Cigarslover Magazine Spring 2017

MAGAZINE

Spring 2017

CigarsLover

blind tasting: 40 cigars 18 whiskeys

the cigar festivals of 2017

cigar foot: all the secrets mexico: discovering agave

today and tomorrow rum

asbel morales

TEAM & EDITORIAL

Lover Cigars

Magazine

Editor: Deputy Editor:

Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia

Graphic Designer: Graphic Designer Assistant:

Mario Amelio Renz Mauleon

Authors:

Photos: Marketing:

Translations:

Cigars Blind Tasting:

Whisky Blind Tasting:

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Didier Houvenaghel Federico Bosco Giuseppe Mitolo Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Nicola Ruggiero Roberto Canzi Simone Poggi Mario Amelio Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Rachelle Mauleon Simone Poggi Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.) Daniel Hardinger (U.S.A.) Giuseppe Mitolo (Italy) Max Augustus D’Anastasio (U.S.A.) Luca Cominelli (Italy) Michel Arlia (Switzerland) Nelson Campos (El Salvador) Nicolas Joseph Bevilacqua (U.S.A.) Richard Frazier (U.S.A.) Sebastian Hefel (Austria) Alder Repizzi (Italy) Federico Bosco (Italy) Luca Cominelli (Italy)

Editorial This first publication of 2017 coincides with the launch of a new section, which will be continue being present in the future releases of the magazine, becoming essential part of CigarsLover Magazine. Following the several requests from you as valued readers, we decided spirits to have more space, not only as cigar pairings, but also as enjoyable pleasures when no pairing is available. For this reason the usual cigar blind taste, including in this number three dimensions (petit corona, lonsdale and gordos), is flanked by an extra blind tasting on spirits. The chosen ones are this time whiskeys. Eighteen bottles have been tested and rated.

The first quarter includes all the celebrations and the most important cigar world events. In slightly different periods compared to previous years, the three most important and representative events took place in Cuba, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic: the Festival del Habano, the PuroSabor and the ProCigar.

These three events are similar regarding many aspects, even though keeping different peculiarities; however the main essence of all of them is the passion and love for cigars. In addition to creating several working opportunities and improving many countries economy, during these events funds are collected to be donated to charity or social organizations. This bears a strong sentimental and moral value, which goes beyond the pleasure and enjoyment we share.

Enjoy reading!

�Passion moves us!�

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INDEX

Contents Team

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

13

Editorial

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

Rating

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

The cigar foot

which story it can tell? ............................................ 11

17

Reinforcing the foot

un’astuzia tutta al naturale .................................. 13

Diluition with water

the diluition with water ........................................... 15

Angled flame

power and precision ................................................ 17

Asbel Morales

the Havana Club Mastro Ronero ....................... 19

The untouchable five

must-have accessories .......................................... 27

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Agave

Tequila and Mezcal .................................................. 31

31

Margarita

Mexican drink ............................................................. 37

Food for Gods

honey .............................................................................. 39

Smoking vice versa

italian cigars in reverse .......................................... 42

44

Whisky

blind tasting ................................................................. 44

Cigars

blind tasting ................................................................. 53

Ritz-Carlton

53

hotel lounge at Pechino ......................................... 67

Festival 2017

the cigar events ......................................................... 70

Vocabulary & Sections

what you can find on the magazine .................. 83

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THE BEST HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM

Available on CigarsLoverStore.com

SECOND GENERATION. EVEN MORE EFFICENT.

INFO

Rating

HOW TO READ THE SCORING SCALE The cigars/distillates reviewed are valued using a 100 point scale. This helps giving every cigars/distillates a sharp rating, collocating it in a wide scoring scale. The final score results by the average scores of the tested products given by the people in the panel.

The products tested in the blind tasting are tried without bands/labels, to have the most objective possible evaluation. The final score and the description are the result of the comparison of different tasting.

95-100:

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

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

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

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

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

best buy. Excellent quality/price ratio.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

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SLOW ATTITUDE

The cigar foot WHICH STORY IT CAN TELL?

by Giuseppe Mitolo

When purchasing a cigar (or a box) many are the factors influencing and finally determining the decision. Somebody is used to choose on the basis of the wrapper color, choosing the most appealing and stimulating shade, or preferring the product with the least evident manufacturing defects.

Others prefer to leave the choice to the nose: if the aroma is captivating, intense or coherent with the expectations regarding the future smoke, this would be enough to trigger the purchase.

In addition to these important indicators, only few smokers are taking the time to analyze the foot of the cigar, even though it can tell several stories concerning the smoke to come.

Besides the standard aroma perception, the

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tactile analysis can be devoted to this part, determining if the storage humidity level has been correct. Making sure to use a gentle touch, the foot of the cigar is the most elastic part, and can better sustain the compressions.

Sight is however the sense which allows us to capture the most of the info, mainly from the boquilla.

First of all is immediately evident how filled the cigar is with tobacco, being that generous or insufficient, up to the extremes.

As one can imagine, if the foot appears very pressed and no â&#x20AC;&#x153;air windowsâ&#x20AC;? (the spaces among leaves allowing air to pass through) can be identified, most probably that stick may provide a difficult, even completely blocked draw.

On the contrary too much space among the rolled leaves talks to us about a cigar burning quickly, since a higher oxygen supply will cause the tobacco to burn faster. The analysis on how much tobacco torcido has been used, evident from the boquilla, is ultimately the most important one to determine our final purchase selection.

A careful visual inspection can also appreciate the thickness of the wrapper and binder leaves, or the correct positioning of the ligero leaves. This leave, providing the cigar its strength, is the least ready for burning, due to its chemical and physical characteristics, and due to this reason is placed at the center of the filler.

The ligero, sometimes, is visible at the foot of the cigar since this is the darkest of the leaves and is placed at the center of the cigar cross section.

A specially trained aficionado could even be successful in detecting additional info, obtaining extra insides on the manufacturing process, which are less critical for the purchase, as they will not impact on the smoke fruition. One of these is the torcida technique, the two most commonly used being: plisado and entubado. With the plisado technique (literally meaning folded) leaves are bent “accordion” style, and then wrapped into the binder. The entubado technique, on the contrary, consists of rolling each filler leaf on its own, and then wrapped again in the capote. However, the torcida according to one or the other technique does not provide significant differences during the fruition.

In conclusion: it is important to start in the correct way, which in Italian slang translates into: “with the correct foot”!

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SLOW ATTITUDE

Reinforcing the foot A SMART WAY TO MAKE THE CIGAR MORE RESISTANT

by Luca Cominelli

During our visit to Nicaragua we had the chance to visit some manufacturers and, wandering among the desks, we noticed specific strategies used during rolling cigars. One that really impressed us is a smart yet minor trick.

We all noticed the most delicate part of the cigar: the foot. This is in fact the earliest to show improper storage condition damages, and thus it is the most accurately protected. Many companies are applying a second band on the cigar foot, not only for decoration purposes. This band keeps the cigar foot tighten,ed avoiding an excessive swelling.

When the humidity level in our humidor increases, or when temperature increases even with same humidity level, the cigar absorbs extra water, thus starts swelling. The wrapper leave, selected for its elasticity in addition to its beauty, features an intrinsic limit. If that is passed, as a first step it will show bumps and then cracks. The most common wrapper cracks are on cigar foot.

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This is the rationale behind the extra bands placed on cigars foot.

Some manufacturers however went beyond this strategy, thinking out of the box and developing an invisible, yet subtle solution that seems to work. If you have seen a cigar being rolled, you certainly realized not the entire capa leave is used.

From one of its parts the tobacco portion used to seal the cigar head is obtained, but in some cases we have detected an extra portion of the capa being used to better strengthen the cigar foot. How? In a very simple way. The cigar foot is wrapped in a thin ribbon of capa (approximately 2 cm wide) and then the cigar is rolled in a traditional way. The extra layer can not be detected from outside, but grants additional resistance; it is not as decorative as an external band at the foot, but definitely cheaper.

A simple and smart way to make the cigar more resistant, in the most natural way.

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DRINKS

Water or “cask strenght”?

THE DILUITION WITH WATER

by Federico Bosco

Having a direct approach to whiskey is not an easy task: it is a beverage with a minimum of 40 degrees, a quite higher ABV if compared with other drinks, such as beer and wine for examples. Whiskeys feature the benefit that they can be diluted with water. This is a good starting point. It is worth noticing that adding water is an “irreversible process”, modifying the intrinsic characteristics of the product we are tasting. As a secondary point, the absolute quality of some whiskeys can only be perceived by tasting them full strength, thus by adding water we might alter the inner nature a product, as thought by the manufacturer, should unveil. Let us consider as examples “cask strength” Ardbeg, such as Corryvreckan and Uigeadail. Adding water we “domesticate” them, but we also modify the characteristics: alcoholic intensity, persistency and aromas that only cask strength can deliver.

It is worth reminding, especially to beginners, that it is not always simple to be confronted with pure spirit, not even taking into account the cask strength (also called full strength) ones. Even 40% ABV can be tough to face if we do not have the right experience. We run the risk to ruin the experience. Our suggestion is the following: try, try, try. Start with low % ABV, 40, or 43, or 46, maybe also diluting these products at the beginning, with some drops of water up to 1/3 of the total, in order to reach a comfortable alcohol intensity. Later on, when the palate will get used to these sensations, we could approach the full strength samples: several products are available on the market which can be considered as suitable for this task, in addition to the already mentioned, Ardbeg Glendronach Cask Strength, Lagavulin 12 years, Aberlour A’Bunadh and Glengoyne Cask Strength cannot be forgotten. These are excellent products, all of them, and with a good price/quality combination, which will be discussed later on. And keep in mind: the journey has to start from somewhere.

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

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

Taste our know-how wisely.

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TOOLS

Angled flames POWER AND PRECISION

by Luca Cominelli

The jet flame lighters are the most common ones when talking about our hobby.

Since the cigars started increasing in dimensions, the lighters have, in parallel, started to increase in power, which means a larger number of flames.

From the mono flame it moved to two, then three and four flames.

Increasing the firepower, the lighter is able to light the cigar up quicker, usually at the expense of the precision. As easy as it is to light a cigar up, it is difficult to make precise corrections during the smoking progress.

This was until the introduction of a new system.

The flames stayed the same, but what changed was their angle. Making them converge at one point, the lighter is able to unleash the same power, but with greater precision. This solution allows a quadruple flame to be precise enough to light a Lancero without a problem and a Gordo without losing time.

Now, you might be prompted to think that it makes no sense whether you choose a double, a triple or even a quadruple angled flamed lighter.

Given that precision is not a problem anymore, better choose a lighter that is also able to provide the maximum power. That may be true, but take into account the consumption of the gas.

Choosing a quadruple flame means having a lighter with shorter autonomy. Therefore, think about the typology that best suits your routine, keeping in mind that a quadruple flame is not that powerful anymore, as long as you opt for the lighter with the angled flames.

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Modern in spirit, fuller in flavor and stronger in attitude.

Specially designed and blended for those who want more.

www.joyacigars.com

@joyacigars #JoyaBlack

MEDIUM BODIED

MEXICAN SAN ANDRES WRAPPER

NICARAGUAN BINDER & FILLER

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INTERVIEW

Asbel Morales THE HAVANA CLUB MASTRO RONERO

by Nicola Ruggiero and Federico Bosco

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At the beginning of this year, we had the pleasure to be able to ask some questions to Asbel Morales, the Havana Club Mastro Ronero. Some of the questions made were targeted to both the Rum available nowadays and the one of the future generations. This to better understand what to expect for the next years.

of the Guild of Cuban Rum Masters. Thanks to the long preparation time I had, I acquired the knowledge required for each of the stages of the rum production process, it means, I was ready to lead the distillation, aging, purification and blend process, recognizing in each stage the most significant details to get what is distinctive in Cuban Rum and to perform any necessary corrections.

How did you become Mastro Ronero?

What do you like most about your job?

In Cuba there is a Guild of Rum Masters which works directly with the most important distilleries of the country. They are in charge to preserve the Cuban rum tradition and guarantee its continuity.

After I concluded my studies in beverages, I had the opportunity to begin my career in the Villa Clara Distillery. In just few years I became an aspirant for Cuban Rum Masters by enquire of the First Cuban Rum Master Don JosĂŠ Navarro. In that position I faced several tasks given samples of my skills and aptitudes. Just in 1997, after 9 years of very hard work, I obtained the title of Cuban Rum Master with the unanimous decision

It´s difficult to give an answer because being Cuban Rum Master represents a special distinction and, before anything, a moral compromise.

At every stage of the rum process I live an experience, an emotion that we can modify, design or understand in favour of rum benefits, for that reason I love all that I do.

What are the criteria behind the barrels choice?

For Cuban Rum the first criteria to select a cask is that it must be done using white oak. In second CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

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INTERVIEW place, it must have formerly aged another spirit (like whisky). Also there are other technical criteria, some of them base on the sensorial judgment of the Rum Master. With a mere taste and smell of the last liquid aged in the barrel, the Master knows which blend should go into the barrel to achieve what it´s desired.

ready when it complies with a culture, a tradition, which identifies this rum for its exclusive aroma and taste, that is only possible to obtain using natural aging and making some blends with the Master supervision. Depending to the rum kind, we can appreciate distinctive colours and aromas, that come from the sugar cane, that highlight a dry and sweet sensation at the same time.

When is a rum ready to be bottled?

The answer might be very simple if we say, “when the rum complies the technical specifications”, but to be honest, it is much more than that. It´s

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Also in the factory there is a special team of sensorial evaluators (tasters), trained by a minimum of 3 years. They are in charge to determine if the rum they are evaluating is ready to be bottled

according to a series of parameters the final product must have.

Talking about Cuban Ron, how did it change during the years? And why?

I can confirm that rums have evolved a lot.

Let´s go back to the the half of the XIX century: there was just the “tafia”, better known as the corsair rum, a product with a very strong and disgusting flavour and aroma notes. It´s in Cuba at the second half of this century where a new rum was born: “El Ron Ligero Cubano”. In a very short time this made the rum famous around all the Caribbean Islands and worldwide.

Without a shadow of a doubt the scientific knowledge obtained during the XX Century and the usage of new technologies, combined with the traditional way of rum making, have made the Cuban rum one of the finest spirits of the world.

For instance, for the first time in the second half of the XX Century Havana Club 7 Años was produced becoming the first extra aged rum opening the door to our range of prestige rum, known as Havana Club Icónica Collection.

For Cubans rum is not just a distillate, but it´s a significant part of our cultural expression, it´s identity. An example of this, is the Havana Club Selección de Maestro, which is the result of the collaboration and collective work of the eight Cuban Rum Masters.

What can we expect in two generations?

What will improve?

Undoubtedly, the next generations will preserve the legacy of the Cuban Rum. They will evolve the rum we have today to a much better and refined spirit thanks to new technologies, the gathered knowledge and the richness we have today in our cellars, in term of aged rums.

I assure you that the next generations will surprise the most exclusive palates with unique rums, which will be the result of the work of Rum Master from past, present and future.

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INTERVIEW Fermentation, aging, yeast and blending.

How do these four procedures influence the final product?

At each stage, always lead by the Cuban Rum Master, some crucial transformations happen to obtain a rum with its own personality, different to the rest. In our case, the results are in great extent determined by the origins of the ingredients (100 % Cuban) and the climate condition of Cuba, under which the aging process takes place.

A Ron to be mixed and a Ron to be enjoyed straight. What do you suggest?

If I have to recommend a rum to mix I suggest Havana Club 3 Years. As its name says, its younger drop has aged for a minimum of 3 years, offering a magnificent sensorial profile that enrichens the cocktail. To drink neat, I enjoy Havana Club Selecciรณn de Maestro, a smooth rum with an incredible persistency.

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DISCOVER THE FLAT FLAME.

Soon on CigarParadise.ch

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“I don’t need an Iron Man suit. I’m already a weapon of mass seduction.”

Robert Downey, Jr.

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TOOLS

The untouchable five MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR NEWCOMERS AND EXPERTS!

by Giuseppe Mitolo

Each aficionado has purchased more or less useful accessories, often only seldom used or substituted with a better performing alternative. But where to start from?

Which are the accessories that a new cigar smoker should purchase with no hesitation?

These are the five products which can not be missed, fundamental both for the beginner as well as for the most expert aficionados.

PORTABLE HUMIDOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Made of ABS plastic, hermetic, shock-resistant, produced by various brands (Cigar Caddy, Lotus, Xikarâ&#x20AC;Ś). Its purchase is suggested even before investing in a full desk humidor. Reason is simple: without spending large amounts, it is possible to have a small, efficient,

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rationale and easily transportable humidor. Cigar passion was just a flash in the pan? No panic, your investment so far was thirty-forty euros. Going for a larger humidor? No problem, your portable humidor will become a beloved travel friend.

CIGAR CUTTER – Price will make the difference: a cutter can be purchased for few euros, but the cut will not be precise and the blades sharpness will not last long. This accessory, investing the correct money amount, will pay you back by lasting forever. We suggest a double blade model, easy to use, and capable of cutting large ring gauge cigars. What about the cigar puncher? Very useful as well, however as beginners it is better to buy a device capable of cutting every cigar shape, figurados included.

JET FLAME LIGHTER – Even though starting with a traditional flame (long matches or conventional lighters), sooner or later you will reach the point of buying a jet flame lighter, very useful when smoking outside.

As a first purchase, we suggest to dedicate your attention to relatively cheap (rechargeable) models: on the market several high quality models below thirty euros are available, certainly fitting your needs. Experience will bring you to buy more expensive models, too, however trust in us: your first jet flame will never be exiled at the bottom of one of your drawers.

SMOKES BOOK – For both beginners as well as aficionados, keeping records of your smokes is a task requiring constant work and dedication.

However this does not mean being challenged by technical tastings or having to put extra efforts in the fruition. Several apps are available for the most commonly used OS, otherwise a simple mediumsized book, where anillas could even be attached, can well make the job. This tool constitutes a great exercise for newcomers to help memorizing brands and sizes, while the most experienced aficionados can keep memories of specific smokes which could otherwise gone forgotten.

HYGROMETER – Digital and small in dimensions, there are several models available on the market, fitting humidors without taking too much space.

The hygrometer, together with the travel humidor, becomes the top tool to control the humidity. At the same time it can be used to “train” the tactile skills to determine if a cigar is humid or dry. This is another purchase which can last for a long time.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

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VISIT WWW.CUBADORO.CH

DRINKS

Agave TEQUILA AND MEZCAL

by Nicola Ruggiero

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Acknowledged by Unesco as Human Heritage, and by myself as Lost Paradise, the Tequila zone in Mexican Jalisco is the region of the agave, starting point of a unique and unmistakable tasting and sensory journey.

The picture of this article are made by Vincent Long

I visited this land many times, but only a month ago, from my last travel, I can say I really lived the Tequila world fully.

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DRINKS As a finalist of the Tequila Patron Perfectionists World competition, I had the opportunity to observe Mexican traditions and costumes, without forgetting the main reason of the travel: the Tequila.

If you imagine thousands of blue and green swords contrasting a clear sky, you are not very far from the view you would be confronted with when reaching the agave plantations, the Tequila

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main component.

Agave is a plant that can be found from north to south Mexico, and the name includes several different species, characterized by particularly fleshy, pointed, rich in retained water leaves. It is so versatile it has been always used for different usages, the most common being paper, vinegar, sweets and last (but not for importance) three products which are making the Mexicans very

proud: Tequila, Mezcal and Pulque.

Already in pre-Hispanic times, Mexicans worshipped a type of agave known as Maguey (American agave), considered as the representation of Mayahuel, goddess of inebriation, feeding her 400 sons with the pulque released by her several breasts.

From the fermentation of the heart of the Maguey agave, a sacred beverage was obtained which only during particular events could be tasted by Tlatoans (which means the Emperors), priests and old ones. For the most curious ones, it is still possible today to drink pulque in local “bars”, the so-called Pulquerie.

Today, tequila is protected by controlled origin consortium. This means that it is possible to call Tequila the only distilled beverage made of blue agave, so the Agave Tequilana Weber, grown and harvested in the Jalisco state.

Tourism brought to the birth of the Tequila Express, the train that even nowadays links Guadalajara to the most important haciendas tequileras from Jalisco and to the Ruota del Tequila, and also reaches several small cities where different tequila types can be enjoyed.

This liquor has always featured quite an intense taste, perfect marriage for the Mexican meaning given to the word Tequila, which means party, pride, friends empathy, since with the few warm Tequila sips the best nights can be enjoyed with good friends.

Tequila can be enjoyed to celebrate successes and not to think about failures, to peacefully narrate and share life stories or also in special events.

Mezcal, on the other side, is a product made of the ripe agave, when the same is harvested soon before flourishing, characterized by a unique production process.

The plant is severed in a net way, leaves are eliminated to “free” the Maguey heart (the so-called CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

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DRINKS

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“piña”), for this to be cooked for almost four days in a quite rudimental underground oven fueled by wood. After this cooking phase, it is minced in the Tahona, and left for fermentation for approximately eight days, depending on the producer. Then it is distilled two times, using a traditional copper alembics (in the most developed areas) up to the moment an alcoholic grade of 40° or slightly superior is reached.

The result is a unique, intense and smoky hints product. Mexicans made this beverage unique but also created aromatic Mezcals, such as the chicken breast one (Mezcal de Pechuga), which is traditionally drunk the day of the mezcaleros’ death or in sacred rituals. Depending on the sugar content, and on its aging process in simple wood or in holm oak casks, Mezcal can be “joven”,

“reposado”or “anejo”. Aging time can vary from less than two months up to more than a year for the Añejo.

Mexico is also very peculiar for another aspect: food. Street food is a stronghold of the country.

At every corner of each city different meals can be enjoyed, often delivered from a car or a van.

Tradition is so strong that people belonging to every social level are involved. The most common specialties are veal tongue or belly tacos, and tamales, wraps made of corn cob or avocado leaves, and filled with stuffed masa (corn paste), then steamed or stewed. Elotes, salty or sweet, are also popular choices: tasty corn on the cob to be mandatorily munched on the street. A humble but tasty food. At the end of the meal, diners share the same oily fingers due to the cooking fact.

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DRINKS

Margarita • Tequila - 50% • Triple Sec - 25% • Fresh lime - 25%

Margarita is the name of the most widely spread, World-famous M e x i c a n cocktail of international visibility. There are many varieties used, mainly due to the slightly different proportions of the ingredients. It is moreover possible to made it in a normal shaker or in a blender, giving this way birth to the Margarita on the rocks or to the frozen Margarita respectively.

What is on the other side unchangeable is the traditional sombrero hat glass and the salt dressing up the borders.

To round up the lime edges, a suggestion is to add a very small sugar quantity (a coffee spoon of is more than enough).

Depending on the used Tequila type, both regarding alcoholic grade and aging/vintage, our Margarita’s hints will be different.

For the cocktail, we suggest to use a Tequila joven, aged for no longer than two months.

One element, mostly considered as pure decoration, can be used to create innovative and interesting contracts: the salt. Moving away from the common cooking salt, to Himalayan or Persian salt, different contrasts can be achieved. A mix of salt and chili pepper can create an explosive blend for your taste buds.

Are you interested in the original Mexican recipe? Then the only thing that matters is to obtain some Gusano salt. The Gusano is the maggot sometimes found in the Mezcal bottles.

This salt is obtained by mixing together chili pepper, dried and grated maggot (not really cheap!) and salt. Enjoy!

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Importato e distribuito da Compagnia dei Caraibi | www.compagniadeicaraibi.com | info@compagniadeicaraibi.com CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

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PILLS

Food for Gods HONEY

by Roberto Canzi

Evolution brought mankind to appear on Earth approximately a couple million years ago, while bees between 50 and 25 million years ago.

Cave paintings show that even in those days the first men already knew bees and their delightful honey, which they were used to source with the help of fire and smoke.

During mankind evolution, when nomadism was abandoned in favor of sedentary, tribes learned how to grow bees in different material hives, starting from straw and clay up to cork or terracotta.

Honey was originally a food only reserved to high level ranks and to nobles, priests, pharaons and Gods: traces found in the bandage used in the mummification of corpses dated 2400 AC are a clear sign of this.

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During the centuries many ethnical groups used honey as sweetener, for food and not only: Sumerians used it in the creation of beauty creams, Greeks and Romans as medicine and cosmetic. Honey was thus given a dual role, from kitchen to beauty room.

Back to our days, starting from the 70s, honey celebrated the beginning of a new era: â&#x20AC;&#x153;unifloralâ&#x20AC;? (meaning originating from a single botanical species) honeys appeared.

Tasting honey, we could identify specific similarities to cigar tasting: in both cases, involving both nose and palate, a real explosion of aromas and flavours are given off. It is in fact frequent to describe the aromas provided by tobacco using terms reminding of honey, sometimes even specifying its variety.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

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PILLS

Smoking vice versa ITALIAN CIGARS IN REVERSE

by Giuseppe Mitolo

Can the pre-light orientation of an Italian cigar, short filler and ammezzato (half cigar), influence the smoke? More specifically, are there aspects in lighting an ammezzato from the more tapered part, the designed one to be put in the mouth, that can be positively appreciated?

The hypothesis, underlying a short filler smoke, makes us hold out in believing that there aren’t substantial differences in flavor depending which way you light it. However, we decided to experiment on a practical level, testing multiple cigars at the Niesenboim, contemporary that is. The tests were conducted by three different aficionados, on different Italian cigar brands, were univocal. We are faced with an unanimous result, which isn’t the result of any synthesis or medium.

Unlit, the cigar that was prepared to be smoked

on the contrary seemed slightly tighter than the other sample. Aromatically, no difference.

Once lit, the draw resulted regular in both the samples. The cigar smoked on the contrary didn’t return any data (strength, flavor and draw) that differed from the other sample, except the temperature of the smoke. It appears that the smoke of cigar tried “unusually“ is perceived as less hot: hypothetically, we attributed this difference in temperature to the circumstance that the combustion was minor compared to the ammezzato smoked normally.

The smoke, on the contrary, didn’t bring substantial differences than the one smoked “classically“, but we invite you to try this singular method, even if only to test a way of smoking that is far from traditional patterns to which we were used to by decades of history of the Italian cigar.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

42

SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

Smoking Kills

Drinking Kills

Driving Kills

Money Kills

Stress Kills

Thinking Kills

Love Kills

LIVE!

Fallon & Nicarao Š

Balance. Character. Passion.

43

www.laleycigars.com

CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

BLIND TASTING

Whisky Blind All the tested products share a price below 100€. The peated whiskeys performed particularly good at these price level, occupying four out of the first six placements.

The top score goes to a Scotch whisky, a product with no age statement (which means no indications about the aging), a category that nowadays is more and more appreciated.

LEGEND € - below 50€ €€ - below 100€ €€€ - below 250€ €€€€ - over 250€ CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

44

BLIND TASTING

NOSE

A great concentration of spices, especially black pepper.

Then intense peaty and smoky notes, red fruit and licorice get developed as well. Hints of herbs complete the aromatic palette.

Intense peaty notes dominate at first the aromatic palette. Then they are followed by marine scents and an explosion of spices. Hints of seaweed and cherries are also perceptible.

Tobacco and red fruit scents are the first delvered. Then spiced aromas of black pepper get developed, together with cherry, strawberry and black cherry.

Last, comes the milk chocolate.

PALATE

The first impact is peaty, then notes of red and yellow fruits come to the palate. There are also rich spices, among which aromas of black pepper and paprika stand out. Hints of citrus complete the bouquet.

It delivers peat and spices, black pepper in particular. Then is the time of leather and wood aromas. Sweet. There are also rich smoky notes perceivable, but they are never overwhelming.

Almost chewable.

At first notes of bacon, ginger and tree nuts reach the palate.

Then it is the time of red fruit (in particular cherry). Lastly, notes of dark chocolate complete the aromatic bouquet.

Round and rich.

FINISH

Very long and intense. It delivers rich notes of peat, spices and red fruits.

Long. Marine notes with a pinch of salt, wood and peat get delivered.

Long. It exhibits notes of cocoa, milk chocolate and red fruit (cherry and black cherry).

RATING

LAGAVULIN 16 yo (43%) - € €

89 MACALLAN EDITION N°2 (43,2%) - € €

90

ARDBEG UIGEDAIL (54,2%) - € €

91

Peaty and with an ample and structured aromatic palette.

Intense and very satisfying, due also to the high ABV.

Very balanced. Peaty and explosive to the palate, it gives rise to a intense and satisfying aromatic palette. Fulfilling.

A solid whisky. The aromatic palette is wide and very interesting, delivering a good complexity. Captivating.

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CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

88

87

GLENGOYNE 15 yo (43%) - € €

LAPHROAIG QUARTER CASK (48%) - €

CAOL ILA 12 yo (43%) - €

88

Rich mineral notes, peat and citrus, especially lime. Then a marine note is followed by smoke, wood and floral hints.

Peaks of licorice are perceivable as well. Intense.

Rich peaty aromas are the first to reach the nose, followed by young wood. Then citrus (lemon and lime) get developed, together with smoky and spicy (white pepper) notes.

At first, cereal and malt notes reach the palate, followed by hay and wild herbs. Then it is the time of a fruity aroma, especially red apple. There are also some mineral hints perceivable.

Peat and pepper are in the forefront, followed by aromas of citrus and oak. The marine notes are given off once again after only a few moments, followed by smoke and licorice.

Fresh and oily.

The peaty and smoky notes are very present, accompanied by liquorice, wood and salt. The white pepper is still present and now is joined by aromatic herbs.

The wood completes the aromatic bouquet.

Spicy at the beginning, it delivers a lot of spicy notes (among them black pepper, cinnamon and paprika). Then it exhibits yellow fruit (apple) and tropical fruit (pineapple and banana) fruit. Oily and round.

Medium long. It delivers peat and spices, with citrus and rich marine notes.

Medium long persistency. It delivers young wood, peat, white pepper and liquorice.

Medium persistence. It develops spices, black pepper, cocoa, cinnamon and yellow fruit.

Balanced, fresh and powerful.

The aromatic palette of this Scotch whisky is intense and very satisfying.

The ABV is good. Despite its young age, this Scotch whisky is intense and satisfying. It results very fresh.

Overall is warm and captivating.

It shows a nice balance, and it presents a very good sense of satisfaction.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

46

BLIND TASTING

NOSE

At first is the alcoholic component that reaches the nose, followed by aromas of banana and pear, accompanied by malt.

Then come the spices: black pepper and cinnamon.

It releases intense notes of ripe fruit, apple and pear. After a while they are followed by a spicy aroma of white pepper, together with a balsamic mint vein and hints of licorice.

At first white grapes and mineral oil reach the nose, followed by aromas of red fruit and almonds.

Dried figs and honey are then added as well. Sulfurous hints are the latest perceivable.

PALATE

The spicy component is more present now, being remarkable.

The black pepper is followed by notes of fruit (apple and pear in particular). Hints of cinnamon complete the aromatic palette of Scotch whisky,

Light spices and rich aromas of ripe fruit. Sugary notes, apple, pear and white grapes complete the aromatic bouquet.

This Japanese whisky results, at the same time, simple but very enjoyable.

Slightly oily. Notes of mineral and ripe fruits are then followed by honey, almonds and nuts (walnut in particular). Dried figs and raisin arise after a few moments, completing the aromatic profile of this Indian whisky.

FINISH

Medium persistency. Fruity notes of pear and a lot of spices (black pepper).

Medium long persistency. Traces of wood, then spices and ripe fruits are delivered.

Short. Oily. It delivers red fruits, honey and nuts. A way sweeter than dry.

RATING

BALVENIE 16 yo (40%) - € €

86

AMRUT RAJ IGALA (40%) - €

86 NIKKA COFFEY MALT (45%) - € €

86

Balanced. A product showing various aromatic layers. Suitable for newbies, but definitely not only for them.

Good whisky. A particulary refined product, with a good complexity to it. A meditation malt. Excellent especially at the nose.

It results more interesting to the nose thant to the palate. The complexity is good. Satisfying and fulfilling.

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85

85

TALISKER 10 yo (45,8%) - €

KILCHOMAN SANAIG (46%) - € €

KAVALAN PODIUM (46%) - € €

86

At first is the alcoholic component that is perceivable; then follow notes of apple, pear and wood, accompanied by honey and caramel. Hints of white pepper are perceptible as well.

The peaty and smoky notes gives the first impression. Then it reveals bacon aromas, followed by vanilla and citrus (lime in particular but light hints of cedar are perceivable as well).

At first it delivers light peaty notes, followed by smoky and marine aromas. Seaweed, honey and citrus follow shortly.

Last, ripe fruit (in particular pear) get developed.

Spicy notes, especially white pepper, are in forefront. It also reveals aromas of yellow fruits and apple, followed by citrus and suave hints of wood. Almost imperceptible, but present, is the cinnamon note.

Selts and citrus. The lime and cedar are now accompanied by tangerine. The peat is always present, but is never overwhelming. Notes of black pepper and mineral hints complete the aromtic bouquet.

Peat, spices and black pepper notes reach the palate at first, followed by caramel and grapes aromas. Sugary notes, malt and salt, together with ripe fruit, complete the aromatic bouquet of this scotch whisky.

Medium persistency. Spices, in particular black pepper, then yellow fruits and hints of citrus.

Medium long persistency. It delivers peat, black pepper and citrus aromas.

Medium long persistency. It develops peaty notes, wood and caramel hints.

Round and balanced. It results slightly dry to the palate, but this Taiwanese whisky is a very enjoyable one.

Round and captivating. It is gently peated and very fresh, due to the omnipresent citrus note, accompaning every sip.

A good product. Peat and spices are well present and fully characterized this whisky.

The ABV is good.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

48

BLIND TASTING

NOSE

It starts out with notes of yellow fruits, malt and spices, including green pepper. Then wood and vanilla get developed, together with honey , suave hints of pastry cream and butter biscuits.

Crème brûlée and light aromas of citrus (lime) get delivered at first. Cereal and malt arise after a while, followed by yellow fruit and light spicy notes. Hints of peat are perceivable as well.

Initially, it develops notes of apple and red fruits, then it turns to spices, white pepper in particular. Honey and orange jam follow, together with hints of wood in the background.

PALATE

Very spicy, with rich notes of black pepper at first, and then white pepper. Hints of cinnamon.

It reveals also citrus, orange and mandarin, followed by vanilla and caramel. A pinch of ginger and balsamic notes.

Rich spicy notes of black pepper, are then followed by slight smoky and peaty aromas. Citrus, orange in particular, and yellow fruit get developed after a few seconds, together with salt. Nuances of honey are also perceptible.

Slightly oily, it exhibits notes of white pepper and cinnamon, followed by ripe fruits and nuts (hazelnut and walnut). Figs and raisin come then to the palate, completing the aromatic bouquet of this Scoth whisky.

FINISH

Medium persistency. Notes of black pepper, cereal, citrus and ginger are delivered.

Medium persistency. It releases notes of citrus, peat and salt, accompanied by smoky hints.

Short persistency. It reveals notes of cereal, nuts and red fruits. Sweet.

RATING

WHITE OAK AKASHI (46%) - €

84

GLENFIDDICH 18 yo (40%) - € €

84 BRUICHLADDICH LADDIE 8 (50%) - € €

85

The alcoholic component is perceptible, but it is not overwhelming. More intricate on the palate than on the nose.

It is way more satisfying to the pala-te than to the nose. A very buttery and smooth Scotch whisky. Round.

Balanced and with a good alcoholic component. It results more interesting to the nose than to the palate.

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CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

83

81

THE CHITA (43%) - â&#x201A;Ź

CARDHU 12 yo (40%) - â&#x201A;Ź

OBAN 14 yo (43%) - â&#x201A;Ź

84

It reveals suave notes of wood and spices, black pepper in particular. Later on, aromas of apple, apricot and a hint of cocoa get delivered as well. Also perceptible is an interesting yeasty note.

It outlines notes of vanilla, gooseberry and malt, followed by honey and spicy hints of white pepper. Almost imperceptible in the background, a hint of licorice results slightly perceivable.

The first perceivable is the alcoholic component, which tends to overwhelm the aromatic palette. Slowly, yellow peach, white grape and floral hints get developed. Raisins notes.

The spices are the first perceptible, in particular black pepper.

Almost immediately, notes of vanilla and red fruits, apple and strawberry, take over. Malt and oak complete the bouquet of this Scotch whisky.

Sweet at first. There are suave notes of vanilla and caramel, accompanied by an oaky aroma and a refined spicy vein. Later on, honey, nuts and malt come to the palate as well, completing the aromatic palette.

It delivers yellow and tropical fruit (in particular mango and pineapple). It is then the time of raisins, A light spicy vein of white pepper is the last to reach the palate. A very mild and suave Japanese whisky.

Medium persistency. On the dry side. Red fruit and nuts, especially hazelnut.

Short persistency. Simple and sweet. It results honeyed and slightly spicy.

Short persistence. Light spicy notes, wood and vanilla. Very simple and not so structured.

A well outlined and straight forward aromatic palette. A good entry-level product, suitable especially for newbies.

Elegant and refined. A simple and enjoyable product. Suggested for newbies and for who wants to enter the whisky world.

A very mild product, simple and fresh. This single grain whisky is not a meditation one, but it deserves a taste.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

50

SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

HEAD OFFICE 6/F Alphaland Southgate Tower 2258 Chino Roces Ave. cor EDSA Makati City 1232 Philippines TEL (632)310-5047 TELEFAX(632)310-5047

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

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

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

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CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

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

The Finest Philippine Cigars Since 1881.

CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

52

BLIND TASTING

Gordos This format puts together two opposite variables: the use of a generous amount of tobacco and a fair price point. This means the Gordos are usually cheap, but capable to keep company for a quite long time. All this made this size more and more popular, reaching even Cuba, where cigars are getting bigger year after year.

At the top of the blind tasting there is a CAO, belonging to the Pilon line. It develops a rich and fulfilling smoke. A very good giant, capable to deliver a intense smoke from the first to the last puff.

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CigarsLoverMagazine | Spring 2017

CAO Pilon Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 58 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Habano 2000 | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. The aromatic intensity is remarkable from the beginning and results in an satisfying and rich smoke. It features a very prolonged persistency. Balanced.

The beginning is an exultation of chili and black pepper. Continuing it reveals vegetal and woody notes, followed by coffee and hints of cinnamon. The spices are omnipresent.

91

/100

Alec Bradley Prensado Double toro - Honduras Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua

Strength is medium plus. Quiet in the beginning, but gradually becomes tastier and more intense. The evolution and the aromatic palette make this giant enjoyable and satisfying.

It starts out with toasted notes of coffee, cocoa and spices.

Followed by nutty and earthy notes in the middle part, while the finale is crowned with rich peppery notes.

90

/100

Macanudo Inspirado Black Gigante - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 10 € | USD: 6,5 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Habano | Binder: Dom. R. | Filler: Dom. R., Honduras & Nicaragua Strength slightly over the medium. Great balance and the incredibly long persistence are the two characteristics that make this Gordo very satisfying. Full bodied and intense.

Earth and cocoa are the two main aromas, that are present for the whole arc of the smoke, paired with chili and spicy notes in the beginning, later followed by nuts and wood resin.

90

/100

Nicarao Exclusivo Robusto - Nicaragua Size: cepo 58 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 16.5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Strength is medium plus. The intensity is remarkable. The aromatic palette is structured and harmonious. The evolution, instead, is the achilles heel of this Gordo.

Earth, cocoa and vegetal hints kick off this smoke. Spices and balsamic herbs are added in the middle section, the later intensifies bit by bit, until dominating the finale.

90

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Black Lotus Gordo - Honduras

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 20 $ Wrapper: Honduras Habano | Binder: Honduras Sumatra | Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras Strength is medium. Greatly balanced, it releases an harmonious and elegant smoke.

The aromatic palette is well structured and defined. Evolution results perceptible.

Nutty notes (walnut and hazelnut) start off this smoke, followed by white pepper and vegetable hints. Afterwards it turns to roasted coffee and earth. The finale is peppery and spicy.

88

/100

Camacho Powerband - Honduras

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 13 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: S. Andres (Mexico) | Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras & Dom. R. Strength is medium light. Balanced, creamy and elegant. Despite its dimensions, it results docile and easy to smoke. Great harmony. The persistency is instead rather contained.

Wood, earth and roasted coffee notes are emitted in the first part.

Cappuccino and hazelnut follow. The smoke becomes sweet in the middle section. The finale brings spices and citrus to the palate.

88

/100

Patoro Serie P Balthasar - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 55 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. Strength is light to medium. The cigar is equipped with a marked aromatic intensity.

Balanced and harmonious, but with a little evolution. Very creamy.

Reveals notes of pepper, earth and wood, followed by hints of cinnamon and honey. Continuing, the smoke becomes more herbal and vegetal. There are also nutty notes (hazelnut) present.

88

/100

Casa Torres Gran Robusto - Nicaragua Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 6,5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium strength. Despite the big size, the smoke is very easy enjoyable and easy. Intense and with an excellent balance.

Piquant notes and coffee are followed by vanilla notes, getting richer puff after puff. Then it is the time of walnut and white pepper.

The finale delivers balsamic herbs.

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88

/100

Señorial Maduro Opulento - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 17 € | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: San Andres | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. Mediumt to full strength. Intense and rich, it develops a balanced smoke, equipped with a decent evolution. Good also the complexity.

It delivers roasted notes of coffee and cappuccino, together with cedar wood, spices (white pepper) and walnut. There are also some vegetal and cinnamon hints perceivable. The finale is earhty.

88

/100

Pitbull Mahestro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 58 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 15 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Strength is medium plus. It delivers a great aromatic intensity. Balanced and featuring a good harmony, it lacks in evolution.

Notes of earth and black pepper reach the palate. There are also vegetal hints present. The middle part adds rich spicy aromas, that complete the aromatic palette.

87

/100

Fratello Timeacle - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano | Binder: Ecuador Sumatra | Filler: Nicaragua & Peru Light strength. It exhbits a balanced, harmonious and particularly creamy smoke. The aromatic intensity is not very pronounced.

The aromatic palette is made of cedar and earth, that alternate throughout the whole smoke. There are also hints of honey and hazelnut perceptible.

85

/100

H. Upmann Magnum 56 - Cuba

Size: cepo 56 x 150 mm (5,9”) - EUR: 18,5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Light to medium strength. Very balanced. Despite the big size, it lacks intensity and evolution; the latter, considering the smoking time, it penalizes it a lot.

It exhibits roasted notes of coffee and spices, accompanied by tree nuts. In the second half of the smoke, vegetal and woody aromas come to the palate as well.

85

/100

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BLIND TASTING

La Barba Magnum - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12,5 € | USD: 10,5 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Habano | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. Light strength. Very suave and refined, presents a somewhat contained aromatic intensity. The evolution is very limited. Creamy.

The suave notes of earth in the first puffs are quickly followed by nutty armoas (hazelnut in particular). Also perceptible are light hints of cappuccino.

84

/100

La Flor de Las Antillas Toros Grande - Nicaragua Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9 € | USD: 8,5 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Strength is medium. Intense smoke, but that lacking in balance at times, mostly in the first part of the cigar, where the spices tend to cover the aromatic bouquet.

The opening reveals earth and white pepper, followed by hot spices that quickly become very intense. In the second part of the smoke, wood and a bitter note reach the palate.

84

/100

CLE Connecticut Sixty - Honduras

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8,5 € | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Medium to full strength. It exhibits a very long persistency. However, it laks in complexity and harmony. The aromatic intensity is good.

The opening is very spicy (especially black pepper) and rich piquant notes come to the palate as well. Then leather and hints of wood complete the aromatic bouquet.

83

/100

Asylum 13 Sixty - Honduras

Size: cepo 60 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: 6,5 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Strength is medium plus. It releases a smoke with a very long persistency. Complexity and harmony are contained. The aromatic intensity is good.

It starts out particularly spicy (black pepper) and intense notes of chili reach the palate. Then it develops aromas of leather, with hints of wood.

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82

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Petit Coronas Nowadays the Petit Coronas is a format not so popular as it was some years ago. This is mainly due to the Short Robustos, more and more requested, both for their shorter smoking time and fatter ring gauge. However, the Petit Coronas are still a large produced cigar format, that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be ignored.

At the top of the cigar tested there is a Cuban, often underestimated, which is capable to deliver a very satisfying smoke, and that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be blamed for lacking in consistency.

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Sancho Panza Non Plus - Cuba

Size: cepo 42 x 129 mm (5,”) - EUR: 6,5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium to full strength. Despite a limited complexity, balance and harmony are impeccable. The aromatic intensity is remarkble and the persistency is very prolonged.

Rich aromas of black pepper, cedar wood and earth alternate throughout the smoking period, first followed by hints of cinnamon and then by roasted notes of coffee.

90

/100

La Ley Mareva - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 46 x 102 mm (4”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras Strength is medium to full. Balanced and with a very prolonged persistency. The aromatic palette is complex and the aromas are well defined and structured.

Pepper and mineral notes start out this smoke. Aromas of bark and walnuts follow. In the second half the mineral notes stay present, followed by intense notes of balsamic herbs.

89

/100

Partagás Mille Fleur - Cuba

Size: cepo 42 x 129 mm (5,1”) - EUR: 5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium in strength, the smoke is not particularly evolutive but it provides a good aromatic intensity. Easy to enjoy, it is smooth and creamy.

At the beginning it develops sweet floral notes and cedar. The sweet hints perceivable in the first third come less in the middle part, while aromas of wood and nuts take over.

89

/100

Davidoff 702 Serie Signature 2000 - Dominican R. Size: cepo 43 x 129 mm (5,1”) - EUR: 14,5 € | USD: 16 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Strength is slightly over the medium. Greatly balanced, it exhibits an harmonious smoke with a good complexity. Very creamy and with an almost chewable smoke.

The aromatic palette opens up with notes of leather, earth, walnut and hints of cinnamon. Continuing, roasted coffee is added and the walnut become richer. Balsamic herbs are perceivable in the finale.

88

/100

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BLIND TASTING

La Libertad Demi Corona - Honduras

Size: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4”) - EUR: 3,5 € | USD: 3,5 $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua Strength is slightly over the medium. It delivers a satisfying smoke. Balanced and equipped with a noteworthy aromatic intensity, this little cigar has a long persistency.

Initially it develops mineral notes and leather, followed by wood and black pepper. In the second half the wood becomes more intense and hints of cocoa are perceivable as well.

88

/100

La Flor Dominicana Petite La Nox - Dominican R. Size: cepo 40 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 8,5 € | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: San Andrès (Mexico) | Filler: Dominican R.

Strength is medium to full. Despite its small dimensions, the duration surpasses the expectations. Balanced and intense, it reveals a structured and intense aromatic palette.

Earth, black pepper and hints of wood start out this cigar. Then is the turn of undergrowth and white pepper aromas. In the final part notes of balsamic herbs reach the palate as well.

88

/100

Arturo Fuente Opus X Perfexion no.5 - Dominican R. Size: cepo 40 x 124 mm (4,9”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 16 $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Strength is medium to full. After a quite start, the aromatic intensity increases more and more. Despite its small size, it is even perceivable a discrete evolution. Well balanced.

Vegetal and woody notes alternate in the first half. Afterwards, rich aromas of wood, leather and chili pepper take over. The finale is very peppery.

87

/100

Romeo y Julieta Cedros No.3 - Cuba Size: cepo 42 x 129 mm (5,1”) - EUR: 7,5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba

Medium strength. Simple and harmonious, it delivers a smoke with a discrete aromatic intensity. The evolution is not the stronger point of this cigar. Persistency is appreciable.

It starts with peppery notes, followed by earth, cedar wood and hint of leather. The aromas stay the same throughout the smoking period. Only the earth becomes more rich in the finale.

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87

/100

La Aurora 107 15 Minute Break - Dominican R. Size: cepo 42 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 4 € | USD: 3 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican R.

Medium to full strenght. It delivers a satisfying smoke. Despite the very small size, it develops a good aromatic palette.

At first hay and cocoa notes come to the palate, followed then by undergrowth and earth aromas. The finale releases rich notes of balsamic herbs.

86

/100

Villa Zamorano Corona - Honduras

Size: cepo 42 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: 2,5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Medium Strength. It features a discrete harmony, revealing a simple and straightforward smoke. The persistency is good, but the evolution is limited.

It releases roasted notes of coffee and nuts, followed by rustic wood. Earth and undergrowth are perceptible as well, getting more intense in the second half of the smoke.

86

/100

Vegafina Perlas - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4”) - EUR: 3 € | USD: 5 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Dom. R., Colombia & Honduras Medium strength. Despite the size not leaving room for a pronounced evolution, the aromatic palette results fairly broad. Contained persistency, but good harmony.

After the first vegetal puffs, the aromatic imprint turns to cedar wood and spices, mainly white pepper. Hints of earth results perceptible in the second half.

84

/100

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor EE Minuto - Nicaragua Size: cepo 42 x 114 mm (4,5”) - EUR: 7 € | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium strength. The complexity is contained. The balance come less due to a very spicy aroma that tends to cover the aromatic palette, overwhelming it.

It delivers intense spicy notes of black pepper, that make their way on a salty base. Faint roasted aromas of coffee are perceptible as well together with almonds and wood.

83

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Lonsdales Among the most classic formats, the Lonsdales have a timeless charm, due to the small ring gauge and their length. This aspect is very important, because every leaf used in the blend is

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capable to give a big contribution to the final aromatic palette. In the first three positions, there are a Cuban, a Nicaraguan and a Dominican cigars. The winner is the Nicaraguan.

Mombacho Fino - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 44 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9,5 € | USD: 8 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Strength is medium plus. It exhibits an excellent evolution and a great harmony. The aromatic intensity and the persistency are the two main characteristics of this puro.

Tree nuts (walnut) and cocoa get developed since the first puff, and stay present for the whole smoke, accompanied by mineral notes, spices (black pepper) and wood.

92

/100

Freyja Sessumir - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 42 x 146 mm (5,75”) - EUR: 11 € | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: San Andres Mexico | Filler: Dominican R. & Nicaragua Strength is medium plus. Balance and harmony are remarkable, but what surprises the most is the exceptional aromatic intensity, from the first to the last puff. Very satisfying.

Initially it reveals notes of leather and nuts (walnut), followed by hints of licorice and black pepper. In the second half it turnst to earth and spices, including black pepper and chili.

91

/100

Arturo Fuente G. R. Spanish Lonsdale - Dominican R. Size: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Medium plus srength. Intense and with a good complexity, it delivers a smoke that is refined in the first part, and gets masculine and satisfying in the second one. Very creamy.

Roasted notes of coffee, spices (white pepper) and ripe fruit come to the palate since the first puffs. Later on, leather and cedar wood complete the aromatic palette.

90

/100

Montecristo no.1 - Cuba

Size: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Strength is medium. It features a masterful balance, that reveals a very creamy and refined smoke. The evolution is not particularly pronounced. Harmonious.

Notes of wood, white pepper and undergrowth alternate throughout the whole smoke. Hot spices peek through in the middle section, while the earth and undergrowth reign over the finale.

90

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Caldwell The Kind Is Dead Diamond Girl - Dominican R. Size: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 10,5 € | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Medium strength. It delivers a very creamy smoke, imprinted on elegance and balance.

Good complexity and harmony. The persistence is instead not among the most prolonged.

The vegetal note perceptible in the opening are soon enriched by white pepper, wood and herbs. Slowly it develops hot spices as well.

Earthy and peppery notes close out the smoke.

88

/100

Casa de Torres L. E. Gran Corona 2016 - Nicaragua Size: cepo 40 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 7 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras

Strength is medium plus. Although the evolution is little pronounced, the aromatic intensity is exceptional. Harmonious and very satisfying.

Notes of pepper, cocoa and wood represent the principal aromas, which are followed by coffee and nuts (almond and walnut) during the smoke.

88

/100

Padron 1964 Superior - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 42 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 15 € | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Strength is slightly over medium. Balance and harmony reveal a smoke of good persistency, but with a not particularly ample aromatic palette and evolution.

The beginning delivers rich notes of walnut and hazelnut. After the first puffs the smoke becomes sweet and earth and hazelnut reach the palate, followed by spices (black pepper).

88

/100

Plasencia Reserva Organica Corona - Nicaragua Size: cepo 44 x 159 mm (6,25”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Strength is slightly over the medium. Balanced and harmonious. The evolution is not particularly pronounced, but the flavors alternate well together during the fruition. Satisfyng.

It delivers balsamic herbs, followed by earth and leather, together with hints of white pepper. Continuing, earthy notes and undergrowth gradually take over.

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/100

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Poderoso - Dominic. R. Size: cepo 44 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 7,5 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Strength is slightly over the medium. It delivers a good intensity and a long persistence.

Easy to enjoy, its only weak point is the evolution. Creamy.

It develops rich earthy notes, accompanied by roasted aromas of coffee and cappuccino. In the finale the earthy notes get richer, followed by peppery hints.

87

/100

Lempira Puros President Corona Grande - Honduras Size: cepo 42 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Matafina (Brazil) | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras

Strength is medium plus. Aromatically intense, it has a strength that, in the second half, tends to cover the bouquet; the result is a questionable balance.

Notes of leather and earth are followed by black pepper. In the second half, the cigar suffers an involution, turning into earth, which soon becomes the only perceivable aroma.

87

/100

Liga Unico Ratzilla - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 46 x 159 mm (6,25”) - EUR: 16 € | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Habano | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua Full strength. Despite the great aromatic intensity, the strength tends to overwhelm the bouquet, at the expense of the balance. The persistence is excellent.

Earth, cocoa and spices get delivered sisnce the first puffs. It’s then the time of tree nuts (hazelnut in particular) and the base gets sweet. A mix of coffee, cocoa, walnut and hazelnut ends the smoke.

87

/100

Romoeo y Julieta Cazadores - Cuba Size: cepo 43 x 162 mm (6,4”) - EUR: 10 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba

Strength is medium plus. Despite the long dimensions, the evolution is not particularly developed. Thge persistency, however, is remarkable. Rustic and satisfying.

Vegetal notes, nuts (walnut), leather and spices (black pepper) are the flavors that are delivered throughout the course of the fruition.

Wet earth takes over the finale.

87

/100

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LOUNGES

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Lounge BEIJING, CINA

by Simone Poggi

“I just ask God for a house full of books and a garden rich in flowers” Confucio, China 551 a.c. – 479 a.c.

China, and Beijing among the most important of its cities, tickles the traveler imagination in a conflicting way. Distant literary echoes remember the luxuries of the Dragon Empire, the extraordinary colors-rich architectures, the perfect calligraphies and the rickshaws tottering in front of the winking Body Massages shops of the commercial streets.

Modern news are on the other side shouting out, without the poetry of the past, the return of the country to World leadership, an economic colossus frightening little and insecure Europe in the middle of its crisis. And the ones remembering

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year 2000 Beijing, still covered by the deadly smog clouds, are quite surprised to stand in front of a modern metropolis, with skyscrapers and avenues crowded with an unlimited number of German sedans and SUVs, with no Chinese-branded car to disturb the local dream of the pre-crisis European Status Quo, the one nowadays only leaving in the goals of the exuberant managers of the country.

In perfect accordance with this atmosphere is the opulent Ritz-Carlton Hotel, very high and contemporary, shiny, guardian to the glorious Davidoff Lounge. The lounge can be reached with no difficulties, pointing at it from outside, with its pink lights. The entrance features luxury accessories and huge pictures of iconic Zino Davidoff, as well as an incredibly long cigar (almost two meters),

ever tried, served in an unusual metal glass.

The choice is for a Zino Davidoff Platinum Scepter Grand Master, a Robusto with 5 ½ x 52 ring gauge dimensions, featuring an Ecuadorian capa with pronounced nervation, colorado claro in shade. The capote is connecticut, while the tripa is composed by an intriguing mix of Dominican and Peruvian tobaccos.

aligning with Chinese love for strangeness and records. Once reached the main area, the classy and untarnished sensations of the walking entrance are lost; the lounge shows fabric sofas and carpets everywhere, quite a strange choice for a room dedicated to slow smoke, which saturates them very easily. The promised live music in on vacation, but the stage seems to be a better one for high school parties rather than for sophisticated jazz. The bar is supplied with interesting bottles, but the two kind waitresses have sincerely no ideas of what they have and can offer, and only the menu can save us.

The walk-in humidor is also a major puzzle: several Cuban brands boxes are left empty on the shelves, not talking at all about the Davidoff brand, and the only present cigars are a very limited (and extremely expensive for the European aficionado, approximately three time the prices we use to pay) selection of Zino and Davidoff models. At least the mojito which has been selected is one of the best

Even here China keeps being out of the ordinary.

We are offered to light the cigar up a “blowtorch”, which we are not wise enough to refuse, and we will regret this; the first centimeter of the cigar suffers a very aggressive burning, even if the tool is at least 10 cm from the foot, burning it down.

That has never happened to us, and only a mojito sip can help the mood. Exactly as China in XXI century: everything and today, to maximum power, without preserving, burning it down if needed.

The smoke is, despite the beginning, a good one; the medium body and the balance are never compromised, not even at the end of the fruition.

Despite a non major evolution, the cigar gives off a pleasant aromatic palette, based on mediumsweet spices, never piquant, with a fresh wood background. Some puffs are more herbal in the first two tercios, then to become balsamic in the last one. A good companion, able to drive a relaxed conversation, which is not setting hearts on fire.

Despite the courtesy and the hospitality of the people, and the romantic notes played at the bars on the lake in Houhai street, the nine million bicycles of Beijing by Katie Melua are actually just a memory in today’s China.

POSITION

REACHABILITY

CIGARS

SPIRITS

SERVICE

very

very simple

very limited choice when

many types of

normal

central

to find

visited (only some zino

liquors, cocktails

and few davidoff)

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel 83A Jian Guo Road, China Central Place, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025 China Davidoff Lounge Tel +86 10 590 880 70 opening 7 pm – 2 am http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/beijing/dining/davidoff-lounge

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EVENTS

Festival del Habano 2017: THE XIX CUBAN FESTIVAL

by Michel Arlia

The XIX Festival del Habano was held from February 27th to March 3rd. The program of the event didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any major changes compared to the last years: the Welcome Dinner, that was held at the Almacen del Tabaco y la Madera the last couple of times, this year was held at the famous Club Habana. Unfortunately, some parts of the festival were canceled or delayed due to weather conditions. The events and program up to the Gala Dinner were familiar (trips to plantations, pairings, factory tours, Habanosommelier contest, trade fair, press conference, etc).

The Welcome Dinner was the new Gran Reserva for this year, the H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011. It is the first Gran Reserva featuring the classic Churchill size: 47 by

178 mm. The release is limited to 5.000 numbered boxes.

Wednesday night dinner, held in the El Laguito Reception Hall, was focused on the new re-branding of the Quai dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orsay line. The portfolio will be made up of three sizes. The two new ones: the No. 50, 50 x 111 mmm, and the No. 54, 54 x 127 mm. From the old lineup only the Corona Claro will continue in the new portfolio. The overhaul includes new package design and new bands: the orange color stays and is enhanced with more gold details and with the name of the vitola written on the band.

The week ended with the famous Gala Dinner, which as always was held at the Pabexpo.

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EVENTS

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EVENTS Theme of the night was Montecristo, and Habanos officially presented the new Montecristo 1935 line, which is made up of three sizes: Dumas (49 x 130 mm), Leyendas (55 x 165 mm) and Maltes (53 x 153 mm).

During the evening, Habanos presented their Habanos-Man of the year awards and capped the night off with their annual humidor auction, where profits were donated to the Cuban Ministry of Health. Big money as usual. The Cohiba humidor, for example, was sold for 380.000 Euros.

Other cigars that were presented during the week were the three Ediciones Limitadas for 2017: Cohiba Talisman (54 x 154 mm), Partagas-Serie No. 1 (52 x 138 mm) and the Punch Regios de Punch (48 x 120 mm).

The new La Casa del Habano Exclusives were launched as well: H. Upmann Connoisseur B (54 x 150 mm) and Trinidad La Trova (52 x 166 mm). The Romeo y Julieta Portfolio sees the addition of the new Petit Royales, which measures 47 x 95 mm.

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EVENTS

Puro Sabor 2017 A FESTIVAL FROM THE HEART

by Michel Arlia

The 6th edition of the Puro Sabor festival, the cigar festival held annually in Nicaragua, took place from January 16th to 20th and drew around 300 registered guests from all over the World.The festival was hosted by the Nicaraguan Chamber of Tobacco, that consists of 28 well known companies with operations in Nicaragua, including tobacco growers, cigar producers or packaging companies. Many big brands (Joya de Nicaragua, My Father, Padron, Plasencia, STG, etc) were present, but also small companies (1502 Cigars, Mombacho Cigars, Nica Sueño, etc) partecipated.

This festival allows these companies to showcase their factories, farms, fields and other operations.

You’ll get a first hand view to the Nicaraguan cigar industry, most of the times guided by the factories owners themselves.

Puro Sabor and as soon as we landed in Managua we were taken care of by two gentlemen from the organizers. While they were taking care of passport control, waiting for our luggage and checking visas, we were invited to the VIP lounge of the airport, to enjoy our first Flor de Caña. As soon as everything was taken care of, they helped us outside, where a familiar face was waiting for us.

Our dear friend and gracious host for the first couple days, Claudio Sgroi (President of Mombacho Cigars) took the time to drive us to Granada, were the festival would be held the first few days.

We arrived two days prior to the beginning of

Monday rolled around and after moving to our

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The first couple days, we enjoyed a private tasting with Claudio on the rooftop of Casa Favilli, a beautiful colonial building converted into a cigar factory, and a delicious dinner at Ciudad Lounge.

designated hotel for the check in, we were gifted a backpack full of presents: coffee, a festival shirt, a guayabera and a box full of cigars. The box was especially made for the festival and contained 32 cigars, two cigars per each company involved in the Puro Sabor. Some companies even produced special sizes only for the festival. Although it was the official beginning of the festival, the day had no activity planned, since the majority of the visitors were flying in that day, and we were free to roam around the beautiful city of Granada.

Day two was fully packed with activities and focused more on the cultural side. The bus picked us up early and we rolled out to our first stop. During the drive, our guide introduced the first Momento Puro, a myriad of cigar moments that were organized throughout the day and week. We then arrived to our first activity: a boat ride through Las Isletas, which are over 300 small islands located in Lake Nicaragua. Many of the Islands are private property and have houses on them. Highlight was the one island that is inhabited by a small group of howling monkeys.

After getting back to the bus we headed out to visit one of the two volcanos scheduled for that day. The group arrived at the Cafe Las Flores, which is halfway up the Mombacho volcano.

The attendees could choose between a tour through the coffee plantation, a zip lining course, or a hike up to the volcano. We chose the coffee tour, where the guide explained each step of the cultivation and operations. After lunch, a small group of us could squeeze in a reduced track up to the Mombacho volcano and its cloud forrest.

In the afternoon attendees could choose from two options: a trip to the lava lake of the Masaya volcano or back to Granada for a tour of the Mombacho factory.

The opening dinner was held at the restored La Pรณlvora fortress in Granada. Many producers were present and with them also important personalities from Nicaragua, which shows the importance of the tobacco industry in Nicaragua.

The next day the entire group headed to Esteli, to get to the more cigar-centered side of the festival.

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EVENTS Lunch was held at the farm of the Plasencia Family and afterwards, each group dispersed for their first factory tours (TABSA, Nica SueĂąo, NACSA, Plasencia, Drew Estate, etc) all over the city. Afterwards the dinner was held at Victor Calvos factory.

Thursday morning was the first full day of factories and fields tour, ranging from A.J. Fernandez, Joya de Nicaragua, My Father, Padron, etc. The groups then met up for lunch at the La Estrella farm of My Father. Lunch was followed by a cigar and coffee pairing seminar and later a Q&A with prominent names from the industry, that touched on different subjects like branding/packaging and building a brand. The day was capped off by the famous white dinner, held in the courtyard of the Biblioteca Municipal Alcadia in Esteli.

The schedule for the last day was similar to the Thursday one, with another full day of different factories and fields visits. Lunch was then held in a modern curing barn at A.J. Fernandez La Lilia plantation. The Gala Dinner, held at the huge

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Drew Estate property, closed out this year Puro Sabor in a classy fashion. During the dinner, the Nicaraguan Tobacco chamber announced their new president, Anielka Esmeralda Ortez Flores of Agrotabacos replacing the former president Juan Ignacio Martinez of Joya de Nicaragua, and the new board of directors.

Thinking back about the festival, there are many things that come to mind: the delicious Nicaraguan food, the myriad of premium cigars (Don Pepin Garcia Original, Joya de Nicaragua Quatro Cinco, Mombacho Liga Maestro, Padron 1964, Plasencia Alma Fuerte, just to name a few) handed out, the hands-on experience with the owners of the participating companies, the thoughtful guides and the generous hosts.

What really stands out is how well organized the festival was and how much of the Nicaraguan culture you got to soak up during only one week. It is so much more than just a cigar festival, it is a festival from the heart of Nicaragua that is best experienced in person.

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EVENTS

ProCigar 2017 THE DOMINICAN CIGARS MAIN EVENT

by Michel Arlia

ProCigar, The Dominican Cigar Festival, celebrated its 10th anniversary and drew around 800 guests, from more than 20 countries, to celebrate the event.

Held from February 19th to the 24th, the event kicked off on Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, with a full day of relax.

Monday allowed the attendees to participate either in a Roll Your Own Cigar seminar, a Long Ash Contest or they could simply enjoy another day of leisure at the beach and soak up the sun.

Things really started going from Tuesday on, where attendees left for La Romana to visit the biggest cigar factory in the world, Tabacalera de Garcia. After lunch the guests headed to Santiago

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de los Caballeros, were the second part of the festival was held, for a Welcome Cocktail at the Hodelpa Gran Almirante Hotel.

The next three days were scheduled for several guided tours of Quesada, La Aurora, General Cigar, Tabacalera La Palma, Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, De Los Reyes Cigars, PDR Cigars, Tabacalera La Alianza, La Flor Dominicana, Davidoff factories and of many tobacco fields as well. During these three days, attendees were handed a generous bag, which included a festival special edition cigar box, cigar accessories, a polo shirt, a hat and other items.

On Wednesday evening, the traditional Welcome Dinner was held at the gardens of Teatro del Cibao.

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EVENTS

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During the evening, all the ProCigar Members presented either new, limited or special cigar to all the guests: Tabacalera de García – Montecristo Artisan Series, De Los Reyes – The Saga Short Tales Tomo III, Quesada Cigars – Manuel Quesada 70th Anniversary, La Aurora – A D N, Tabacos Quisqueyanos, S.A. – Juan Clemente 530, La Flor Dominicana – Andalusian Bull, General Cigar – GC-Blend 1974, Tabacalera La Alianza – Selección Oscuro Especial No. 6, Tabacalera La Palma – La Galera Aniversario El Lector, Tabadom Holding – Davidoff Chefs Edition, PDR Cigars – Flores y Rodríguez Connecticut Valley Reserve – Wicked Pug and Tabacalera Fuente – Casa Cuba Divine Inspiration. The night continued with a special three-song set, performed by members of ProCigar including: Jochy Blanco, Abe Flores, Litto Gomez, Tony Gomez, Hendrik “Henke“ Kelner, Klaas-Pieter Kelner, Raquel Quesada and Nirka Reyes, and the annual merengue contest.

Thursday evening was the famous white attire dinner and was held at Santiago’s Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauracion. The evening was accompanied by the quartette of Maria del Mar. The Gala dinner was celebrated at the Centro Español, a private Spanish Club in Santiago. The program included live music, tributes to Carlos Fuente Sr. and Samuel Mendez, and culminated in a charity auction of special and unique products.

They were able to raise over $150.000, which will be donated to the Voluntariado de Jesus con los Niños and the Hospicio San Vincent de Paul, both non-profit organizations dedicated to helping children and impoverished elders.

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INFO

Vocabulary

MEANING OF THE TERMINOLOGIES USED Anilla: paper band on the cigar, which is used to identify the brand.

Calibre (cepo or ring gauge): diameter of the cigar.

Capa (wrapper): the leaves used to wrap the Tripa and the Capote.

Capote (binder): the leaves used to wrap the Tripa.

Catadores: from the factory assigned employees, which try the cigars on a daily bases, to verify the quality.

Cepo: ring gauge.

Claro: tonality of the light brown color of the wrapper.

Colorado: tonality of the chestnut brown color of the wrapper.

Colorado claro: tonality of the light brown color of the wrapper.

Colorado maduro: tonality of the dark brown color of the wrapper.

Figurado: a cigar which presents a pointed end.

Fortaleza: the sensation of the strength, which the smoke provokes in the throat of the smoker with every puff.

Galera: a place where the cigars are prepared.

I.S.: International Shape.

Largo: length of the cigar.

Liga: the mixture of the leaves used, which characterizes the cigar.

Ligero: leaves that are harvested in the higher part of the tobacco plants and that give the strength to the cigar.

Maduro: tonality of the mahogany-dark brown color of the wrapper.

Medio tempo: leaves that are harvested in the top part of the tobacco plants.

Puro: a cigar, which is exclusively prepared with leaves from the resulting country.

Seco: leaves that are harvested in the interim part of the tobacco plants and give aroma to the cigar.

SLD: short for Slide Lid Box. Tercio: ball of untreated tobacco.

Thirds (first, second and third): parts in which the cigar gets divided.

Torcedore: employee who rolls the cigars.

Tripa (filler): leaves which compose the filling of the cigar.

Tripa corta: a filling which is composed of the cuts, pieces and damaged leaves.

Tripa larga: a filling with whole leaves.

Vitola: module or format of the cigar with an established diameter and length.

Vitola de galera: unique name which is attributed to distinguish the different formats, independent of the name which is will be given to the cigar (Marevas, Prominentes, etcâ&#x20AC;Ś).

Vitola de salida: name attributed to the commercial end and changes from each brand (Siglo VI, Serie D no. 4, etc...).

Volado: leaves which are harvested at the bottom part of the tobacco plant. Fundamental for the combustion of the cigar.

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Sections

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

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

EVENTS The main international events.

Fairs, meetings and everything having the cigar as the main character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The charm and the quality of the impossible.

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