacho celebrated its tenth anniversary just last year, doing it in the best way possibile with the launch of a cigar: the 10th Aniversary. An exceptional smoke, that has been included in the TOP5 of the best cigars produced in Nicaragua, in the 2016 Awards. This year Mombacho has launched a new line, a vintage production: the Cosecha 2012. These are cigars made using only tobaccos coming from 2012 harvest. This new series is a turning point, as it will be produced also in the next few years; the 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 production as limited as it is unique. Mombacho is a boutique brand, which is expanding 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.

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AWARDS - BEST BRAND

Best brand: Dominican R. CALDWELL CIGARS

Robert Caldwell has been one of the hottest names in the cigar business for the last couple of years, right after his entrance in the tobacco world, happened three years ago. Caldwell Cigars was founded in 2014 and, believe it or not, in these three years it has taken the industry by storm, becoming one of the most known and appreciated brand. Many may have thought that he was going to be a one hit wonder, limited to just a single release, but after the success of his first three lines (Eastern Standard, King is Dead and Long Live the King) he continued to stay consistent with great new cigars, being able to build a solid following. All this is paired with a knack for eye catching, modern and fresh designs, which has become a sort of a trademark of him. Every box and bands share the same common line, which make them easy to recognize and to link to Caldwell Cigars. Robert didn’t stop there. He continues to stay

CALDWELL CIGARS IS ONE OF THE YOUNGEST AND MOST SUCCESSFULL CIGAR COMPANIES. The mind behind all this is Robert Caldwell, that in just three years has been able to build up a solid and well known brand, in addition to many and significant collaborations. relevant with projects like Lost&Found: he buys cigars that have been sitting in aging rooms of factories, repackages and resells them. A great idea, another success. Last year he broke the internet by announcing a collaboration with Drew Estate, called All Out Kings, diving birth to his first Nicaragua cigar line. This year he did it once again by announcing two collaborations. The first one involving Matt Booth of Room101 (who retired from the cigar business only a few months prior to the announcement); the line born is called Hit & Run. The other one was 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.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

Best brand: Rest of the World CASA TURRENT

Casa Turrent might be fairly new as a brand, but the people behind it are all but beginners in the cigar industry. Turrent family started growing tobacco a long time ago, bringing to the market also other cigar brands, like Te-Amo, still made nowadays. 2014 was a turning point, where things started to change. They discontinued every A. Turrent branded cigar and one year later they released the Casa Turrent 1901 line (which won the award for No.1 cigar from in the Rest of the Word cathegory) in the United States of America and in Canada. In Europe the brand was already known since they had it release a couple of years earlier, in 2013. In 2016, Alejandro Turrent added two more lines to the Casa Turrent brand: Serie 1942 and Serie 1973. Both lines continue in the path of the 1901 and heavily highlight Mexican tobacco. The only other leaves used in any Casa Turrent branded cigar are from Nicaraguan.

TURRENT FAMILY IS IN THE TOBACCO BUSINESS SINCE 1880. Alejandro Turrent has been able to give a huge visibility to Mesican tobaccos, creating a worldwide know brand. For 2 years in a row, his cigars ended up in the Awards, even winning in 2016. This year, they presented the 1880, which pays homage to the year the family entered the tobacco growing business. It is the most expensive line under the Casa Turrent banner. It uses, as one could guess, primarily Mexican tobacco. Some of the leaves used in the filler have been aged for ten years. With the 1800 Alejandro showed once again what Mexican tobacco is capable of, giving birth to another excelent cigar, able to make the Casa Turrent cigars end up in the Top 5 Rest of the World Awards back to back. Turrent family have been growing and highlighting Mexican tobacco for years now. San Andres leaves 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

AWARDS - BOUTIQUE BRANDS

Boutique brands In these Awards 2017 we wanted to introduce a new category: the Boutique cigars. The list consists of 10 products, that reassume the best boutiques cigars tested during the year. But what does qualify as a Boutique Cigar? We define Boutique Cigars not by how many cigars have been made or where they are made, but by whom they are made. Meaning, how many people are behind the cigar or brand. An example. A boutique cigar, by definition, is created by one or a small number of people. They take care of carrying out every aspect related to the cigar and its marketing. It is possible that some boutique brands have their own

factory, but in most cases, they rely on a third party factory to make their cigars. This means that they have to meet the scrupulous standards of the person behind the brand (which often times reflects in the smaller availability of these cigars, because it is easier to pay more attention to a smaller production). It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there. The person (or the small group of people), usually runs everything from blending, design and marketing to sales, orders and distribution. They arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a big company that have a dozen different employees for each task. Here follows the list of our Top 10 Boutique Cigars of 2017.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

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, capable to unleash a remarkable complexity.

Crowned Heads Four Kick Mule Kick 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 nuts (in particular 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 Italian market, and then 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.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

Southern Draw Jacobs Ladder Toro Size: cepo 52x152 mm (6”) - EUR: - | USD: 10 Wrapper: U.S.A. | Binder: Ecuador | Filler: Nicaragua

Made in Nicarauga, in the AJ Fernandez factory. In addition to the two anillas, the second half of the cigar is 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: Nicaragua Born from the collaboration among Caldwell Cigars, Matt Booth and AJ Fernandez, it is made in Nicaragua. Construction is excellent and the cigars are box pressed. It delivers an intense smoke, endowed with a very prolonged persistence. The aromatic palette is made of a riot of black pepper, followed by notes of coffee, leather and cocoa. Wood nuances are also perceptible. Medium - full strength.

Todos Las Dias Half Churchill

Size: cepo 48x121 mm (4,8”) - EUR: | USD: 10,5 Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua We are dealing with a Nicaraguan Puro, created by Steve Saka, which in recent years is giving birth to many appreciated boutique productions. The cigar is wrapped up in a maduro shade wrapper. The aromatic palette is spicy, supported by a remarable strength. It develops intense notes of earth and black pepper, 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: Nicaragua Produced in Dominican Republic by E.P. Carrillo, the brand was born from the idea of Haakon Aanonsen and Arnt Aanensen. Medium - full in strength, it is creamy and exhibits a structured aromatic palette. The Broadleaf wrapper is very noticeable. It develops earth and wood, flanked by red fruit echoes, and then cocoa, 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: Nicaragua

A Nicaraguan Puro, blended by Kyle Gellis of Warped Cigars and produced at the Tabsa factory. The cigar has a slightly above average strength. The smoke gradually grows in intensity, releasing pepperey notes, earth and hazelnuts. In the second half it becomes sweet, with a particular aroma of molasses reaching the palate, making the smoking experience particularly interesting. Very creamy.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

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 release a smoke worthy of note. The following cigars are divided by territory. There is one best buy chosen for every terroir: Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Rest of the World.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

Por Larrañaga Montecarlos Size: cepo 35x159 mm (6,3”) - EUR: 5 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba

Machines made before the Cuban revolution, since 2002 it has been produced completely by hand. It is a cigar to smoke carefully, due to its little ring gauge. It delievrs a sweet and peppery smoke, with intense roasted notes of coffee and cappuccino. In the first par there are also sweet wooden honts. The fortaleza is 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 construction, capable to deliver an aromatic palette made of rich roasted notes of coffee, which are the main aroma, and wood. The strenght is medium light. A simple cigar, without frills. The packaging reflects the smoke: 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, very oily and with a colorado maduro shade to it. It unleashes a very balanced smoke, supported by a medium strength. The aromatic palette is made of roasted coffee notes, seasoned wood and nuts, together with a 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: Nicaragua It is a Nicaraguan Puro, equipped with a medium-high strength, which develops a complex and harmonious smoke. The cigar brings to the palate notes of black pepper and coffee. Going on, some aromas of bread and cocoa beans ample the aromatic palette. In the second half, vegetal and herbaceous hints emerge, 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: Filippine This cigar is produced in the Philippines. It is able to develop a very satisfying smoke. The aromas are well defined and the balance never come less from the first to the last puff. It releases intense notes of leather, the main aroma of this Robusto, together with balsamic aromatic herbs and almost imperceptible cocoa hints. The finish is spicy and piquant.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

INFO

Vocabulary

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, independent of the name which is will be given to the cigar (Marevas, Prominentes, etcâ&#x20AC;Ś). 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 combustion of the cigar.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017

Sections

WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON CIGARSLOVER MAGAZINE DRINKS The better beverages reviewed and explained. The new products and the old fascinated ones, with a hint of history.

PAIRINGS The best alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks which perfectly match with cigars. When pairing becomes a source of absolute pleasure.

EVENTS The main international events. Fairs, meetings and everything having the cigar as the main character.

PILLS A brief article that goes straight to the heart of the matter. A topic to be read in one breath, a small pill.

FAMOUS SMOKERS Biographies and curiosity about famous people of present and past days, that all have in common just one this: a huge passion for cigars.

SLOW ATTITUDE Technical ar ticles for a better understanding of the product cigar secrets and insights of use for both beginners and aficionados.

INTERVIEW Stories of passions narrated directly by the protagonists: interviews with insiders, tobacconists, importers, collectors, and so on and so forth.

TOBACCO HISTORY Stories from the tobacco world: the big brands, the crops, the manufacturers of the past, and the city grew on the tobacco business.

LINE UP Insights, reviews and evaluations about all the cigars that belong to the same line, plus details about its making.

TOOLS Accessories are an essential element for the modern smoker: cutters, humidors, lighters, cigar holders, furnishing accessories.

MADE IN ITALY Reviews, discussions and insights regarding the cigars made in Italy. The tradition of Tuscani, the novelty of Nostrano del Brenta and more!

VINTAGE The world of collecting: cigars aged for decades, the great classics of the past and rarest cubans. The charm and the quality of the impossible.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Winter 2017