CigarsLover Magazine No.11 2015

Lover Cigars

- No. 11 -

Magazine

Cigars and

spirit

the 15 pairings of the year

Dessert Line review

el gĂźegĂźense Freyja

awards 2015

La Casa del Habano Milano Via Anfossi, 28, - 20135 - Milano www.casadelhabano.it info@casadelhabano.it +39.02.59900973

La Casa del Habano Roma

Via Colonna Antonina, 34 - Roma www.fincatolacasadelhabano.com info@fincatolacasadelhabano.com +39.06.6785508

TEAM & EDITORIAL

Lover Cigars

Magazine

Editor: Deputy Editor:

Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia

Graphic Designer: Graphic Designer Assistant:

Mario Amelio Renz Mauleon

Authors:

Collaborators: Photos: Marketing:

Editing:

Translations: Blind Tasting Panel:

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Didier Houvenaghel Giuseppe Mitolo Heiko Blumentritt Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Nicola Ruggiero Roberto Canzi Giovanni Bolzonella Mario Amelio Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Giovanni Bolzonella Roberto Canzi Rachelle Mauleon Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.) Giovanni Bolzonella (Italy) Giuseppe Mitolo (Italy) Kaarel Kluge (Estonia) Luca Cominelli (Italy) Michel Arlia (Switzerland) Michel Van Wingerden (Holland) Roberto Canzi (Italy) Sebastian Hefel (Austria) Thomas Hoebe (Holland)

Editorial The last issue of the year, the one that carries the overall thought about what we smoked during the past twelve months. The issue of the evaluations, of the ranks, of the AWARDS. This issue brings suggestions for the next purchase and reveals which cigars will be rewarded. In a few words, the most awaited and wished issue.

Due to the upcoming Christmas time, we wanted to make an issue mainly for the right pairings, because we know that this is where the aficionados focus their attention in this time of the year. There is a special article on the spirits, divided per typology, where we gathered more or less known and easy to find liquors. From the easier paring to the most sought-after one, from the most common products to the rarest ones.

However, we wanted to go further. We wanted to find something more, in culinary terms. The celebrations are well known for their desserts, for that something more that comes at the end of the meal. A journey among the Christmas cultures of many countries, going through typical and popular sweets, keeping in mind just one question: “which ones are the best cigars to pair it with?”.

Many are the cigars we tried and reviewed during 2015 and here are the best ones. Two, as usual, will be the lines we are going to talk about in details. Both are new and they will definitely have something to say on the market soon. One is a Dominican news, with roots in the North of Europe. The other one is proudly 100% Nicaragua!

The 2015 has been an exceptional year for CigarsLover Magazine. We just wish our more than 15.000 readers the best celebrations, looking for the right pairing! And to not just say “long ashes to everyone”, in this issue you will also find why smokers always wish “long ashes”!

”The passion moves us!”

CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11

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INDEX

Contents Team

CigarsLover people ..................................................... 3

9

line review .................................................................... 23

Editorial

Christmas desserts

Rating

Spirit

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

For a Fistful of cm...

the 15 pairing of the year ..................................... 37

13

mouthpiece for italian cigars .................................. 9

Awards 2015

Dunhill Cabinetta

Removing the ash

Vocabulary

among the sought after cigars ........................... 67

the norse mythology enclosed in a cigar ....... 13

17

El G端eg端ense

meaning of the terminologies used .................. 61

Sections

interview with Nick Melillo .................................... 19

what you can find on the magazine .................. 62

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the best cigars ........................................................... 45

Freyja

the big mistake? ....................................................... 17

27

dessert-cigar pairing ............................................... 27

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

5

El G端eg端ense

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INFO

Rating

HOW TO READ THE SCORING SCALE The cigars reviewed are valued using a 100 point scale. This helps giving every cigar a sharp rating, which collocates it in a wide scoring scale. The final score results by the average scores of both the cigar smoked and the smokers evaluations.

BEADS

THE BEST HUMIDIFICATION WAY

95-100:

excellent smoke. The cigar has all the components that distinguish a remarkable smoke: intensity of the aromas, balance, complexity, finesse, evolution, quality of construction, persistence and a constancy of the production.

90-94:

great smoke. The cigar shows numerous qualities of excellence, but not quite showing them to the maximum. It’s nonetheless a cigar that proposes a high level of satisfaction.

86-89:

good smoke. The cigar has considerable qualities of a high level, also having some slight flaw in the parameters of the evaluation. It’s nonetheless a recommended cigar with a high rate of satisfaction.

81-85:

decent smoke. The cigar convinces in parts, shows both quality and flaws inherent to the different parameters of the evaluation. It’s nonetheless a cigar to smoke with appreciable continuity.

<80:

meager smoke. The cigar proposes numerous flaws throughout the arc of the parameters of the evaluation. The merits are not eligible if not in a ludicrous way and marginally, the smoke is classified as absolutely not recommended. cigars with a really good quality/price ratio. They show high level characteristics and are really competitive price. We defenitely recommend the purchase.

Available on CigarsLover.com

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SLOW ATTITUDE provide, especially with small cigars.

For a Fistful... ...of centimeters MOUTHPIECE FOR ITALIAN CIGARS

by Giuseppe Mitolo

The use of a mouthpiece for cigar smokers is a rather rare practice and, for some, almost sacrilege! Nothing in the aficionado’s mind could separate him from the physical contact of the cigar head and its wrapper.

Still, even if there is the will in trying a different smoking method, finding a mouthpiece for Caribbean cigars is very difficult. The reason is easy: due to the cigars shapes and sizes, the tobacconist should have a huge number of mouthpieces to cover all the cigars ring gauge size, but also shape (figurado and parejo).

Less unusual is the use of a mouthpiece among Toscano smokers or the other Italian products like Ambasciator Italico, Mastro Tornabuoni or Nostrano del Brenta (these cigars share a similar size and shape).

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Before analyzing pros and cons, it is necessary to analyze the form and the use of this instrument.

Essentially, the mouthpiece can be made up by a single piece or an assembly of two pieces. In this second option, one of the pieces is the real mouthpiece, the part that goes between the lips, and the other one is the “body” or “pipe”, which links the first one to the cigar.

In the pipe, the shank (the part connecting the bowl to the mouthpiece) has the job to cool down the smoke, to let the smoker appreciate every aromatic nuance; the part that is put between the lips is the mouthpiece (removable and often made of methacrylate or ebonite) that has more a strictly hygienic function, since the contact of the lips and so the saliva could damage the wood after some time, even modifying the smoking experience.

This function of cooling down the smoke, in the cigar case would be made by the mouthpiece, that combines the function of the pipe shank and the mouthpiece. In particular, smoking an Ammezzato product (a half Italian cigar), the few centimeters of our gadget will allow the smoke to cool down even when we reach the final part of the cigar, without having the tongue and the mouth mucouses warmed up.

A similar experience is possible if the Italian cigar is smoked at “la maremmana” (without cutting it in half): the more the burn ring advances, the smoke gets increasingly heavier and hotter. Adding the mouthpiece will allow the Ammezzato cigar five more centimeters to better express aromas and flavors, that otherwise would get lost or overtaken by the too high temperature.

The price of the mouthpieces is tied to the materials used, to the shapes or the design, the materials used (for example the sea foam), the luxury finishing (even mother-of-pearl, gold or silver) or the brand that produce it (like market leaders in the pipe sector), the more the price will be high. Because of this, defining a maximum price limit can be quite fearful.

Nevertheless, for a good quality product made completely in wood or methacrylate, the price is between 10 to 20 euros.

The one we described above, are the merits or, if you want, the benefits of smoking with the mouthpiece. The negative elements concern the practical area and comfort. Certainly it is an accessory that the cigars smoker (Italian cigars, it’s worth notice this) doesn’t feel “his” or indispensable like a guillotine or a good lighter, therefore, it’s not regarded as a necessary element. Furthermore, having to take along another smoke gimmick (which reminds a feminine way to smoke, due to the noble dames of the 18th and 19th century, that were usually pictured with the mouthpiece on their cigarettes) clashes with the idea of immediacy that characterizes the smoking of the Italian cigar.

However, in the comfort of your home, office or studio, in a moment of total relaxation, the use of a mouthpiece may surprise and change your habitual smoking experience of your Italian cigar.

At last, an advice: in the case you would opt for a mouthpiece entirely made of wood, sometimes happens that the finished product isn’t well treated (in particular for handcrafted products). This means that during the first couple of times that the mouthpiece will be used, there could be a a very distinct wooden note during the smoke, that however will disappear with the usage.

The most common materials are woods (root, walnut, ebony or exotic woods), meerschaum (better known as “sea foam”), but also horn and methacrylate. In some mouthpiece model there is even the possibility to apply a replaceable filter, made of balsa or activated charcoal.

The described technical characteristics associate this gadget to the pipe. Thinking to the pipe, it is easier to understand what the mouthpiece can CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

HEAD OFFICE ALOHA HOTEL MANUFACTURING U.S.A. DISTRIBUTION 6/F Alphaland Southgate Tower Unit F, Corta Bitarta Tabacalera Incorporada Daughters & Ryan Inc. 2258 Chino Roces Ave. cor EDSA Street Technology Cor. Complex Avenue 207 Johnston Parkway HEAD OFFICE ALOHA HOTEL MANUFACTURING Makati City 1232 Malate, Manila People’s Technology Complex SEZ U.S.A. DISTRIBUTION Kenly, NC 27542 6/F Alphaland Southgate Tower Unit F, Corta Bitarta Tabacalera Incorporada Daughters & Ryan Inc. Philippines TEL (632) 525-3266 Carmona, Cavite 4116 TEL (919) 284-2058 2258 Chino RocesTEL Ave.(632)310-5047 cor EDSA Street Technology Cor. Complex Avenue 207 Johnston Parkway TEL (632)584-4316 FAX (919) 284-2305 Makati TELEFAX(632)310-5047 City 1232 Malate, Manila People’s Technology Complex SEZ Kenly, NC 27542

Philippines TEL (632)310-5047 TELEFAX(632)310-5047

TEL (632) 525-3266

Carmona, Cavite 4116 TEL (632)584-4316

www.tabacalera.com.ph cigars@tabacalera.com.ph

www.tabacalera.com.ph cigars@tabacalera.com.ph

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TEL (919) 284-2058 FAX (919) 284-2305

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11

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LINE UP DOMINICAN R.

Sessrúmnir Corona Larga Size: cepo 42 x 146 mm (5,75”) Wrapper: Criollo98 | Binder: San Andres | Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. R. EUR: - € (IT) | 8,5 € (EU) | USD: 7 $ Box: 21 cigars Year: 2015

The cigar is dressed up with a colorado shade wrapper. To the touch it is well constructed, with a uniform and generous filling.

- pre lighting The cold draw releases nut and spices.

- first third The opening develops leather and black pepper notes. The first third opens up with leather, nut, hint of liquorice and black pepper in the aftertaste. The strength is medium to full (4/5).

Freyja

- second third The smoke turns to earthy notes, with some black pepper and piquant peaks. The intensity is remarkable and every puff is a riot of flavors.

The strength doesn’t change.

THE NORSE MYTHOLOGY ENCLOSED IN A CIGAR

- third third -

by Luca Cominelli

After over ten years of experience in the tobacco world, Emma Victorsson has finally decided to make her own cigars, products completely created by her idea and linked to her own origins.

Let’s fly to Northern Europe, in Sweden to be precise, where among the Norse mythology is that of Freyja, Viking goddess of love, fertility and war.

Not only the name of the line, but all formats reflect the Norse mythology. There are four cigars belonging to Freyja: Sessrúmnir, Valhalla, Thor and Valkyrie, respectively Corona Larga, robust, Toro and Pyramid. There aren’t oversized cigars in the line, but the chosen formats don’t reflect too much of the trendy sizes. Wanting to identify in every cigar name the mythological meaning, we have Sessrúmnir, goddess at Freyja service; Valhalla is the place where who died with glory in war goes to; Thor is one of the most popular God

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The last section brings to the palate earth, black pepper and piquant peaks. The finale is satisfying and with a long persistence.

in the Norse mythology and is the God of thunder.

Valkyrie is a divinity at Odin service.

- conclusions A cigar that shows a great aromatic intensity and balance. The evolution is good and the aromatic palette is well harmonious and fine.

The band and logo chosen represent an oil painting, created by a Macedonian artist, Jana Jovanova. A praise goes to the cigar band, made with a thick and rough paper, very pleasant to the touch and beautiful to the eye.

Among the used tobaccos, the wrapper is a Dominican Criollo ‘98, the binder is a San Andres (Mexico) and the filler is a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican leaves. All the tobaccos are aged from four to five years. The decision to use leaves from Nicaragua and the Dominican R. was strongly supported by Emma, who explained us how these tobaccos mix very well with each other, resulting in an exceptional pair.

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SCORE

PAIRINGS

91

Alcoholic: Gin & Tonic Analcoholic: Green tea

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LINE UP

90

/100

Valhalla Size: cepo 50 x 140 mm (5,5”) EUR: - € (IT) | 11 € (EU) | USD: 8 $ Medium to full strength. The aromatic palette is good, and the balance great, as well as the harmony.

Good evolution and complexity.

• Aromatic palette: herbs, anise, coffee, white pepper and roasted notes.

89

/100

Thor Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) EUR: - € (IT) | 11,5 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Medium strength. A well balanced smoke, with an uncommon aromatic palette. The harmony is great, the persistence decent and the complexity good. The evolution is decent.

• Aromatic palette: herbs, anise, green pepper, cumin, earth and wood.

85

/100

Valkyrie Size: cepo 52 x 165 mm (6,5”) EUR: - € (IT) | 12 € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Medium to full strength. The cigars shows a nice evolution and complexity. The intensity is good, as well as the persistence.

• Aromatic Palette: pink pepper, earth, hazelnut, coffee, mineral and piquant notes.

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SLOW ATTITUDE

Removing the ash THE BIG MISTAKE?

by Didier Houvenaghel

The interest to keep or remove the ashes during the cigar tasting is technically debatable. When an average to poor cigar is tasted, the aficionado will not have the choice as the bad cigar structure will not allow keeping the ashes longer than a few centimeters. They will inevitably and spontaneously disintegrate. With good cigars – where the quality of both the raw material and the rolling are there – the ashes will remain for some time and the aficionado can take the decision whether to remove them or to let them longer.

Some will say that ashes isolate the burning point and thus keep it at a higher temperature, thus acting as a protection around the focal point.

Others will argue that no ash – thus having no barrier – will ease the access of oxygen to the burning point and will increase the quality of burning. Both effects are positive, and it is difficult

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to measure their relative influence. More importantly, the ashes might concentrate and release aromas slower over time and thus creating a more consistent aromatic diffusion. Keeping the ashes on the cigar act like some sort of catalyst and improve the aromatic delivery of the tasting.

Emotionally, nice long ashes contribute to the magic and beauty of tasting. It is really beautiful and enjoyable, but this still can remain subjectively perceived. Objectively, looking at the ashes and taking care of them will unconsciously force the aficionado to slow down the tasting. And this is very good! Reducing the speed of tasting increases the quality of the aromatic delivery, and helps the taster to breathe slower and thus relax more.

And also when ashes fall on the floor, the legend says that it brings good luck to the place!

Smoking Kills

Drinking Kills

Driving Kills

Money Kills

Stress Kills

Thinking Kills

Love Kills

LIVE!

Fallon & Nicarao ©

Balance. Character. Passion.

CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11 www.laleycigars.com

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INTERVIEW to bridge these worlds and share my experience with connoisseurs around the world and what a better way to do this than through a brand.

I knew I wanted to do a blend different than anything else I did in the past and I wanted it to be 100% Nicaraguan – filler, binder, and wrapper.

Nicaragua has become very popular in the market place throughout the past ten and more years, so I wanted the consumers to see the heart and soul of its culture. The imagery of El Güegüense can be seen everywhere in the country – murals, restaurants, shops, government buildings, graffiti, etc..

I had been seeing this imagery for the past twelve years but it wasn’t until last year I obtained a copy of the play in its original language Nahuatl, Spanish and English.

El Güegüense INTERVIEW WITH NICK MELILLO

by Michel Arlia

El Güegüense is the first creation of the master blender Nicholas Melillo, since he started his company “Foundation Cigar Co”. We had the pleasure to talk about this new line with Nick, who explained us what he wanted to achieve and what have been his choices for these cigars production.

Tell us the story behind El Güegüense, what brought you to create this line?

Nick Melillo

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My experience over the past 12 years in the cigar business has been living and breathing the curing, sorting, blending, production, packaging, and management of what has become the largest cigar factory in Nicaragua. I have not been on the sales end of the business, which tend to be worlds apart. As a debut brand, I knew I wanted

After reading the story it was like I found the missing puzzle piece in my experience living in Nicaragua. It connected all the dots and I understood more than ever the roots of the Nicaraguan people, its culture and history…

At this point I knew there was nothing better that could represent my first brand.

Was everything already planned in your head or did you decided things step after step?

I knew I wanted to blend a 100% Nicaraguan puro. Not to long after I left Drew Estate, I had met a good friend of mine Dion Giolito from Illusione Cigars in Nicaragua. I told him my ideas of 100% Nicaraguan cigar and starting a company and he told me I should come check out TABSA where he had recently started making some of his production. TABSA is owned by Eduardo Fernandez whom I have known and purchased tobacco from since 2003. I was familiar with his tobacco but not so much with their production facilities. Dion set up a meeting with Eduardo and he opened up his tobacco vaults to me and the rest is history.

Eduardo is one of the few that grows a beautiful Nicaraguan Corojo 99 leaf in the Jalapa Valley.

It is not easy to grow Nicaraguan wrapper leaf due to the climate and sun exposure. Nicaragua is known for its rich, heavy, filler tobaccos but not for high yielding wrapper grade crops. Eduardo and his tobacco company, Aganorsa, grows some of the most beautiful oily wrappers in the country and they do so under shaded tents which filters the light providing for a thinner, silkier leaf with a tremendous amount of flavor. It is not always the most razor sharp burning tobacco, but for me, I really don’t mind touching up a leaf here and there if the wrapper is delivering tons of great flavor.

About the cigars size, I knew I wanted to keep them traditional from the beginning and I admired the tradional Cuban style filette packaging.

What are the tobacco leaves you are using to produce El Güegüense? What about their aging?

Each bale of tobacco that goes into this cigar is hand selected by myself with the filler leaves coming from a special vintage crop from year 2011 and 2012.

Wrapper: Corojo 99, Finca Puntalito Jalapa Binder: Corojo 99, Finca San Jose Jalapa Filler: Criollo e Corojo da Esteli e Nicaragua CigarsLoverMagazine | No.11

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INTERVIEW These cigars are made with a blend of Cuban Criollo 98 and Corojo 99 varieties. Harvested in the areas of Jalapa and Esteli. Leaves from the third, forth, sixth and medio tiempo primings were used to obtain good strength, aroma and flavor.

With how many fermantation do the leaves go through and are there any extra fermantations for specific leaves? ligero for example?

These tobaccos go through the classic Cuban style fermentation. Aganorsa has its own trade secrets and style in how they ferment tobacco to hold the leaves essential oils which in turn maximizes its flavor and strength. I can’t get into detail about the process but the final product speaks for itself.

All the tobacco selected in El Güegüense I review bale by bale. I am also monitoring the fermentation pilons of the new crops to see their progress for the selection when they are ready to go.

Let’s talk about your cigars in an aging prospective. How the aging can improve the “El Güegüense”?

This cigar uses a lot of heavy/upper priming leaves in the blend which for me means it’s going to continue to get better and better with age. In a few of the vitolas you will notice the first third to start with more spice through the retro hale and this will tend to merry and round out with time. I think after one year of aging, you’re going to find them to become more cubanesque in flavor profile.

This cigar was blended and aged to be released

to the market ready to smoke. Every smoker has his or her own preference in aging cigars but I intended the blend to be as it is when it is released to the market.

In the line, there are no oversize cigars. The bigger one is the Toro Huaco, which is a 6” x 56. The size is far away from the big cigars that keep on hitting the market nowadays.

What do you think about them? Will there be an oversize El Güegüense in the future?

Personally I am not a fan of large ring gauges and it was even a stretch for me to come out with a 56, but I recognize and respect those that enjoy a large ring vitola. I am always very surprised to see how many people love 60 + ring gauges and to see how fast our 56 Toro Huaco is selling. At this point, there is no plan of making a larger ring than the 56, unless there is a large outcry from the market to make one.

When you created the blend, did you follow your personal taste for the final liga or did you consider the market trends? How many people were involved with the blending of El Güegüense?

This cigar was blended 100% for my personal taste and preferences. This is a very personal project for me from the blend to the packaging, so I didn’t really consider the market trends and I think this is very reflective by the name I choose This is not a cigar for everybody.

This is a cigar with roots, with depth, with cha-

racter from the blend to the package it is held in.

It is not a gimmick, it’s the representation of almost 20 years of my life in the cigar industry.

It is a true boutique product. We have dedicated our life to the sacred leaf and hope that connoisseur around the world will explore this brand.

The cigars show a great body and they are incredibly well balanced. They are all but a bomb of strength. Where did you focus your attention on during the blending?

I wanted to develop a blend that was Cubanesque but at the same time distinctly Nicaraguan. This was my main focus. I wanted to develop a blend that was completely different than anything I did previously for Drew Estate. All of the gentlemen I work with in Nicaragua come from the Pinar del Rio growing region in Cuba and travel often back and forth to Nicaragua. Their seeds are incredible and the climate and farms in Jalapa and Esteli are perfect for growing black tobaccos that rival that of Cuba. For me, balance is very important when blending a cigar. It is very easy to use heavier leaf and make a bomb of strength which essentially covers up a lot of nuances of the blend. It is much more difficult to balance the blend in a way that every leaf is properly displayed in the flavor profile.

This is the kind of cigar that you don’t feel as a bomb of strength, but don’t let it deceive you. After an hour on an empty stomach, I guarantee when you stand up you will begin to feel its strength.

Your love for Nicaragua is shown not just in the product itself, but also by the name you gave it, and the image of the line. Tell us why Nicaragua is so important to you?

Not strictly talking about tobacco.

Well, on a personal level, Nicaragua has an extra special importance and place in my heart because my daughter, Xola Rosa was born here in May of 2003, God rest her soul. She was born with a very rare chromosome disorder and passed away in 2008 in the USA but some of her ashes are spread on the tobacco field where we used to live just outside of Esteli. That field is blessed and now grows some of the best tobacco in the world.This

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is the Foundation of my love for Nicaragua and this will never change.

Also, if it wasn’t for the people of Esteli, I wouldn’t still be living in Nicaragua. They welcomed me to their country as if I was one of their own and have treated me with great respect and shown me a lot of love.

What do you want to achieve with Foundation Cigar Company? What is the concept?

Foundation Cigar Company is dedicated to quality, consistency, balance, flavor, and building brands with heart and soul. We are merging old world traditions with modern day styles and customs

to produce unique premium cigars. Our goal is to work with specially selected tobacconists who recognize our passion and dedication for quality artesian products. We have developed strong relationships with some of the best tobacco growers throughout the world and with artisans in Esteli, Nicaragua. Foundation has no limits in where we can go and we have not ruled out developing premium infused brands for those that enjoy these blends. I can guarantee, we are going to make things interesting in the market place...

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LINE UP NICARAGUA

El Güegüense

91

/100

Torpedo Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,5”) Wrapper: Corojo 99 | Binder: Corojo 99 | Filler: Corojo 99 e Criollo 98 EUR: - € (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 11,5 $ Box: 25 pz Year: 2015

Robusto Size: cepo 55 x 140 mm (5,5”) EUR: - € (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 10 $

Slightly over the medium strength. The cigar is well balanced and with a nice complexity. The aromatic palette is great and the evolution perceivable. Creamy and with a long persistence.

• Aromatic Palette: cocoa, vegetal notes, white pepper, leather, almond, aged wood and earth.

Wrapped in a maduro shade leaf, it shows an amazing construction.

Solid to the touch, the filling is generous and uniform.

91

/100

- pre lighting The cold draw releases rich spices and wood.

- first third The opening gives off green pepper, fine wood and acidulous hints.

Going through the first third, the base gets sweet and the cigar develops cocoa and fine wood. The strength is medium to full (4/5).

- second third The base is slightly sweet and aromas of fine wood, nutmeg and black pepper alternate continuously. The strength doesn’t change.

Corona Gorda Size: cepo 46 x 142 mm (5,6”) EUR: - € (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 9,5 $ strength. Great balance and great intensity. It develops a wide aromatic palette and a nice evolution. The complexity is remarkable and the persistence long. Creamy and satisfying.

• Aromatic Palette: black pepper, cedar wood, cocoa, coffee, floral hints and piquant peaks.

- third third The last sector turns to green pepper and earthy notes. In the background there are even notes of tubers, which makes the aromatic palette definitely uncommon. The strength increases (4,5/5).

- conclusions A cigar with a character. It develops an intense smoke, supported by a full strength. The balance is great and since the first puff the strength never overwhelms the aromas. The evolution is well perceivable, but the complexity is the true strength of this Torpedo: amazing.

52

SCORE

PAIRINGS

94

Alcoholic: Aged Rum Analcoholic: Italian coffee

90

/100

Toro Huaco Size: cepo 56 x 152 mm (6”) EUR: - € (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 11,5 $ Slightly over the medium strength. The cigars is balanced and with a long persistence. The aromatic intensity is remarkable. Great complexity and decent evolution.

• Aromatic Palette: spices, wood, cocoa, black pepper, honey and earth.

88

/100

Churchill Size: cepo 48 x 178 mm (7”) EUR: - € (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 10,5 $

Full strength. Powerful cigar, with a balance on the edge in some puffs. The intensity is great and the aromas deep. The evolution is linear.

• Aromatic Palette: spices, cocoa, black pepper, honey, coffee and vegetal notes.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

SUPERIORE MATURAZIONE:

La massima espressione del sigaro italiano Confezione “Superiore” con cofanetto da 7 pezzi COD. 3351 € 35,00 a scatola (€ 1.000,00/kg)

Il fumo danneggia gravemente te e chi ti sta intorno 25

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PAIRING

Pandoro

• Trinidad Fundadores • Padron Serie 1964 Diplomatico

Torrone

Christmas desserts DESSERT-CIGAR PAIRING

by Roberto Canzi

During Christmas time there are plenty the typical desserts that are enjoyed after dinner. The dessert is one of the last plates brought that precedes, for us aficionados, the long awaited cigar. Why not pairing the cigar with the dessert then? More precisely, why not pair it with the most famous Christmas desserts? Here are our suggestions and curiosities on the more popular sweets, each one flanked by two cigars, the first one that pairs well with the flavors and the aromas of the dessert and second one that instead creates a pleasant and net contrast.

• Joya de Nicaragua Joya Red Short Churchill • Liga Privada No.9 Parejo Robusto

Panettone

• Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills • Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label Lancero

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Typical dessert from Milan. Legend has it that this dessert has his origin by pure chance. During the Christmas dinner, the chef forgot the dessert in the oven and it burned. Toni, a young kitchen skivvy, saw the desperation of the chef and told him: “With what remained in the cupboard, flour, butter, eggs and candied citron, this morning I baked this dessert. If you don’t have anything else, you can bring it to the table.”

The chef, having no other choice, agreed and anxiously awaited the response of the guests. They were unanimously pleased and they wanted to know the name of this delicacy; the chef revealed his secret: “L’è ‘l pan del Toni” (its Toni’s bread), or the “panettone”.

The name could derive from “pane de oro” that in the 1800 was served to the tables of the rich Venetians.

Born as the evolution of the “Nadalin”, a dessert from Verona. In 1894, Domenico Melegatti, founder of the homonymous confectionery, deposited at the Patent Office the recipe of a soft dessert with the characteristic body in form of a star with eight spikes, work of the impressionist painter Angelo Dall’Oca Bianca.

The dough is fluffy and of golden color, coming from the notable presence of eggs, and smells of vanilla.

The ingredients are: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, cacao butter and yeast.

In the 11th century, the Arabs contributed to the diffusion of this dessert in the Mediterranean and in the ancient crown of Aragon. The first written testimonials of torrone dated back to Catalonia in 1221. The production was held in Catalonia and in the kingdom of Valencia: the city is today the major producer in Spain.

In the Cremonese version, the first torrone was served on the 25th of October 1441. The dessert, according to the tradition, reproduces the form of the Torrazzo, the bell-tower of the city, from where it tooks its name.

Torrone is made of egg whites, honey, and sugar, and filled with almonds, nuts, peanuts and toasted hazelnuts; oftentimes covered by two rice paper pieces.

Mince Pies

• Ramon Allones Allones Gigantes • Drew Estate Nica Rustica “ElBrujito”

In USA the different ethnicities have held on to their traditions and in some cases they have become national desserts. The most famous is the Christmas pudding, the Brownies and an assortment of Mince Pies, small shortbread cakes seasoned with dry fruits.

According to the Americans, the later dessert is the favorite of Santa Claus; on Christmas eve, before going to bed, the American children leave one or two cakes on the side of the chimney to thank Santa Claus for the gifts, the reindeers get carrots as offerings. The Eggnog is also recommended, a typical Christmas beverage.

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PAIRING

Buche de Noël

We move to France, where the typical Christmas dessert is the Buche de Noel. Covered largely with a chocolate and coffee cream icing and a jam filling.

The legend narrates that in 800, Napoleon I proclaimed the closer of the chimneys in Paris during the winter and it’s just for this reason that the French chefs challenge themselves to the invention of this dessert.

In fact, the “Buche de Noel” was born to substitute the real logs used in the chimneys, where the French families gathered around during the Christmas festivities.

Blueprint of an inspiring blend

• Oliva Melanio Robusto • Plasencia Reserva Organica Corona

Zelten

In Austria, the meal is finished with the Zelten: a type of not so sweet Sienese cake, made of dried fruits (figs, pears, grapes, almonds, hazelnuts) candied fruits, cinnamon, clove and bread dough.

The name originates from the German word “selten” (rare), indicating the special occasion of its preparation that happens during the Christmas period. In fact, the Zelten was born as a winter dessert, the period where it was the easiest to get dried fruits.

• Por Larranaga Petit Corona • Bolivar Belicoso Fino

Christstollen

Continuing our journey we arrive to Germany where they celebrate with the Teutonic Christstollen, or just Stollen: this dessert is noted since the 14th century; originally in the Dresden area, it’s made up of yeastbased sweet dough, particularly rich in butter, dried fruits (especially almonds), candied fruits, raisins, grapes from Corinth, candied lemons and oranges, often covert with sugar and veil.

The name derives from the name Christ and Stollen, symbol of the garbs in which baby Jesus was wrapped in at his birth.

• Cumpay Churchill • My Father Robusto

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For Macanudo Inspirado our Master Blenders used tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic and is held together by a binder from the Jamastran Valley in Honduras. Wrapped in an oily and rich Rosada leaf from San Agustin, Honduras, you will surely get inspired with great ideas while enjoying Macanudo Inspirado.

BLENDING IS IN OUR DNA CigarsLoverMagazine | No.10

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PAIRING

Churros

In Spain we find again the torrone and the Churros: dough simply compost of flour, water, sugar and salt.

Equally simple as the preparation: put the dough in a churrera (a type of pastry bag with the typical small star shape opening) and press it in a bowl of frying oil in a rotating motion.

The spiral of dough has to fry for less than a minute on each side, until it becomes slightly golden brown; cut into small pieces, sprinkled with sugar and served in a bag. Usually, the Churros are served with a cup of hot chocolate.

• Quesada 40th Anniversary Toro • Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2

NUOVO DAVIDOFF ESCURIO

·

UNA NOTTE A RIO ISPIRA UN VIAGGIO NEL GUSTO

NOSTRI MASTRI HANNO RAFFINATO LE FOCOSE FOGLIE DI CRIOLLO CUBANO PER POI ACCOSTARLE A UNA MATA FINA BRASILIANA, CHE PULSA AL CENTRO DI QUESTA MISCELA ORIGINALE

·

I TABACCHI

DOMINICANI E LA CAPA ECUADORIANA CREANO UN EQUILIBRIO PERFETTO

·

UN CONNUBIO FRA DOLCE E SPEZIATO

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COME RIO

AL CALARE DELLA NOTTE, VIAGGIO TRA SENSAZIONI INASPETTATE

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RITMO · INTRIGO · ORIGINALITÀ SCOPRI DOVE PUÒ CONDURTI ESCURIO

Christmas Pudding

• Partagas Lusitanias • Camacho Triple Maduro Figurado

In the Anglo-Saxons countries the typical dessert is the Christmas pudding or plum pudding. This original dessert with its round form is made of eggs, bread, flour, almonds, candied fruits, brown sugar, rum and spices.

Prepared during the advent period and served on the 25th of December, it is usually served flambé and is decorated with holly leves. There are various superstitions tied to the Christmas pudding, for example, the one that it has to contain 13 ingredients and has to be prepared and mixed counter clockwise, from all the family members. This dessert is quoted in the famous Christmas song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.

Joulutorttu

• Alec Bradley Connecticut Toro • AVO Heritage Short Torpedo

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Heading north we get to Sweden, Denmark and Finland: these nations are acuminated by the presence of classic biscuits with ginger and cinnamon on the table: the Piparkakku (in form of flowers, half moon, stars, pigs and pixies) decorates the Christmas tree, or the tasty Joulutorttu in form of Christmas stars garnished with plum jam. Other Scandinavian Christmas dishes are the Risgrynsgröt or the Risengrad depending on the country; rice porridge, seasoned with raspberry or cinnamon jam. These Christmas desserts are enlightened with typical beverages like the Glögg, a type of vin brulé made from vine, almonds, sultanas and cinnamon.

davidoff.com

Nuoce gravemente alla salute

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PAIRING

Pryaniki

Kurisumasu Keki

En route to Russia; here, the tables are prepared with the Pryaniki, those are glazed biscuits (it exists also a version in form of a loaf) with honey and spices.

The Pryaniki were created in the 9th century, originally with rye flour, honey and berry juice. In the 12th and 13th century, in conjunction with the commercial changes with the Middle East and India, there were ulterior spices added: clove, ginger, citrus, pepper, nutmeg, mint, anise; these made them tastier and ambit for the local population.

• Davidoff Millenium Robusto • CAO Flathead 554 Camshaft

Christmas is not a traditional Japanese holiday, and so is the desserts baked to celebrate this recurrence in the Land of the rising sun. The Christmas period is however appreciated by the population and in the month of December, the cities are filled with decorations and illuminations that don’t have to hide behind any principal European capital.

The Kurisumasu Keki, one of the most popular cakes is a revisitation of the American Christmas cake: made from sponge cake, butter and cream, decorated with strawberries and others.

• Cohiba Piramides Extra • AJ Fernandez New World Almirante

Christopsomo

• H. Upmann Sir Winston • A. Fuente Opus X Perfecxion no. 4

Our world tour continues to Greece where we can taste typical dessert like: Kourambiede (butter base, almonds and covert in sugar and veil), Melomakarona, originally from Epirus (with honey and pistachios), and Diples, similar to the frappes, original dessert from Creta (that during the Turkish occupation were prepared to celebrate the birth a son). The most significant dessert, that represents the coming of Christ for the Greeks, is the Christopsomo (Christ’s bread); it’s a spicy bread stuffed with grapes, nuts and peanuts, considered sacred by the Greek Orthodox church: it’s told that it ensures the well being for the whole year for the family that consumes it.

Rosca de Navidad

Entering South America: in Argentina, Bolivia and Mexico the most loved dessert is the Rosea de Navidad or the Roseno de Reyes, a donut stuffed with candied fruits. In Argentina it’s accompanied with a drink, instead of champagne, called “Sidra” (local honey based sparkling wine); the neighbor Patagonia is a popular producer of apples.

The dried fruits version is a delicacy from Brazil: the Bolo de Natal, the Christmas cake, is a typical dessert of the Brazilian cuisine with a mixed flour base, sugar, eggs, butter and minced walnuts.

• Bolivar Royal Coronas • Muwat Kentuchy Fire Cured Chunky

Pavlova

• Cohiba Siglo IV • Señorial Paco Robusto

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In the southern hemisphere you find the tasty Pavlova, a typical cake from New Zealand and Australia.

According to the most accredited hypothesis, this dessert was created in 1926 from a chef in a Hotel in Wellington, New Zealand, and is named in honor of the ballet dancer Anna Pavlova.

Some researched suggest that it could have been born in the same period in Australia, only the dedication to the famous ballet dancer stays, since she was touring both countries at the time. Composed of a soft meringue base inside and crispy outside, a whipped cream and fruit filling (usually strawberries), the Pavlova is definitely an eye-catching dessert.

Rosquillas de Navidad

• Rocky Patel Royale Toro • Nicarao Exclusivo Rodolfo

In Nicaragua, the Rosquillas de Navidad are famous (Christmas donuts), the Christmas festivities in Nicaragua start officially on the 6th of December. On the 7th December they celebrate the “Purisima” or better the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary: thousands of people, in particular the youth, go from house to house to sing hymns in honor of the Virgin Mary; the master of the house show appreciation and gratitude by offering donuts, donkey milk, oranges, lemons and brown sugar to the performers. In the nearby Honduras, the hot chocolate paired with a slice of panettone is widespread.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

Penelope Cruz enjoying a cigar.

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PAIRING

Brandy: Pedro Ximénez Spinola

Cigars Club No.1

Spirit

It is obtained starting with wine grapes from Pedro Ximénez with the quality and the delicate expression of a finished wine, which then is distilled and re-aged in barrels of oak for a minimum of 25 years with the “Solera” method. With three increasing levels of alcoholic degrees (42,59%, 44.78% and 46.12% respectively for the Cigars Club No.1, 2 and 3) and an annual production of only 350 bottles, numbered for each of the three typologies (36 bottles per type are reserved for the Italian market), it is probably the rarest Spanish Brandy on today’s market. A product for real connoisseurs!

THE 15 PAIRING OF THE YEAR Article: Nicola Ruggiero Pairings: Giuseppe Mitolo

TASTING: mellow start and distinctly sweet, gives aromatic notes of fine intensity, follow by scents of raisins and figs, ideal for accompanying medium bodied cigars.

PAIRED WITH: Plasencia Reserva Organica Churchill Maya Selva Lancero The last gift of the year or a present for yourself, for the more passionate and demanding experts of spirits that can conclude the ongoing year and start the coming year in the best way. We dedicated ourselves to the quest of finding the best products to accompany the smoking, trying to find on a major number of different types of spirits, so to satisfy also the more refined palates.

Cognac: Camus XO Borderies

Calvados: C. Drouin Hors D’age

L’ eaux-de-vie (produced by fermentation and double distillation) used for the realization of the CAMUS Borderies Cognac XO has a surprising aroma intensity and a velvety consistency. Produced by the more prestigious vines in the keep of the CAMUS Domains, the vine is distilled on yeasts before aging in barrels of oak. Every step in the aging process improves the already rich and complex range of aromas of this Cognac. Produced in limited quantities, the CAMUS Borderies XO offers a rare and exquisite tasting experience.

Aged for more than 15 years in little barrels of oak. The cider is exclusively produced from tall apple trees and used 30 different qualities of apple, divided in the categories: Doux, Amer Doux Amer and Acide; each one gives the product a specific characteristic. The Doux brings sugar and therefore alcoholic degree, the Amer Doux Amer brings tannins (give body to the distillatate), the Acide instead brings the aromatic component. The fermentation takes place in wooden foudres of 100 hl. The first distillation is done with a heated still with fire to the wood. Refined in barrels of sherry as well as in Port Pipas.

TASTING: potent, rich, creamy and velvety. Reveals sweet and intense aromas of pastries with notes of cinnamon, dried fruits, aged port and violet flower. A long lasting finish and persistence with a distinct taste of almonds.

PAIRED WITH: Davidoff Winston Churchill Toro Cohiba Behike 54.

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TASTING: complex and balanced bouquet, aromas of fruit, wood and spices. Round and long persistence in the mouth. It needs good oxygenation and it is advised to serve it in a large glass or to wait a couple of minutes before drinking it.

PAIRED WITH: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 La Ley Robusto.

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Rum: Gosling’s Family Reserve

Old Rum Gosling’s Family Reserve Old Rum has an antique recipe from 1858 that is born from the blend of three different Rums of Caribbean origin, namely Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad.

It ages for 12 to 16 years in barrels that contained bourbon, until it acquires a balanced complexity, comparable to the best scotches and cognacs.

Every bottle (that recall those used for the champagne) is numbered and sealed by hand with sealing wax.

Largest and Best Range of Quality Tobacco and Cigars in the UK C.Gars Limited Est. 1997 16-18 Kingsgate Place, London, NW6 4TA 0207 372 1865 www.cgarsltd.co.uk sales@cgarsltd.co.uk Turmeaus Tobacconist Mayfair 1 White Horse Street, London W1J 7LB 0207 495 7330 mayfair@cgarsltd.co.uk

TASTING: first scents typical to molasses from English rums and notes of licorice, the aromas remind of chocolate and hazelnut.

The final is rich and complex with aromas of leather, pepper, vanilla and tobacco.

Turmeaus Tobacconist Est. 1817 32-34 Fenwick Street, Liverpool L2 7NB 0151 236 3802 turmeaus@cgarsltd.co.uk Turmeaus Tobacconist Est. 1817 34 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LA 0124 434 8821 Chester@cgarsltd.co.uk

PAIRED WITH: Cuaba Salomones El Gueguense Torpedo

Turmeaus – Norfolk Hall Farm, Martham Road Rollesby, Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR29 5DR 01493 749 710 sales@turmeaustobacconist.co.uk La Casa Del Habano 32 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LA 01244 348 821 Chester@cgarsltd.co.uk

Rhum: Agricole Vieux Reserve

RQL In 1916, the family Reimonenq on the Isle of Guadeloupe founded the distillery Musee de Rhum. It is one of the smallest distilleries in the Antilles and produces a very limited quantity of Rhum.

The main production is that of the agricultural Rum, distilled with sugar-cane juice from pure sugar.

VIEUX RESERVE RQL refines for 10 years in barrels previously made for cognac and bourbon, and is successively bottled with a 44 degree; this brings fuller character.

This Rhum is produced in very limited quantities.

ALSO AT: Whisky and Cigars by Robert Graham Ltd 4 Broadwell Parade, Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London NW6 3BQ 0207 624 3351 london@robertgraham1874.com Robert Graham Ltd 9 Sussex Street, Cambridge, CB1 1PA 01223 354 459 Cambridge@robertgrham1874.com Robert Graham Ltd Est. 1874 194A, Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AZ 0131 226 1874 rosestreet@robertgraham1874.com

TASTING: dark coppered color with sparkling reflections, with notes of ginger spices. Full in the mouth, with notes of peanut butter with dry finish.

The Treasurer by Robert Graham Ltd 254 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA 0131 556 2791 canongate@robertgraham1874.com Robert Graham’s Global Whisky Shop 111 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1QX 0141 248 7283 glasgow@robertgraham1874.com

Orchant and Johnstone Family Business Member of the AICS Association of Independent Cigar Specialists

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RMEAU TU emier Cigar S T he uk

PAIRED WITH: Pitbull Carlito Ramon Allones Gigantes

r ‘s P EST 1817 &

To b

nt ha rc ac c o M e

LONDON •LIVERPOOL•CHESTER•NORFOLK

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

Whisky: Talisker Skye Born on the Isle of Skye, in Scotland, that represents varied village and a succession of breathtaking panorama: from the soft banks to the dark and Scottish cliffs from Cuillin, to the remote peninsula of the north. The Talisker Skye is single malt that combines this said contrast. Born from the combined aging in barrels of toasted American oak and a second and third passage, a procedure that accentuates the sweeter notes and citruses, restituting delicate aromas of peat and a broad sapid flavor.

TASTING: soft, sweet, covering and stimulating on the tongue, with slight notes of peat. The sweetness quickly gives way to the flavor, with a subtle peat note and a marked spiciness with notes of herbs.

Long and warm, but at the same time fresh, with an ample spicy finish and a late trace of sweet peatness.

PAIRED WITH: My FatherToro Muwat Kfc Flying Pig

Burbon: Bulleit In 1987, Thomas E. Bulleit realized his life long dream: to revive an antique bourbon family recipe.

Inspired by his great grandfather Augusto, who made a high rye whisky from 1830 to 1860, he started working to realize the Bulleit Bourbon, whisky in which only high quality ingredients are used.

The finesse and the complexity of the Bulleit Bourbon come from the unique mix of containing a lot of rye, mais and barley malt, together with strains of special yeast.

TASTING: amber-colored, has a slight spiciness and aromas of oak wood. Soft to the palate with maple and nutmeg undertones. Long, dry and a satin finish with a hint of caramel.

PAIRED WITH: Joya de Nicaragua Short Churchill Partagas Serie P No.2

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PAIRING

Gin: Filliers Dry Gin 28 Barrel Aged

Grappa: Nardini Acquavite By Vinaccia Riserva 60 Gradi

Filliers Dry Gin 28 is made in Belgium, with 28 carefully selected botanicals, like the ginepro that comes from Italy. Based on the authentic recipe of Firmin Filliers (1888-1965 third generation of distillers).

The gin rests for four months in barrels of Limousin that previously contained cognac. After this period of maturation the product affirms its taste, developing a deeper character and a vanilla creaminess.

This Gin is produced in small quantities and is distilled in small lots, with traditional copper stills.

Nardini Acquavite di vinaccia is produced using two methods: the vapor stills with discontinuous flow and in small vacuum boilers with continuous flow Monastier columns. At the base of the distillation, there are selected majority marks of red grapes typical of the Mountainous Venetian and Friulian region (Cabernet, Sauvignon and Merlot), characterized by an intense aromatic and complex profile, creating a unique blend with white grapes (Pinot Blanc and Friulian).

A Grappa of decisive aromas, persistent and rich in nuances, aged in oak barrels from Slavonia for at least 3 years.

DEGUSTAZIONE: complex to the nose, with a scent of oak, dried herbs and floral notes with smidge of peach. Creamy and surprisingly light to the palate, tending to spice and floral notes with hints of licorice, wood, citrus and herbs. The finish is long and full-bodied.

PAIRED WITH: El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme Davidoff Escurio Toro

TASTING: clear look, with intense coppered reflections, intense taste, elegant and persistent. Covers the palate and with its majestic taste, combines meditation.

PAIRED WITH: Ambasciator Italico Superiore Toscano 1815

Tequila: Corallejo 99.000 Horas

Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula

The Tequila Corralejo 99,000 comes from Casa Corralejo in Mexico, founded in 1775 by Don Pedro Sanche de Tagle.

The Weber Blu type agave, chosen for this tequila, is the most valuable type. It is grown in the state of Guanajuato, surrounded by lemon trees; it is from here the citrus characteristic note that distinguishes it. This tequila refines for 18 months in barrels of oak, that doesn’t contain more than 200 liters each.

The name “99.000 Horas” (99 thousand hours) is the time necessary for the product, from the cultivation of the agave to the bottling.

Carpano Antica Formula is the icon of the Italian vermouth. Due to the work of Benedetto Carpano back in 1786, it gave rise to the market category of vermouth. Carpano Antica Formula is in fact the Italian vermouth for excellence, the first vermouth of the history composed of white vine, Moscato from the Piedmont and rich vines from the south of Italy. Its characteristic aroma comes from a mountain herbs infusion. It is produced in limited quantities and filled in fine bottles of blown glass, closed with cork caps and protected with precious packaging. The label has remained original from 1786.

TASTING: intense aroma of herbs, mint and agave. Notes of citrus (grapefruit), apples and lime. The taste is full-bodied with a mix of woods and sweet fruits, giving rise to a silky and well-balanced finish.

PAIRED WITH: Arturo Fuente Opux X Perfexion No.4 Bolivar Corona Gigantes

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TASTING: strong hints of vanilla, it follows the notes of spices and dried fruits like star anise, bitter orange peel and dates. It is ideal to taste cold as an aperitif or after the meal.

PAIRED WITH: Trinidad Fundador Padron 85 Years

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PAIRING

Sake: Akashi-Tai Sake Honjozo

Genshu

La Venenosa Raicilla Sierra Del Tigre

Akashi-Tai Brewery started its production of Sake in 1918 in the city of Akashi, which at that time was a little more than a fishing village.

With the passing of the years Akashi-Tai has been constantly modernized in order to increase its productivity.

Akashi-Tai favors the use of the best local raw materials, like the Yamada-Nishiki rice, which grows in the north part of Akashi. It is produced with Nihon Baré rice reduced to 65% of its own volume.

Drinkable either warm or cold. The Genshu, contrary to a lot of sakes, doesn’t get diluted which makes it one of the full-bodied products in respect to other products.

The Venenosa Raicilla was the first Raicilla to enter the American market legally.

The variety is ample, but we focus on the Venenosa Sierra del Tigre: produced by Maester Taberenero Don Luis Contreras together with his sons, in the village of Manzanilla de la Paz (Mexico), situated in 2,000 meters over the sea level. It is composed by the Agave Inaquidens, locally known as “Bruto”.

The distillation, still very rudimentary, justifies only a very low quantity of production: about 700 liters a year.

TASTING: hints of smoke to the nose, cherries and roast, the same are perceptible on the palate: aromas of dairy, earth and herbs. Such an amazing spirit only common to itself.

TASTING: predominantly sweet notes, aromatically recalled rice, some starch, vegetal hints and notes of dairy. It is drinkable warm or cold, during every phase of the meal.

PAIRED WITH: Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Davidoff Doble R

PAIRED WITH: Joya de Nicaragua Dark Antaño Azarosa Partagas 898

Elisir by China S. Maria Novella

Mezcal; Ilegal Mezcal Añejo

The Elixir from China is antique liquor from Cinchona extract, a plant originally from Peru and known for its febrifugal properties.

The etymology of the term China is attested in the Pre-Colombian age in the area of Peru. A lot of anecdotes are told: one of the more curious reports that the wife of Viceroy from Peru was cured from a malaria fever just because of the China powder.

The bottles are presented in the most classical traditional pharmaceutical, squared and with a pale blue label.

For almost a decade, a small group of artists, musicians, writers and travelers have drunk the Ilegal Mezcal, an artisan brand from Mexico with a noteworthy story that include contraband and a clandestine bar in Guatemala.

Ilegal Mezcal Anejo (the most aged in the variety) is made with 100% Agave Espadin and is a product with an aging of 13 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels.

Being a small artisan distillery, the production of the Ilegal Mezcal Anejo is limited. Every bottle is wax sealed and has parchment style label, numbered by hand.

TASTING: balsamic with some menthol notes revealed to the palate, licorice and clove.

Bitter aftertaste with very long persistence.

PAIRED WITH: Senorial Paco Robusto Toscano Antico

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TASTING: notes of maple, clover and aromas of bitter orange on the nose. Dark chocolate and agave on the palate. A complete and rich product, best tasted with slow sips.

PAIRED WITH: Nica Rustica El Brujito Freyja Sessrúmnir

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AWARDS

Awards 2015

On the next pages follows the CigarsLover Magazine 2015 Awards. We strongly wanted to split the them in terroir, to guarantee the right space to every producer country and to their cigars.

We defined five groups, made by the four main producer countries (Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua e Dominican Republic) and by the collection of all the

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other minor country producers (Bahamas, Costa Rica, Philippines, Mexico, USA, Panama, ecc.).

For every group we have four sections, to reward the Top 5 cigars of 2015, the best line, the best news and the TOP 3 Best Buy. Follows the best smokes, the suggested ones, the ones that more amazed and satisfied us in these 12 months.

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AWARDS

Partagas Maduro No.1

Size: cepo 42 x 130 mm (5.1”) - EUR: 13 € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium to full strength. Well balanced, complex and intense smoke. Creamy and sweet in some puffs, this Partagas amaze since the beginning. The persistence is remarkable.

1/3: cocoa, herbs, piquant notes. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: cocoa, aged wood, earth and spices.

3/3: earth. Cocoa, aged wood and piquant notes.

93

/100

Cohiba Piramides Extra

Size: cepo 54 x 160 mm (6.3”) - EUR: 29.6 € (IT) - 29.5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium to full bodied. Great intensity and wide aromatic palette. Good evolution and complexity. An elegant cigar, build on a sweet base.

1/3: fine wood, hazelnut and white pepper. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: cocoa, fine wood, hazelnut and white pepper.

3/3: honey, cocoa, earth, herbs and piquant spices.

93

/100

H. Upmann Magnum 50

Size: cepo 50 x 160 mm (6.3”) - EUR: 13.1€ (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium strength. The evolution is remarkable and the aromatic intensity is excellent.

Great balance and harmony for this big H. Upmann.

Trinidad Fundadores

1/3: piquant peaks, wood and roasted notes.

2/3: hazelnut, piquant peaks, honey and ripe fruit. Sweet base.

3/3: herbs, roasted notes, earth and piquant notes.

Size: cepo 40 x 192 mm (7.6”) - EUR: 20 € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Initially produced as a Diplomatic gift, it later became a regular production cigar, on February 1998. From 2003 it started being dressed up using the current band. The size is Laguito Especial and it is available in 24 count box.

Medium strength. It develops an incredibly balanced smoke. The evolution is remarkable and the aromas keep on changing during the whole smoke. Creamy and elegant.

1/3: coffee, honey, citrus and vanilla. Sweet base.

2/3: coffee, honey, ripe fruits and walnut. Sweet base.

3/3: ripe fruit, nut, cocoa, coffee and panbrioches. Sweet base.

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/100

Montecristo Open Master

Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 11.9 € (IT) - 11€ (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba A medium strength cigar which develops a well refined smoke. The aromatic palette is wide and the evolution is good. Well balanced, harmonic and creamy.

94

/100

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92

1/3: aged wood, white pepper, earth, cocoa and piquant peaks.

2/3: balsamic herbs, and earth white pepper.

3/3: aromatic herbs and balsamic spices.

91

/100

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Best brand Monteristo

EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba 2015 was a year dedicated to the Montecristo brand, because of his eightieth anniversary. It is noticeable both for the many new releases, such as the Medias Corona and the Churchill Anejados, as well as for the king of this anniversary: the Montecristo 80th Aniversario, which has not yet been released officially on the market, but was presented during the last Festival del Habano.

Montecristo is the most known brand of cigars from both aficionado and non smoking people, and even though it got renewed during the years, with the latest introduction of the new band, it remains an icon in the cigar world. The new cigars introduced, the ordinary production tested during the year, including the “Open” line that has much improved compared to the launch of 2009, and the consistency of the “Linea Classica”, made us lean towards the choice of Montecristo, as the best of 2015. Happy Anniversary Montecristo!

Best news Anejados

Montecristo Churchill Anejados, Romeo y Julieta Anejados EUR: 20€ e 15€ (IT) - 19€ e 17€ (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba During the seventeenth Habanos Festival the “Anejados” line was officially presented. Currently composed by the Romeo y Julieta Piramides and the Montecristo Churchills, soon this line will be joined also by the Hoyo de Monterrey Hermoso No.4. The “Anejados” cigars are aged for a minimum of five years, and this is not referred to the individual tobacco leaves, but to the cigars, which are rolled, packed and left to rest.

The sizes are different from the ones currently in production by the brand chosen to be dressed up with the Anejandos band. This line is a big news for Habanos. Aficionados always express their desire to be able to buy an aged product and this has been the answer.

Between the two cigars currently released, our preference sticks to the Montecristo, which develops an aromatic palette that reminds of the 90s Montecristo.

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Best buy

The best Habanos considering the quality/price ratio we chose, develops a Cuban taste without having to spend too much money.

can be purchased with a small budget but still, we wanted the cigars to perform really good, with no compromises.

The average Cuban cigars price is higher than what is offered by other world producers and this best buy list gets even more important because of this aspect. We wanted to find which Cubans

The three chosen cigars are easy to find and they are regularly produced. Also the Ramon Allones, the winner of the list, is still distributed, even if it is a La Casa del Habano edition.

Ramon Allones LCDH Allones Superiores Size: cepo 46 x 143 mm (5.6”) - EUR: 8.8 € (IT) - 8.5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba

Medium strength. Great balance and excellent aromatic intensity. The harmony is good and the smoke is really creamy.

1/3: cedar wood, cocoa, earth, vanilla and fine spices.

2/3: earth, spices, hazelnut, coffee and wood.

3/3: wood, earth and aromatic herbs.

90

/100

H. Upmann Half Coronas

Size: cepo 44 x 90 mm (3.5”) - EUR: 5.4 € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Full strength. Creamy and satisfying smoke. The aromatic intensity is remarkable and the persistence is long. The harmony and the balance are good.

1/2: wood, earth, vegetal notes and black pepper.

2/2: tree nuts, earth, wood and black pepper. Slightly sweet base.

89

/100

Por Larrañaga Picadores

Size: cepo 48 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 7.9 € (IT) - 8 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium strength. It develops a rustic but intense smoke. The persistence is remarkable and the balance is good. The harmony is great.

1/3: vegetal notes, black pepper and nutmeg.

2/3: cocoa, nutmeg and aromatic herbs.

3/3: earth, cocoa and black pepper.

89

/100

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La Flor Dominicana La Nox

Size: cepo 52 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: San Andrés, Mexico | Filler: Dominican R. Slightly over the medium strength. Creamy smoke, satisfying and complex. The intensity is amazing from the first to the last puff. The balance is great.

1/3: cocoa, hazelnut, citrus and floral notes.

2/3: cocoa, leather, coffee and earth.

3/3: cocoa, coffee, wood, roasted notes and coffee.

93

/100

Arturo Fuente Opux X Perfexion No.4 Series X

Size: cepo 43 x 131 mm (5.2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: 24 $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Medium to full strength. A cigar with a great aromatic intensity, which develops a tons of spices. The evolution is well perceivable and the persistence is amazingly long.

1/3: spices, piquant peaks, earth and vanilla. Sweet base.

2/3: spices, coca, liquorice. Slightly sweet base.

3/3: almond, spices and tree nuts.

92

/100

Señorial Lancero

Size: cepo 38 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R. Full strength. A really rich smoke. The intensity is remarkable, the complexity is great as well as the persistence. Well balanced. Great evolution.

Davidoff Winston Churchill The Commander

1/3: black pepper, vegetal, wood, hazelnut and earth. Sweet base.

2/3: citrus, wood, aromatic herbs, and spices. Sweet base.

3/3: black pepper, citrus, aromatic herbs and earth. Sweet base.

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 21 € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: 18 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Mexico | Filler: Dominican R., Nicaragua

The Winston Churchill line has been introduced by Davidoff in 2015.

The Commander is the Toro size, which develops a great smoke, worthy of the best Dominican cigar of 2015.

Medium to full strength. The cigar gives off an intense and wide aromatic palette. The evolution is remarkable and the balance never come less during the whole smoke. Very creamy, satisfying and with an incredible harmony.

1/3: spices, white pepper and fine wood. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: cocoa, honey, vegetal notes and white pepper. Sweet base.

3/3: fine wood, hints of white pepper and balsamic herbs.

93

/100

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92

/100

Aging room Bin no.1

Size: cepo 54 x 133 mm (5,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 10 € (EU) | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. The strength is slightly over the medium. The intensity is great and the evolution is well defined in the three thirds. Harmonic and with a nice persistence.

1/3: cocoa, leather, mineral hints and white pepper.

2/3: cocoa, black pepper, piaquant peaks and white pepper.

3/3: earth, black pepper and spices.

91

/100

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Best line Davidoff Winston Churchill

EUR: da 6,6 a 21 € (IT) - da 6 a 20 € (EU) | USD: da 6.5 a 18$ Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Mexico Filler: Dom. R., Nicaragua Among the new lines presented during the 2015, the one that showed an interesting average score was the Davidoff Winston Churchill.

Best buy

The Dominican Republic is a huge and global cigar producer. Many brands and many lines are made in this country and if you also consider the new releases in 2015, is it easy to understand how difficult it is choosing just three cigars.

The ones we chose, have some characteristic that set these three on the top: from the complexity of the AVO Heritage Toro, to the great

aromatic intensity of the Gilbert de Montsalvat, going through the creaminess of the La Libertad.

Everyone of these cigars give off different emotions, but they all bring a great pleasure, together with a really worthy buying price. They are good to be enjoyed in three different moment of the day, and these three can be considered a great triplet for a great smoking day.

This line is an homage to the famous Winston Churchill, UK first minister and big aficionado, almost always pictured with a cigar between the lips. The Davidoff Winston Churchill is made using a Rojiza (Ecuador) wrapper, a San Andres (Mexico) binder and a blend of Dominican R. (Pilo Mejorado, Piloto Seco, Hybrid Olor) and Nicaraguan (Esteli seco e Condegas seco) leaves for the filler. In percetage, the filler is made of 70% of dominican leaves and 30% nicaraguan.

Medium strength. It develops a complex smoke, with a great balance. The harmony is huge and the aromatic palette intense. The evolution is good. Creamy and satisfying.

Among the six cigars belonging to this line, two of them performed really good: the Toro (93/100) and the Robusto (92/100). Both these smokes share a great aromatic intensity, as well as a great evolution and a wide aromatic palette.

1/3: wood, tree nuts, earth and black pepper.

2/3: earth, cocoa and spices.

3/3: tree nuts and undergrowth.

Best news La Flor Dominicana La Nox

EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 11 $ Wrapper: Brazil Binder: Mexico Filler: Dominican R. That this is a product given a lot of dedication, is easy to see, just looking at the packaging: a round box, with a magnetic closure lid, completely black and with a half Moon drawn on the upper side. Once opened, it shows ten Toro cigars (50x165 mm). The mind behind this is Antonio Gomez, Litto’s son. We are talking about the La Flor Dominicana La Nox. The blend is made of a Brazilian Cubra Maduro Wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder and a mix of Dominican R. leaves: Piloto and Pelo de Oro. The rich cocoa scents perceivable before to lit up the cigar, get developed also during the smoke. Every puff goes around the cocoa aroma. It is tough to find a weak spot to these La Nox, it is better to just enjoy them and pay attention to every nuance. Another good news is that these cigars are not a limited edition (like it happened with some of the news introduced by La Flor Dominicana in the past years) but they will be a regular production cigars.

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AVO Heritage Toro

Size: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8.6 € (IT) - 8 € (EU) | USD: 8 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

91

/100

Gilbert de Monsalvat Revolution Style Robusto Size: cepo 52 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua, Panama

A cigar with a strength slightly over the medium. The balance is good and the intensity is great. The evolution is decent but the aromatic palette is wide.

1/3: cocoa, hazelnut and black pepper.

2/3: cocoa, hazelnut, black pepper with a slight salty vein.

3/3: balsamic herbs, cocoa and black pepper.

90

/100

La Libertad Robusto

Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 5 $ Wrapper: Habano Peru | Binder: Peru | Filler: Dominican R., Nicaragua Medium strength. The smoke is really creamy and balanced, with a nice aromatic intensity and a long persistence.

1/3: hazelnut, fine wood and spices. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: liquorice, nut and white pepper.

3/3:cedar wood, leather and white pepper.

88

/100

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Black Lotus Robusto

Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 16.5 $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Medium to full strength. Well balanced and creamy smoke. The aromatic palette and the evolution are great. The persistence is incredibly long.

1/3: spices, cinnamon, earth and almond. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: spices, piquant peaks and almond. Slightly sweet base.

3/3: leather, herbs and piquant peaks.

91

/100

Room101 Master Collection Three Mutante

Size: cepo 38 x 178 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua

Slightly over the medium strength. A well balanced cigar, with a wide aromatic palette.

The aromas well alternate during the smoke. Great harmony.

1/3: white pepper, coffe and fine wood.

2/3: spices, black peper and roasted notes. Slightly sweet base.

3/3: black peper, caffe, wood and roasted notes.

91

/100

Camacho Triple Maduro

Size: cepo 54 x 155 mm (6.1”) - EUR: 16,7 € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: San Andres Mad. | Binder: Corojo Mad. | Filler: Honduras, Dom R., Brazil Mad. Full bodied. A satisfying cigar, with a remarkable intensity. The evolution is limited but the aromatic palette is wide. The harmony is good and the persistence really long.

Flor de Selva Lancero 20th Anniversario

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Size: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras

1/3: earth, cocoa and hazelnut. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: spices, black pepper and herbs.

3/3: spices, black pepper and balsamic herbs.

Born to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Maya Selva Cigars, this Lancero is dressed up with a second band, located on the cigar foot.

The choice of a Lancero size makes this cigar even more exclusive, because there are no Lanceros produced regularly by Flor de Selva brand and not even by the other two Maya Selva brands (Cumpay and Villa Zamorano).

Alec Bradley Black Market Robusto

Size: cepo 52 x 133 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 7 € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6.5 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Honduras, Panama

Medium to full strength. The cigar has a great aromatic intensity and elegance. Well balanced and with a good evolution. The complexity is remarkable.

Medium strength. The aromatic palette is complex and uncommon. The cigar shows a good harmony, balance and evolution.

1/3: black pepper, fine wood, honey and vanilla hints.

2/3: roasted notes, spices, cinnamon and coffee. Sweet base.

3/3: coffee, hazelnut, white pepper and fine wood.

1/3: fine spices, cinnamon, earth and almond. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: spices, piquant peaks, almond. The base is slightly sweet.

3/3: leather, aromatic herbs and piquant peaks.

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93

/100

90

/100

90

/100

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Best line Room101 Master Three Collection

EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 8-12 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican R. Filler: Nicaragua

The third Room101 Master edition, or better, the third master collection. After the color black and the gold, now it’s white time, which accompanies the production of 105.000 cigars, produced in five sizes and packed in 20 count boxes: the Mutante (Lancero), Sucio (Churchill), Monstro (Robusto with a 60 cep), Roxxo (Petit Robusto) e Papi Chulo (Perla).

The boxes are well made, with a true care for details. Putting two of them close, you cans see the Sakura Logo (Sakura means cherry blossom). This line is made in Honduras, using a blend of tobaccos from Ecuador, Dominican R. and Nicaragua. The attention to details is noticeable also once the box is open: the cigars are perfectly made and they are true masterpieces. But the Master Collection doesn’t stop to amaze: once the cigars are lit up, they develop a well balanced smoke, with a nice complexity and harmony. The best of the line are the Mutante (91/100) and the Roxxo (91/100).

Best news Asylum 33

EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 10-13 $ Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras The aging and the selection of the tobacco leaves for the cigar manifacturing are two aspects that are given more and more importance by the producers.

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Although many aficionados are focusing their attention to other producing country, Honduras is still a place with many manufacturers and there are a lot of cigars that show a truly convenient quality/price ratio.

The mith climate is able to give birth to recognizable blends, easy to riconduce to the Honduras, due to the territorial characteristic. Underestimating

Honduras for others countries means depriving yourself of many truly satisfying cigars, especially if you want to keep an eye on your wallet, trying to find great smokes without having to pay a high price.

This is the right section to shape the three honduran best buy cigars of 2015, the ones that amazed us the most, considering the small price.

CLE Connecticut Robusto

Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Medium strength. Fresh and balanced smoke. It develops a nice aromatic palette, with a good complexity. The harmony is great.

1/3: wood, pink pepper, hazelnut and vegetal notes.

2/3: wood, citrus, pink pepper and tree nuts.

3/3: spices, black pepper, piquant peaks and herbs.

90

/100

C.A.O. Osa LOT50

Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Connecticut broadleaf | Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua With a strength just over the medium, it develops a satisfying and intense smoke. The evolution and the persistence are good.

1/3: wood and hints of vanilla. Sweet base.

2/3: earth and hazelnut. Slightly sweet base.

3/3: earth and balsamic herbs.

89

/100

The Aslym 33 is a line shaped around this concept, to give birth to a smoke which is able to provide all the pros and characteristics that the aged leaves are capable of.

Kuuts Robusto

In detail, the tobaccos used for the Asylum 33 are aged for 7 years and the production is made in Danlì, in the El Aladino factory.

Slightly over the medium strength. The cigars shows a nice intensity and a great balance.

The persistence is remarkable and the harmony is great.

The cigars are Honduran puros and the sizes are four: Corona Gorda (46x14 mm), Robusto (50x114mm), Toro (52x152mm) e Gordo (70x152mm). Packed in 25 count boxes, the logo chosen is the Providence Eye. The best sizes of the line are the Corona Gorda and the Robusto.

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Best buy

Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 6$ Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

1/3: spices, young wood, black pepper and piquant notes.

2/3: spices, young wood and black pepper.

3/3: young wood, balsamic herbs and spices.

88

/100

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El Gueguense Torpedo

Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6.5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 11.5 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99 | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Full strength. The cigar develops a huge aromatic intensity. Well balanced and harmonious, it has a great complexity as well. The persistence is remarkable.

1/3: green pepper, cocoa, fine wood. Sweet base.

2/3: fine wood, black pepper and nutmeg.

3/3: green pepper, earth and tuber.

94

/100

Drew Estate Liga Unico Dirty Rat

Size: cepo 44 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Sun Grown Habano | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras Medium to full strength. It develops a really complex and intense smoke. Persistence and harmony are remarkable. The balance is great and the smoke incredibly thick.

1/3: hazelnut, white pepper, oily notes, incense and piquant peaks.

2/3: nut, cocoa and spices.

3/3: coca, nut and aromatic herbs.

93

/100

Plasencia Reserva Organica Churchill

Size: cepo 48 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9.5 € (EU) | USD: 8 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. A cigar with a great balance and a rich and elegant aromatic palette.

The evolution is really good and the aromas are very intense. Satisfying.

Padron 1964 Diplomatico Natural

1/3: earth, carob, aromatic herbs and piquant notes. Sweet base.

2/3: fine wood, aromatic herbs and spices.

3/3: nut and cinnamon. Sweet base.

Size: cepo 50 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 23 € (IT) - 19 € (EU) | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua The 1964 Aniversario Serie was introduced in 1994, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Padron Company. Eleven sizes are dressed up with the 1964 year band.

The tobacco used to make these cigars is aged four years and the shape is box pressed, in honor to the old cuban tradition.

Medium to full strength. The remarkable aromatic intensity, the long persistence, the great balance and the nice evolution, make this Padron the best Nicaragua cigar of 2015. Incredibly creamy and satisfying, it develops a great complexity and elegance.

1/3: milk chocolate, black pepper, piquant spices.

2/3: black pepper, hazelnut and cocoa.

3/3: cocoa, balsamic herbs and earth.

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94

/100

92

/100

Nicarao Exclusivo Rodolfo

Size: cepo 54 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15€ (EU) | USD: 14 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full bodied. Great balance and very good complexity. The aromatic palette is wide, harmonious and elegant. Intensity and persistence are remarkable.

1/3: leather, cocoa, cinnamon, herbs and black pepper.

2/3: cocoa, black pepper. Slightly sweet base.

3/3 cocoa, cinnamon, herbs and black pepper.

91

/100

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Best line Plasencia Reserva Organica

EUR: - - (IT) - 6-10 € (EU) | USD: 5-9$ $ Wrapper: Nicragua Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua This line is made to enjoy the smoking experience belonged to more than five hundred years ago, when no chemical fertilizers or pesticides were used. The tobacco cultivation and growth are made in the most possible natural way, due to the use of some strategies that Nestor Plasencia Jr. decided to use. The soil fertilization is made using californian earthworms and the Macuna Pruriens, a legume which is able to absorb the 78% of nitrogen present in the atmosphere and transfer it into the soil during its flowering period.

Parasites are kept away by sunflower plants and a mix consisting of all-natural juice of garlic and oil of the Neem tree, which acts as an insect repellent.

All this attention has given rise to a line that releases an aromatic palette definitely particular and easy to recognize, because there is truly nothing on the market able to give off similar aromas and flavors.

Best news Foundation Cigars El Gueguense EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 9-12 $ Wrapper, Binder: Corojo99 Filler: Corojo99, Criollo98

100% Nicaragua, this is the main feature that El Gueguense wants to communicate: from the tobacco used to the labor, from the name to the images on the box, you can definitely say that everything is about Nicaragua. A cigar line that literally teleports the smoker to the Central America, through an intense, deep and thich smoke. A trip to do with the safety belts fastened because the aromas and flavors that are perceived by the taste buds are comparable only to a rollercoaster ride.

All the tobacco used in the production of “El Gueguense” is selected by Nick Melillo, founder and master blender of this brand that needs no introduction. His will to create a Nicaraguan Puro able to reflect Nicaragua was achieved. The decision to use only tobacco produced in the same country is an added value that, nowadays, is very rare.

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Best buy

The best buy of Nicaragua is a category not easy to summarize just having three spots. Many are the cigars noteworthy that we could put in this section and the choice wasn’t easy at all.

The three cigars we wanted to reward has many characteristics that could put them into the top 5 Nicaragua as well, but because of their incredible

quality/price ratio, we decided to collocate them in the following list. They develop rich smokes, satisfying and with a nice evolution. This is what the Nicaragua Best Buy cigars have in common.

Smoking them and appreciating them, the thought that you will always have in your mind will be the gratitude for the producers, who were able to realize such great cigars as such a great price.

Drew Estate Nica Rustica “El Brujito”

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) 7.5 € (EU) | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Mexico (San Andres) | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. It develops a deep aromatic palette, with a very nice evolution. The intensity is remarkable and the smoke quantity is huge. Long persistence.

1/3: cocoa, earth, black pepper and aromatic herbs.

2/3: cocoa, almond, spices. Slightly sweet base.

3/3: wood, honey, herbs and piquant peaks.

92

/100

Joya de Nicaragua Joya Red Short Churchill

Size: cepo 48 x 120 mm (4,75”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6,5 € (EU) | USD: 5 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Slightly over the medium strength. Despite the size, the evolution is noticeable and the aromatic palette is wide, as well as harmonious and incredibly creamy.

1/3: leather, white pepper, young wood and herbs.

2/3: herbs, white pepper and coffe.

3/3: coffee, leather and white pepper.

91

/100

Cumpay Churchill

Size: cepo 47 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 7.2 € (IT) - 7.5 € (EU) | USD: 7.5 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Dominican R., Honduras Medium strength. The evolution of this churchill is amazing. The aromatic palette is wide and has a good complexity. Well balanced and with a good harmony.

1/3: wood, white pepper and piquant notes.

2/3: fine wood, hazelnut, white pepper, mineral notes and nut.

3/3: ripe fruit and hazelnut. Sweet base.

91

/100

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AWARDS

Royal Danish Single Blend Tivoli - Panama

Size: cepo 54 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Panama, Costa Rica

Medium to high strength. The cigar shows a great evolution and balance. The aromatic palette is well defined and intense. The complexity is good.

1/3: cocoa, almond, citrus and piquant peaks. Sweet base.

2/3: cocoa, roasted notes, black pepper, piquant bits. Sweet base.

3/3: cocoa, coffee, leather and black pepper.

91

/100

Atabey Brujos - Costa Rica

Size: cepo 52 x 124 mm (4.9”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 25 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. It develops an incredibly rich and creamy smoke, with a good complexity. The balance is great as well as the harmony.

1/3: fine wood, nut and coffee. Sweet base.

2/3: fine wood, coffee and hazelnut. Slightly sweet base.

3/3: spices, hazelnut and roasted notes. Slightly sweet base.

90

/100

Graycliff Espresso Elegante - Bahamas

Size: cepo 38 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Costa Rica | Binder: Cameroon | Filler: Ecuador, Nicaragua The strength is slightly over the medium. It develops a creamy, intense and satysfing smoke. The evolution is good and the aromatic palette wide and harmonious.

La Palina Goldie Laguito Especial - USA

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Size: cepo 40 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: 23 € (IT) - 19 € (EU) | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador | Filler: Dominican R., Nicaragua

1/3: leather, earth, spices.

2/3: coffee, earth leather and herbs.

3/3: coffee, hazelnut and spices.

The Goldie Line is made completely by one torcedora: Maria Sierra. Her career in the tobacco world began more than 32 years ago, when she became the first woman in Cuba trained to roll cigars. Her teacher was the famous E.R. Irizarri, the personal torcedor of Fidel Castro.

In this line blend are used medio tiempo leaves.

Tatuaje Regios - USA

Size: cepo 50 x 140 mm (5.5”) - EUR: 10.5 € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium strength. Well balanced smoke, with a good harmony. The aromas are rich and intense. The complexity is good and the persistence is great.

Medium to full strength. The cigar has a really long persistence. The aromatic palette is rustic but intense and rich. The balance never come less and the smoke is creamy.

1/3: floral notes, undergrowth and cinnamon.

2/3: leather, coffee, earth and nutmeg.

3/3: undergrowth and earth.

1/3: earth, undergrowth and hazelnut.

2/3: wood, undergrowth, tree nuts.

3/3: earth, aromatic herbs and tree nuts.

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/100

90

/100

90

/100

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AWARDS

Best line Royal Danish Regal Blend

EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Maduro Binder, Filler: Ecuador, Panama, Jamaica This line is based on the history of the Danish west Indies were, that between the half of the ‘700 and the firsts of the ‘800, were part of the Kingdoom of Denmark. At that time, the King’s ships brought back tobacco from the Caribbean to the Royality.

Made in Costarica, the Regal Blend is a line counting four cigars: Royal Twister (58 x 184 mm – 7.2”), Dark Crown (52 x 152 mm – 6”) and Queens #1 (52 x 127 mm – 5”), available in the standard version and in the gold and swarovski one.

These cigars develops rich and intense smokes, with a deep aromtic palette. Harmonious and well balance, the cigars are satysfing. The construction is well made and the attention on the details is easily recognizable, from the ribbon that run vertically to the cigars to the swarovski in the middle of the band.

Best buy

Saying “rest of the world” means considering many countries, some increasingly in the spotlight, other forgotten and others still growing.

The products listed in this best buy are among the most disparate and there would be no wonder if one of these cigars haven’t been heard or if the band is not at all familiar.

However, the purpose of this Awards is looking

for cigars with high potentials and brands that will surely have something to give in the international cigar scene very soon, exploring more or less known terroir all around the world.

Without prejudice or preconceptions, as facing new products should always be, here are the best smokes that are too often overlooked.

Tabacalera Pyramides - Philippines

Size: cepo 38 x 192 mm (7,6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Philippines | Filler: Philippines Slightly over the medium strength. The aromatic bouquet is wide and with a great intensity. The evolution is well noticeable and the harmony is nice. Long persistence.

1/3: earth, undergrowth and spices. Slightly sweet base.

2/3: green pepper, earth and leather. Sweet base.

3/3: spices, piquant peaks, earth, leather and aromatic herbs.

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/100

Best news

The strength is slightly over the medium. The smoke is aromatically intense, with a good balance and very creamy. The harmony is also good.

This line is made of three cigars, which share all the same size (44 x 75mm cepo - 3 “) but are rolled with different blends.

The choice of rewarding such a small size is simple: these smokes develop moments of intense pleasure, which are enjoyable during the span of the day, at any time. Combined with a coffee or a piece of chocolate, they give off a rich, intense and very fulfilling smoke. These little flavor bombs, are suitable for those who are looking for a small moment of pleasure in terms of time but big in terms of flavors, perfect to disconnect from the daily grind.

1/3: hazelnut, earth and many spices (white pepper).

2/3: a lot of spices, earth and hazelnut.

3/3: cocoa, nutmeg, earth and piquant peaks.

Of the three versions, the Ltd. Edition (Habano Ecuador wrapper and Nicaraguan/Dominican R. filler) is the one we preferred, but also the other two, the Smooth (Ecuador wrapper and Nicaragua/Costa Rica filler) and Strong (Costa Rica Maduro wrapper and Nicaragua/Costa Rica filler) perform very good too.

All three lines are rolled with an Indonesian binder.

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Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7.5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Nicaragua

Brun del Re Piccolo

EUR: - € (IT) - 4 € (EU) | USD: 3.5 $

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Brun del Re Premum Robusto - Costa Rica

90

/100

Te Amo Revolution Robusto - Mexico

Size: cepo 50 x 133 mm (5.2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: 4.5 $ Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Mexico | Filler: Mexico, Nicaragua Medium strength. It develops a nice aromatic palette. The intensity is good, as well as the balance. The persistence is nice and the harmony remarkable.

1/3: black pepper, coffee, cedar wood and spices.

2/3: coffee, earth, vegetal notes and black pepper.

3/3: black pepper and spices.

89

/100

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VINTAGE

Dunhill Cabinetta

CUBA

Dunhill Cabinetta Size: cepo 50 x 124 mm (4,9”) Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba EUR: 250 €/pz (IT) | - € (EU) | USD: 300 $/pz Box: 25 pz Year: 1985

by Luca Cominelli

Cigar is well made, the filling is generous and homogeneous. The wrapper has a colorado maduro shade and is still oily after thirty years of aging.

- pre lighting The cold develops light woody notes.

- first third The opening is rich and brings to the palate aged wood and white pepper. The cigar is amazingly creamy and develops a plenty amount of smoke, fulfilling the mouth. Going through the third, wood and fine spices come to the palate, with hints of nut and piquant peaks. The persistence is remarkable. The strength is medium (3/5).

- second third The aromatic palette gets wider: now there are rich balsamic herbs refreshing the smoke, that alternates the wood and the spices. The piquant notes are still well perceivable. The strength doesn’t change.

- third third The balsamic herbs now are the main aroma. The white pepper is on the background with the omnipresent aged wood. The strength increases, becoming medium to full (4/5). The finale is long and satisfying.

- conclusions Dunhill is a brand that was produce for a truly small amount of time. In 1977 was born the idea to create the “Dunhill” brand, but only in 1982 the agreement between Dunhill and Cubatabaco was achieved. Cigars got into the market from 1984 to 1991. A little time window, that created a mith, a brand incredibly sought after nowadays, with an amazing collectible value.

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The Cabinetta is a cigar that develops an incredibly creamy smoke.

The persistence is long and the complexity is remarkable, especially in the first part, where there are more aromatic shades perceivable.

The second half gets stronger, but the balance never come less. This smoke is for a truly restricted number of people, due to the difficulties in finding these cigars. If you have the change to lit one up, prepare yourself for a memorable smoke.

50 SCORE

PAIRINGS

96

Alcoholic: Champagnes Analcoholic: White tea

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

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INFO

Vocabulary

Sections

MEANING OF THE TERMINOLOGIES USED

WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON CIGARSLOVER MAGAZINE

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.

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.

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

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 slow smoke and /or cigars

SMOKES FROM THE WORLD To understand completely cigars, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to experience all the terroir of reference, appreciating all the characteristics and the differences which makes every producer country unique.

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.

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