CigarsLover Magazine Summer 2016

Lover Cigars

- Summer 2016 -

Magazine

top 5

the most expensive

cigars fruits

drinks warped interview

flame blind tasting: double figurado robusto extra

maduro wrappers

foto: Nuli Hakiim

flat

TEAM & EDITORIAL

Lover Cigars

Magazine

Editor: Deputy Editor:

Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia

Graphic Designer: Graphic Designer Assistant:

Mario Amelio Renz Mauleon

Authors:

Photos:

Marketing:

Editing:

Translations:

Blind Tasting Panel:

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Didier Houvenaghel Giovanni Bolzonella Giuseppe Mitolo Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Nicola Ruggiero Roberto Canzi Mario Amelio Nuzli Hakiim Luca Cominelli Michel Arlia Giovanni Bolzonella Roberto Canzi Rachelle Mauleon Simone Poggi Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.) Francesco Santoiemma (Italy) Giovanni Bolzonella (Italy) Giuseppe Mitolo (Italy) Luca Cominelli (Italy) Michel Arlia (Switzerland) Nelson Campos (El Salvador) Nuzli Hakiim (Singapor) Richard Frazier (U.S.A.) Roberto Canzi (Italy) Sebastian Hefel (Austria) Thomas Hoebe (Holland)

Editorial The cigar industry is making us used to have new products and lines every while, due to the smokers demand for new cigars, which never seem to come to an end. So the cigar market needs new formats, new brands and new lines. This is why the boutique brands, small lot of cigars going to the market in a sort of limited edition release, are getting more and more popular and most wanted.

This creates a lot of expectations to the consumers but at the same time a huge work for the producers, that are forced to considerably increase they rhythms and keep making new blends in a period of time that is getting shorter and shorter.

This is what is happening today. The limitations that will soon be introduced by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regarding the introduction of new cigars to the American market, could change completely how things are going right now. The US market is the biggest one and it can influences many other market if it will be stricken too hard.

In the next months we will assist to a lot of news. Probably the big boom of news we are going to see this year will be the biggest ever, and this won’t happen again. Let’s prepare us to enjoy all will get to the market soon.

”Passion moves us!”

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INDEX

Contents Team

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

Editorial

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

Rating

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

Cigar corner

readers’ mail ................................................................ 9

15

Flat flame

is this the lighters future? ..................................... 11

The rebirth

Montecristo Open ................................................... 14

Ice ball

a lot of ice, please ..................................................... 15

19

Maduro wrappers

virtues and vices ....................................................... 19

AVO Uvezian

90 candles ................................................................... 23

Fruits drinks

quench our thirst ...................................................... 26

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La Ley

a calling from the past ............................................ 31

Top 5

37

the most expensive cigars .................................... 34

Warped

interview with Kyle Gellis ........................................ 37

Mark Twain

if I can’t smoke in paradise, I shall not go ....... 41

46

Cadillac in Cuba

the destiny of the old american cars ............... 44

Blind Tasting

double figurado & robusto extra ...................... 46

Kentucky

his majesty the wrapper ........................................ 64

64

Vintage

Ramon Allones 898 Dunhill Seleccion ............ 67

Zenith

el primero chronomaster 1969 Cohiba ........ 69

Vocabulary & Sections

what you can find on the magazine .................. 71

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BEADS

THE BEST HUMIDIFICATION WAY Available on CigarsLoverStore.com

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.

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.

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CIGAR CORNER would suggest you to put them in a humidor and wait for a few weeks for them to “recover”. Good smoking!

I have been following you since the beginning and I wanted to simply compliment you for the many goals achieved and for making this amazing magazine available for us. Good smoking to all the team!

(Sabrina Loretto) Good day dear editorial staff, other than complimenting you, I would like to find more contents about the world of spirits in your pages. I have read with a lot of interest, the articles in the last issues and I have found them very interesting! I hope in the next issues we could appreciate even more cigar pairings and spirits read, that in my opinion are a perfect duet! Thank you!

(Sebastiano Capotondi)

Cigar Corner Good day dear editorial staff, I’ve been always following you with pleasure and I wanted to ask you a question. I have recently found some cigars that belonged to my grandfather, kept in humidor for over 10 years, without anyone ever controlling the state of the conservation. The cigars are dry and I wanted to know if they could still be smoke, or do I have to keep them as a keepsake.

(Michele Antonello)

Dear Michele, the cigars are a delicate product and if the are not treated with the right care, you can encounter some unpleasant smokes. In your case, the cigars not correctly conserved for all those years, have probably lost their oils and therefor their aromas. You can try to re-humidify them, but very likely the smoke wouldn’t be particularly rich, in term of aromas. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have any satisfaction at all. We

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Dear Sebastiano, like you rightfully write, the pairing of cigars and spirits is something many aficionados dedicate time and attention to. The choice about what pairing with the cigars is not simple and the risk is that one of the two pleasures could overshelms the other, thus not making it possible to enjoy the pleasure that both could give. The space we will dedicate to pairings will steadily increase, because of the many requests, like yours, that have made us understand its importance and how much it is wanted.

I’ve come to know about this publication through Instagram and I have to admit, that I have downloaded and devoured all the published issues. I found your magazine exceptional and I appreciate very much the passion you all put in it!

(Vincent Khram) I travel a lot and I am always looking for lounges allowing me to cut out some time, also during the working stay, to dedicate myself to our beloved cigars. It would be very interesting to read where it is possible to smoke a cigar in maximum relaxation, even when far from home.

(Paul Lee)

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TOOLS

foto: Jeff Harris

The flat flame IS THIS THE LIGHTERS FUTURE?

by Luca Cominelli

Moving into the years not only the tobacco manufacturing techniques have evolved, but also the accessories allowing the users to fully enjoy the smoke did improve, in order to perform their jobs in the most practical possible way.

Challenged by larger and larger dimensions cigars, cutters are now featuring shaped blades, housing cepos larger than some years ago; same can be said for the travel humidors. However, the category suffering the most pronounced evolution has been lighters.

Smokers started with the traditional flame, then changing into the Jetflame, capable of performing its task also outside, solving all the wind-generated problems. Jetflame is not only beloved because of

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this aspect: its precision is the secret of its success. Lighting a cigar up with the anti-wind flame is in facts simpler, faster and more precise when compared to the traditional flame.

Larger caliber cigars were however requiring several passes on the foot before the actual lighting up. For this reason the double Jetflame have firstly been introduced in the market, with triple and quadruple flames coming later. All these lighters join precision and power, so that they allow oversized cigars to be lightened up in very short timings.

When we were expecting the end of new introductions in the market, that was the moment when the latest release took place, the flat flame

lighters. This flame type allows an even easier lighting up. While with the Jetflame it is required to rotate the flames on the foot of the cigar, with the flat flame the action performed is similar to brushing the foot, since the flat flame resembles a brush’s tip.

This new flame being literally “flat”, it results into incredible precision, with no risks of burning capa leaves. Besides that, lighting up turns to be easier and quicker for generous dimensions cigars, however also very sharp for a panatela format, since the flame is adjusted in height, making very simple to evaluate the needs depending on the cigar and operate it.

Are the new releases finished? Nope.

Manufacturers report a diminished gas usage, extending thus the duration of the lighter.

However, the most striking aspect of the new flame is the shape, proving to be “bent” to the smoker’s needs. Even after several usages, one can not stop staring at the flame, and every time the button is pushed, the sensation is to be in front of something new.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

The rebirth MONTECRISTO OPEN

by Luca Cominelli

Montecristo is the most famous Cuban brand and the one with the biggest production and exportation for Habanos S.A..

Nowadays, half of the cigars that in the Montecristo portfolio, were introduced in the new millennium. Among the many news, in 2009 the line “Open” was launched. Four were the formats: Eagle, Junior, Master and Regata.

This new line was, and it still is, focused towards the young smoker; since the beginning it has always been placed in an end market very far from the aficionados’ focus, probably because it was both the line for the new generation and because during the launch the critiques of these cigars weren’t particularly positive.

All this was agreeable until 2015, the year we started to notice an evident change. The cigars introduced in the blind tastings started to receive high ratings, and this didn’t apply to only one

size. So we decided to try again the entire line, and astonishingly we found the four modules to be a lot more mature and far from being “easy” smokes. In the boxed dated 2015 and 2016, the Montecristo Open devolop very creamy and balanced smokes, with a much more accentuated complexity compared to the ones from the first couple of years, with which they only remotely share the same aromatic palate.

This “new” Open line, even when young, bring forth a quality smoke, they slake and satisfy to the point to wonder about the classic question: “would it be good to buy few boxes for aging them some years?”. The question comes spontaneously and on behalf of who writes, it already became reality.

The new Open are in great shape and it is good to take advantage right away, but pay attention to the cuño! For once, it is good to look for for the more recent boxes and leave the dated ones!

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DRINKS

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Ice ball A LOT OF ICE, PLEASE

by Nicola Ruggiero

Ice is the most important ingredient in the preparation of a good drink, not only because it cools, but because it helps to keep the proportions between the ingredients, diluting them and lowering the alcoholic tenor.

There are multiple typologies of ice on the market, with different forms, dimensions and quality.

Why does the ice cool? The heat tends to move from a higher temperatures zone to zones with lower temperatures. Think about a container with isolated sides, with no heat exchange with the outside and containing a liquid and some ice. In this case, a heat shift from the liquid (having a higher temperature) to the ice will happen. Thus, we will have the cooling of the liquid and the heating of the ice, until there will be a new thermic balance.

For this reason, there is no cooling without dilution

and because of this, it is good to use a lot of ice for the creation of a good drink. Here is where the typology of ice to use comes in to play, depending on what we want to cool.

A cocktail needs a different typology of ice compared to a drink that is served in a small dose, like a whisky. The reason is simple: if it is not possible to completely immerse the ice into the drink, it is better to use larger dimension ice, so that a minor surface of ice is in contact with the liquid.

This makes the ice heating up slowlier, melting for a longer period of time and diluting less our drink.

An example is the Japanese method of processing the ice, consisting in carving the classic forms, like balls, cubes and chunks (pieces of irregular ice), out of big blocks, in a way that the surface in contact with the liquid is minor.

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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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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.

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SLOW ATTITUDE

Maduro wrappers VIRTUES AND VICES

by Didier Houvenaghel

It becomes more and more frequent to encounter cigars with a very dark wrapper. Some aficionados are really attracted by this colour specificity, while others do not really appreciate such a dark capa. It is a matter of perception and taste. But a true natural maduro wrapper is really nice and specific, and the strong requirements of its demanding production unveil the real expertise of the producer.

More than just adding another stylish distinction to the cigar, a maduro wrapper – when produced with know-how and dedication – really brings something distinctive to the blend.

Generally talking, there are 3 ways to produce maduro wrappers.

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The Painting - Some producers artificially darken the colour of the wrapper with a solution that is generally produced by soaking fermented leaves’ stems.

The Cooking - During a voluntarily relatively uncontrolled fermentation of wrappers, the chain of internal leaves transformations will become more and more important. As a consequence, the leaves’ temperatures will quickly increase. When triggered and engaged, this phenomenon can occur so fast that it is called ‘quemar la capa’ in Spanish, literally ‘to burn the wrapper’. Such a production treatment is given to the leaves in order to achieve good combustibility and increased leaves’ darkening. Much time is ‘saved’ in realizing those 2 interesting characteristics but as a trade-off the

aroma’s richness will be lost by rushing too much the reactions and not controlling the consequent thermal runaway.

The Natural way - Both fermentations’ temperature and evolution are here closely controlled. The temperature among the leaves in the fermentation unit (pilón) - necessary for the process to happen - is increased slowly thanks to a close control of the phenomenon by regular and numerous cycles of natural temperature increases of the leaves generated by the fermentation’s dynamic, and manual revolving of the fermentation units to avoid going over temperature thresholds by controlling the process’ speed.

Those cycles are done over a very long period, sometimes near to 4 times longer than normal wrappers. Hence a natural maduro fermentation, it is a ‘normal’ process (as it follows the same cycles and concepts) but with a much longer time of treatment and with a much closer control on temperature.

By producing a maduro wrapper of quality, we are in fact looking forward achieving 3 main characters: nice darkness in colours, interesting aromas, and good combustibility.

And those antagonist parameters (1 and 2 versus 3) are very difficult to obtain in one same leaf.

The dark colours emerge after the drying (process modifying the green leaves into brown leaves) and the fermentation (process increasing the darkness of the leaves colour and fixing it). The bigger the leaves’ organic fraction, the darker its colour after the process. This is why a maduro wrapper must be thick. Agricultural leaves for nice coloured maduro wrappers should be taken in high priming (high on the plant).

The dynamic of the aroma is pretty comparable to the one of the colour: aromas come with the organic fraction of the leaves and are ‘released’ by good processes. Agricultural leaves for well aromatic maduro wrappers should be taken in high priming (high on the plant).

The burning quality comes mainly with the mineral fraction of the leaves. The closer from the soil, the CigarsLoverMagazine | No.13

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SLOW ATTITUDE bigger the mineral fraction of the leaves. Burning is more difficult if the leaves have high content in organic molecules, therefore so if they are aromatic and potentially dark in colour. Agricultural leaves for nice combustible maduro wrappers should be taken in low priming (low on the plant).

It becomes obvious that having an optimal balance of those 3 parameters within a same leaf is pretty challenging and difficult. Agricultural leaves to produce natural maduro wrappers must be pretty thick. They come from high priming where the organic fraction is important and the mineral fraction is small.

Having an important organic fraction as to become well-balanced maduro wrappers, thick leaves require a more intense fermentation than normal wrappers. This intensity must be more of a low speed over a long time than of a high speed over a short period. This biochemical process being more intense than for normal wrappers, temperatures generated must be more carefully controlled. If not, permanent damages could be caused to the aromatic molecules by the thermal runaway of the fermentationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chain reactions.

Producing maduro wrappers - with even dark brown colour, good aromas, and nice combustion - is excessively difficult to make as it is a real process challenge.

But as a just reward of the numerous efforts and the complete and balanced process, the tasting quality will be infinitely more satisfactory. The richness will be incomparable and very characteristic. It will be an explosion of scents.

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FAMOUS SMOKERS

Avo Uvezian 90 CANDLES

by Giovanni Bolzonella

We all know AVO cigars, that indisputably represent an important part of the Dominican production. On the other side, only a few know the story of this man, born in Beirut, his hometown, as a Jazz musician, that for years toured the Middle East with his ensemble.

Musician and dance teacher, he transferred in the 40s to the USA, with his family, where he continued composing and studying the piano at the Juilliard School. Here in New York he met Frank Sinatra and they became friends. He collaborates a lot with him, including the recording of 1966 “Strangers in the Night”, in which the rights were stolen by a certain Bert Kaempfert.

The legends, in fact, says that Avo showed one of

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his song, called “Broken Guitar”, to Sinatra, which at first was rejected, not for its melody, but for the lyrics that Sinatra didn’t wanted to sing. Later on, Frank decided to adopt the melody and to change the text. Avo’s mistake was sending the song to Kaempfert first, who was supposed to handle its publication in Germany.

In 1951 he met his wife Maria, from which he had three children. In 1952 he was called to arms for the war in Korea, where he was discharged with honors. In the following years he started designing jewelry with his grandfather in Puerto Rico, and at the same time he continued his musical carrier at the Palmas De Mar Resort, where Avo’s passion for long filler cigars born.

Thus Avo began to explore the Dominican Republic and in 1988 started his personal production in collaboration with Hendrik Kelner, Davidoff master blender; with him he created the first 10/12 blends. The “Oettinger Davidoff Group” enchanted with the product consistency, decided to award the producer with an increase of 25% on the price of the product. This allowed him to produce over 3 million cigar until the end of the 90ies.

In the USA a theft of 4 AVO XO boxes from the Davidoff Store in Manhattan, close to Central Park, made the news. But to a man like Avo Uvezian, to whom life has given and taken so much, what could have something like this provoked? Nothing more than a shrug and a displease against those who committed this action: “It can happen” he said. Besides the $1000 over the rights of the big hit that was unjustly stolen from him, could it be more than just a drop in the ocean? If also this time life will give him back so much glory, like it happened until now…well, it is a welcomed bonus for us smokers!!!

Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata The newest Avo

Avo 90th Classic Covers Limited Edition commemorates the 90th birthday of Avo. Containing 18 cigars, with the size of 54 x 152mm, made with a mix of tobacco that has been aged for over ten years.

In det ails, they are dressed in a Habano 2000 wrapper, grown in Ecuador, a San Andres Negro binder, from Mexico, and filler made of Dominican tobacco.

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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

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Taste our know-how wisely.

DRINKS

Fruits drinks QUENCH OF THIRST

by Nicola Ruggiero

Imagine a summer evening, overwhelming temperature, not a gust of wind and far away on the background the sea, kissing the sky and unrolling carpets of waves, reaching the sandy beach… or imagine yourself lying on a terrace, deeply breathing and allowing the water of the waves to spray all over you…

Any better chance to get refreshed by sipping a fruity cocktail?

A fruit-based drink can refresh and quench thirst even in the warmest summer days, when enjoying a less alcoholic and vitamins-richer cocktail is preferable. With this target, knowing different fruits with their properties, and the natural processes characterizing them, is of fundamental benefit.

Fruit is vitamins, minerals and water rich, and some types also provide glucides in good quantity. Based on its composition can be divided into acidic (oranges, lemons, cedars, tangors…), acidicsugary (apples, pears, apricots, peaches…), sugary (bananas, figs, dates, pineapples, persimmons), oily (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts…) and starchy (chestnuts and peanuts).

It is also fundamental to be aware that fruit experiences a natural cycle, being also subject to a process known as “ripening”.

Ripening marks the moment fruit reaches ideal maturation, and causes several organoleptic modifications, such as color change (becoming brilliant), increase in sugar quantity and, consequently, CigarsLoverMagazine | No.13

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DRINKS decrease in acidic content, change in the aroma and softening of the pulp.

This process is however not taking place in the same way for every fruit, and it is regulated by the plant via the production of ethylene (gaseous plant hormone). We can thus distinguish climacteric from non-climateric fruit: the former start producing ethylene themselves after being harvested from the plant, thus continuing their ripening; the latter when harvested at unripe stage cannot complete the process. Fruit conservation is of utmost importance, since contact between climacteric and non-climateric fruit can influence ripening process: storing peaches with grapefruits will enhance the ripening process in the latter, since the ethylene produced by the peaches will accelerate yellowing in grapefruits.

Storage temperature is also to be changed depending on the fruit type. We could ideally buy

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climacteric fruit even at a slightly unripe stage, letting it ripe in contact with other climacteric fruit, while it is necessary to buy non-climateric fruit only when the correct ripening stage has been already achieved.

All these variables have to be carefully taken into account when considering preparing a fruit-based cocktail, since the fruit itself has to be chosen with particular care, as it represents a fundamental aspect for the final outcome of a good cocktail.

To achieve best quality and taste results, it is advisable to use seasonal fruit, and understand its ripening and life cycle. Here below you will find some simple alcoholic, fruit-based recipes which you can try proposing to your friends or, simply, to yourselves. Keep in mind to always select the best fruit and, helped by a mixer or even better by a juice extractor, you will enjoy preparing refreshing non-alcoholic drinks by pairing your favorite fruit.

PIÑA COLADA • 3 cl Cuban rum • 4/5 fresh pineapple cubes • 3 cl coconut milk • 1 cl lime juice PREPARATION:

Put all the elements in a blender (or in a traditional mixer) starting with the liquids, followed by the pineapple, finishing with the ice, better if minced or crushed, and mix it up, then pouring the content in the glass without adding extra ice, garnishing with extra pineapple cubes.

CIGAR PAIRING:

• Padron Serie 1964 Exclusivo • Jaime Garcia Robusto The intensively sweet character of this drink is well matched by the body of these two Nicaraguan cigars. The earthy and spicy aromas bouquet of the cigars creates a pairing which balances the smoke fruition and the drink savoring, avoiding one pleasure to overcome the other.

BELLINI • 4 cl of peach puree (or fresh juice) • 8 cl of prosecco or champagne PREPARATION:

Peel and chop the peaches, then placing them into a strainer and squeeze with a spoon to extract the juice.

To decrease required time, place fruit in a mixer adding a little bit of juice, thus obtaining a puree.

Pour the entire content in a small bowl or in a flute glass and gently add the champagne filling up the glass. Decorate with a peach slice.

Variations on Bellini are the “Rossini” (with fresh strawberries), the “Mimosa“ (with orange juice) and the “Tintoretto“ (with pomegranate juice).

CIGAR PAIRING:

• Partagas 898 The spices and the strength of this Cuban create a nice mix with the elegant yet intense character of the drink.

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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.

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www.laleycigars.com

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“Non c’è cattivo più cattivo by un buono quando diventa cattivo.”

Bud Spencer

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LINE UP

La Ley A PAST CALL

by Luca Cominelli

The La Ley cigars nowadays produced in Nicaragua reflect the brand founded in the XIX century in Cuba. This tribute seeks to underline the research and creation of cigars made with a lot of attention, just like it was years ago, where the production was more contained than today and every cigar was dedicated the right attention and resting time.

noted fourth country, which remains a secret.

The details for the rebirth of this brand were curated with a lot of attention. Starting from the writing “La Ley”, with golden characters on a white background: the font used for the making takes up the writing of Thomas F. Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America declaration of independence.

One characteristic strikes immediately when the blend is observed: the presence of a fourth country where the tobacco leaves are from, other then Nicaragua, Honduras and Ecuador.

In fact, for the making of these cigars, the chosen blend is an Habano wrapper cultivated in Ecuador, a Nicaraguan binder and a filler composed of Nicaragua, Honduras and the already

To the left and right of the name there are three medals, each one of them features Sapienia (knowledge), Virtus (virtue) and Venus (eleganze).

Focusing on the box, we find drawn next to the writing “La Ley” the goddess of justice blindfolded, with the sword and the weighing scale in hand.

Talking about the cigars sizes in this line, three are the formats: Mareva, Robusto and Cañonazo.

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90

/100

Mareva Size: cepo 46 x 102 mm (4”) EUR: 9,5 € (IT) | 7 € (EU) | USD: - $ Medium to full strength. Well balanced, with a very long persistence and a huge complexity, considering the small size.

1/2: leather, anise, black pepper and piquant notes.

2/2: earth, peppermint and spices.

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/100

Robusto Size: cepo 54 x 127 mm (5”) EUR: 13 € (IT) | 11 € (EU) | USD: - $ Slightly over the medium strength. Balanced and with a very good harmony to it. The aromatic palette and the evolution are not too wide.

1/3: leather, earth, coffee, spices and black pepper.

2/3: wood and spices.

3/3: wood, spices and peppermint.

90

/100

Cañonazo Size: cepo 52 x 156 mm (6”) EUR: - € (IT) | 12,5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Medium strength. Great harmony and complexity. The evolution is perceivable and the persistence is long. Refined and balanced.

1/3: earth, roasted notes (coffee), spices.

2/3: earth, leather, wood.

3/3: earth, spices and peppermint.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD

Top 5

THE MOST EXPENSIVE CIGARS

by Michel Arlia

For those outside the cigar world, even the regular production seems to be more than expensive. For us aficionados instead, it is the norm. However, in the last couple of years a very particular niche took shape, the super-premium cigar one.

This Top 5 is made considerig the cigar price when they were introduced to the market and not the collectable value that year after year, they have right now. Excluded from the Nr. 5: Arturo Fuente Opus X 10 Year Anniversary $100

For the celebration of the 10° anniversary of the Opus X, 100 Forbidden X humidors were made.

Produced with expensive wood, these humidors contain 100 Opus X cigars and were launched with a price of $10’000.

Nr. 4: Padron 50 Anniversary Humidor $106

Created for the 50th birthday of the brand. The humidor, with a design made by the famous Nelson Alfonso, contains 50 cigars with a size of 50 x 165mm. They production is limited to 1’000 pieces. With the purchase of the humidor, the buyer receives accessories produced by S.T. Dupont and the possibility to refill the humidor up to five times. The price of the humidor is $5’300.

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SMOKES FROM THE WORLD Nr. 3: Cohiba 40 Anniversario Behike $450

The “original“ Behike was launched in humidors made by Elie Bleu. This 100 pieces contain 40 cigars, with the dimensions of 52 x 192mm.

Each of the 4000 cigars were rolled by one torcedor, Norma Fernandez, and are numbered by hand. The humidor was released with a price of $18’000.

Nr. 2: Davidoff Oro Blanco Special Reserve 2002 $500

4

Born by the mind of blender Eladio Diaz, who also controlled the production of the Oro Blanco. The Toro Extra has the a size of 54 x 162mm and is packed both in single coffins and in 10 count boxes. The price of the 10 count box is $5’000.

Nr. 1: Gurkha Black Dragon Edicion Especial $1’150

The Black Dragon carries the name of the most expensive cigar of our list. The case, produced in India, is hand carved using camel bone and contains 100 cigars. Only 5 of this chests have been made. The tobaccos used in this Double Robusto (52 x 216mm) originates from various international countries and are aged for 12-15 years. The chest was sold at the stellar price of $115’000.

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2

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1

·

SA P P I A M O B E N E Q UA N TO È P R E Z I O S O I L T E M P O ASSAPORARNE QUANTI PIÙ ATTIMI POSSIBILI

·

DOVREMMO

IL PIACERE È UN DOVERE

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I N O S T R I S I G A R I S O N O S E L E Z I O N AT I , A R R OTO L AT I E C O N F E Z I O N AT I A MANO CON CON CURA E PERIZIA

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C I Ò R E N D E R À I L VO S T R O T E M P O

RICCO DI EMOZIONI, COME OGNUNO DEI NOSTRI SIGARI

·

T I ME IS THE ULT IM AT E LUXURY FIL L IT B EAU T IFULLY

www.davidoff.com

Nuoce gravemente alla salute CigarsLoverMagazine | No.13

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INTERVIEW

Warped KYLE GELLIS INTERVIEW

by Michel Arlia

Due the Futuro Selección Suprema rating in our latest blind tasting about coronas gordas, we decide to talk with Kyle Gellis, who ist he man behind the Futuro line and the Warped cigar brand.

Well Kyle, tell us about you and how Warped was born?

I started Warped in 2008, I was first introduced to cigars by my father who was an aficionado. When I was a child, he would come home from work and let me pick out a cigar from the humidor for him.

Afterwards he would tell me about the flavors he experienced, construction issues, and so on. So I learned from an early age about Habanos flavor profile and body differences between marcas (he

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was a Habano smoker). Fast forward to 2008, at the time I was 18, and one day I decided to head down and learn more about the art of cigars and blending. Here we are 8 years later.

The boutique production of everything with “Warped” written on it, has a certain exclusivity. It seems that your intention to create a brand goes further than just cigars, even if everything is connected to the world of tobacco.

My intention from the beginning was always focused on the cigars and their quality and consistency.

But when you are day in day out always watching over your production, blend validating, and making sure your family of retailers and customers are

having the best possible experience they can, your lifestyle starts to showcase. I believe in being exclusively different, and I bring that to my brand and life each and every day. Cigars are a lifestyle.

How do you approach blending or working on new brands? Do you have the brand/idea in mind first and the blend/sizes later, or vice versa?

This will vary. Sometimes I have a blend idea in my head prior to blending and sometimes I will just be working and it will come about. The process is extremely organic, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t force ideas or rush the process.

Talking about your cigars. You have two factories that produce parts of your portfolio.

One being El Titan de Bronze in Miami, and the other being TABSA (in Nicaragua). How did your working with both of them come about? An interesting fact is that the cigars produced at El Titan are mixed blends, while the ones from TABSA are nicaraguan puros.

Why is that and how does it differ from each other?

I have been working at El Titan de Bronze for years, Sandy believed in my vision and that was that. When I was speaking with Sandy regarding expansion and she set up an introduction to Paul Palmer or Casa Fernandez and that started my relationship with TABSA and blending with AGANORSA material.

With El Titan de Bronze I have a different approach to blending then I do with TABSA. Sandy has an amazing selection of superior material and it was from the start that I just used multiple countries to complete a blend. When I started working with TABSA and seeing the unbelievable selection of farms and lots from all over Nicaragua, it was overwhelming. I wanted to showcase what AGANORSA material was all about, which is why I solely used 100% AGANORSA material so far for all the blends from TABSA. TABSA and AGANORSA are owned by Eduardo Fernandez, the operation is vertically integrated from seed to finished cigar.

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INTERVIEW

Last year you worked together with Max Fernandez, of Casa Fernandez, and created the Futuro Line. The Selecction Suprema has won our Blind-tasting covering the Corona Gordas. Excellent cigar. What kind of cigar did you want to create and will there be other formats, or collaborations with Casa Fernandez?

Max and I wanted to create something different, something Warped nor Casa Fernandez has produced before. With Futuro “Future” Max and I are rather young in the industry (I’m 27) and we wanted to create a blend that set the tone for the brands heading into the future and the way we see it. We bring an emphasis of uniqueness, complexity, balance, and experience to our cigars and we wanted to showcase that.

The trade show is right around the corner.

What can we expect from Warped at the IPCPR and in the future?

We have Maestro del Tiempo “Master of Time” releasing at the IPCPR in July and we may have a few new things coming before August.

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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 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 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

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 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

RMEAU TU emier Cigar S T he uk

r ‘s P EST 1817 &

To b

nt ha rc ac c o M e

LONDON •LIVERPOOL•CHESTER•NORFOLK

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FAMOUS SMOKERS

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“If I can’t smoke in paradise, I shall not go”

Mark Twain

I NEVER SMOKE MORE THAN ONE CIGAR PER TIME

by Giovanni Bolzonella

Born in 1835 in the state of Missouri, Samuel Langhorne Clemens owes the pseudonym to the shout “Mark twain (fathoms)!” A formula used by pilot-boats referring to the leadsman in the ports of Mississippi, to reassure them of the navigability in a particular point. In fact, Twain was a pilot and a sailor, a gold digger, a printer and a journalist.

Folkloristic writer and always full of humor, his writing are some of the most important of the American literature.

His biography, published a century after his death, reveals a different character compared to the popular one of “the appealing old man”. His pictured as a smoker of a medium of 300 cigars a month, furthermore he usually said: “I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time” because “More than one cigar at the time is smoking excessively”. In addition he followed

another important rule: “It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain when awake!!”. On the ideal moment to smoke: “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man’s enjoyment of his cigar”.

When someone asked him if he ever tried to quit smoking, he answers that „Quitting smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know, because I’ve done it a hundreds of times“.

In no way moderate in the use of alcohol, he also nurtured a certain love for women and passed his life without ever separating himself from his cigars until to his death, that came in 1910. Funny was also his view on the creation: “First, God created the man. Then he created the woman. Then God felt sorry for the man, and gave him tobacco”.

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PILLS

Cadillac in Cuba THE DESTINY OF THE OLD AMERICAN CARS

by Giovanni Bolzonella

Promptly every year, alleged voices of chamber declare that the days left for the american oldtimers on the island are few. The Cadillac are the most notable pre-embargo testimony, but at the same time run down. Whoever had the opportunity to climb into one of this picturesque automobile, certainly was face to face with the vicissitudes caused by a dreadful maintenance (windows that don’t close during the downpours, the gutter smell in the cabin, bumpers fixed with wires,…). Despite all, the Cadillacs and the other “Old American Cars” stay where they are! Since the embargo has also run over the spare parts of the American automobile houses, the biggest obstacle to their existence on the street is not represented by a certain law, that would like to phase them out, but rather by the necessity and the availability of spare parts.

For years the Cubans have repaired, mended and medicated their own cars, with parts definitely far from original ones. The places where these cars are mostly used are maritime sites where the brackish air has rusted body shop, or rural zones where the unfinished streets have left parts of the cabin in a poor state of repair. Telling the truth, there are also Asian and Russian cars.

Sometimes you will find videos on the internet, that document the ability with which Cuban mechanics adapt spare parts from small Asian cars into a Chevrolet, Cadillac, Plymouth and other historical American brands: wires, tacks and pieces taken from other cars get re-dimensioned with a craftsmanship more typical for a artisanal manufactory then from a workshop. “Asi se hace en Cuba!”

(This is Cuban way!).

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Blueprint of an inspiring blend

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

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BLIND TASTING

Double Figurados All the cigars sharing a shape tapered both the ends, belongs to the Double Figurado format. Very popular in the 20s, the became less and less enjoyed, till the 90s, when amost nobody was asking anymore for this shape. Nowadays some producers are showing a new interest to this format,

which has an undeniable charm.

A lot of smokers don’t like them because of their “slow start”, due to the tapered foot, which takes a few minutes to make the aromatic palette develop completely and the cigar show its own character.

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BLIND TASTING

Cuaba Distinguidos - Cuba

Size: cepo 52 x 162 mm (6,4”) - EUR: 15,7 € (IT) - 15,2 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium strength. Balance and harmony are exceptional and combined with a remarkable aromatic intensity this cigar gives off a great smoke. It gets almost difficult to not over puff it, due to its richness and creaminess.

The aromatic palette develops wood, white pepper, ripe fruits, balsamic herbs and pan brioches.

94

/100

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature - Dominican R. Size: cepo 58 x 184 mm (7,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 10,3 € (EU) | USD: 7,6 $ Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Medium to full strength. The cigar exhibits a complex and well balanced smoke, with a remarkable intensity to it. The aromatic palette is wide and the evolution well perceivable.

Vegetal notes, almond, and earth are the first aromas developed, followed by licorice and spicy peaks. Roasted notes, and tree nuts complete the aromatic bouquet.

92

/100

Padron 1926 80th Anniversary Natural - Nicaragua Size: cepo 52 x 171 mm (6,75”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 39 € (EU) | USD: 31,5 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Full strength. Great bodied cigar and very satisfying, it delivers a rich smoke, with a huge aromatic intensity to it. Super creamy.

Coffee, black pepper and aged wood in the first third, are followed by earth and walnut in the middle third. The last part is an almond, spices and vegetal notes explosion.

92

/100

Alec Bradley Mundial Punta Lanza No.4 - Honduras Size: cepo 48 x 108 mm (4,25”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 8,95 $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua

Slightly over the medium strength. Intense and with a long persistence, it settle down a balanced smoke, with a wide and complex aromatic palette.

Vegetal notes, tree nuts (rich hazelnut) and aged wood well alternates during the smoke, followed by hot spices.

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90

/100

Brun del Re Gold Perfecto - Costa Rica

Size: cepo 54 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Dominican R. & Nicaragua Light strength. It develops an elegant and refined smoke, with a great balance and harmony. The evolution is perceivable and the complexity remarkable.

It delivers roasted coffee notes, tree nuts (hazelnut) and cocoa.

Going on, it delivers wood and honey complete a well structured aromatic palette.

90

/100

Macanudo Inspirado Black Diplomat - Honduras

Size: cepo 50 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 11 $ Wrapper: Habano Connecticut | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua Medium to full strength. The aromatic intensity is great and the cigar is really satisfying.

The smoke coming out this black Diplomat is huge, and completely wrap the palate, from the first to the last puff.

Black pepper, balsamic herbs and piquant spices are well perceivable in the whole smoke, followed by some earthy pikes.

90

/100

Davidoff Nicaragua Diadema - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 50 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 20 € (IT) - 19 € (EU) | USD: 18 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. The smoke is well balanced and refined. Creamy and satisfying, is the most elegant cigar belonging to the Nicaragua Davidoff line.

It develops cedar wood, peppermint roasted notes, coffee and earth, with some mineral and citrus notes completing the aromatic palette.

89

/100

Flor de Selva El Galan - Honduras

Size: cepo 53 x 151 mm (5,9”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 12 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Slightly lower than medium strength. Creamy, balanced and harmonious, perfect to be enjoyed in every moment of the day. Elegant.

Fine wood, vanilla and hazelnut are followed by piquant spices in the middle third, while honey and peppermint show up in the last part.

89

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Casa Torres Perfecto - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 50 x 130 mm (5,1”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Full strength. The smoke is intense and rich. The complexity is not its highlight but the cigar is well satisfying and shows a well shaped aromatic palette.

It delivers piquant spices, wood, honey and earth. The base is sweet for the whole smoke, making the high strength less impetuous.

89

/100

Oliva V Melanio Figurado - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 52 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 16,3 € (EU) | USD: 14,35 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full strength, it develops a balanced smoke, with a nice harmony. The aromas are deep and the cigar is creamy. The evolution, however, is not too wide.

The aromatic palette is made of aged wood, white pepper, tree nuts (especially walnut) and piquant peaks. The spices are well perceivable from the first to the last puff.

89

/100

MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured Flying Pig - Nicaragua Size: cepo 60 x 104 mm (4,1”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: N/A | Binder: N/A | Filler: N/A

Medium to full strength. The process of making the Fired Cured leaves is well perceivable smelling the cigar. The persistence and the intensity are great. The smoke is on a dry side.

It delivers a peaty aroma, well perceivable from the first to the last puff. Smoked wood, black pepper and earth complete the aromatic bouquet, which gets fresher in the finale, due to balsamic notes. /100

88

RoMa Craft Intemperance EC XVIII Faith - Nicaragua Size: cepo 50 x 127 mm (5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia | Filler: Dominican R. & Nicaragua

Medium strength. Intense, harmonious and with a long persistence, it’s an easy smoke.

This is a RoMa Craft for those who can’t handle a full body and full strength smoke.

Cedar wood, honey and white pepper are the main aromas of the first half. Earth, hazelnut and black pepper develop in the second part, till the finale.

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88

/100

Plasencia Reserva Organica Cortes - Nicaragua Size: cepo 56 x 146 mm (5,7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9,9 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium strength. Well balanced, it has a remarkable aromatic intensity. Creamy and satisfying, its bouquet is wide and deep.

The smoke exhibits rich notes of humus and earth, followed by spices, roasted aromas and wood. The base, in some puff, appears to be slightly sweet.

88

/100

Alec Bradley Black Market Perfecto - Honduras Size: cepo 54 x 155 mm (6,1”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: 8,3 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Sumatra | Filler: Honduras & Panama

Medium strength. The evolution is not too wide but the aromas alternates continuously.

The smoke has a good harmony to it and it’s creamy and balanced.

It develops earth, wood, spices, almond and roasted notes, followed by leather and peppermint, which show up in the second half. The base is slightly sweet.

87

/100

Casa Magna Colorado Diademas - Nicaragua Size: cepo 54 x 171 mm (6,7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6,2 € (EU) | USD: 8,2 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Slightly over the medium strength. The aromatic intensity is remarkable. The smoke is easy, the aromas are few but they are well defined.

It delivers leather, roasted noted (coffee) and tobacco. For the whole smoke these are the aromas developed and, considering the cigar size, in some puff, the lack of other aromas is felt.

87

/100

Royal Danish Regal Twister - Costa Rica

Size: cepo 58 x 184 mm (7,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 31 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut | Binder: Peru | Filler: Panama & Giamaica Light strength. Despite by size, the cigar is absolutely not aggressive or unbalanced. The smoke is refined and mild bodied. The evolution is not wide and the huge size makes it something which is difficult to not notice.

Refined wood, tree nuts (hazelnuts) and light spices, followed by some aromatic herbs.

84

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Robusto Extra At the beginning they were mainly Toros, but now when someone talks about “Double Robusto” or “Robusto Extra” many are the cigars belonging to this format, and not just the classic 52 x 6” (152 mm). To this cigar category, we refer to products longer than a Robusto and with a length close to the Toros (usually 1cm-0.4” longer of shorter) and with at least a 50 ring gauge, no smaller cepo is allowed.

This format is well appreciated by the aficionados and it is second just to the Robustos. The secret is their capability to satisfy the smoker, with an 85 minutes lasting smoke, which is perfect when there is a decent amount of time to dedicate to our passion. The second reason is their size: the generous ring gauge (nowadays smoking an over 50 ring gauge is almost a must) and the length, make them noticeable but at the same time they are usually not too fat to make the old aficionados complain that the cigar is way too big and won’t even fit in their mouth.

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BLIND TASTING

La Sobremesa El Americano - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Mexico | Filler: Nicaragua & USA Medium strength. It develops a refined and elegant smoke, with a masterful balance.

Incredibly creamy and with an aromatic palette easily recognizable and complex.

Rich cocoa and spices (white pepper and piquant notes). Earth and peppermint come up during the smoke, that delivers balsamic herbs in the finale.

94

/100

La Flor Dominicana La Nox - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 50 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 11 $ Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: San Andres (Mexico) | Filler: Dominican R. Medium to full strength. Every puff is an aroma explosion, that wraps the palate, making the smoke very satisfying. Huge balance and remarkable complexity. Super creamy.

The aromatic palette is made of rich cocoa notes, followed by hazelnut and citrus at the beginning, leather and earth in the middle, coffee and wood in the finale.

93

/100

Padron Serie 1964 Imperial Natural - Nicaragua Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 17 € (EU) | USD: 16 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Full strength. Great balance and intensity. Satisfying smoke, which exhibits a wide and complex aromatic bouquet. Long persistence. Very creamy.

The first third delivers earth and black pepper notes, which get developed on a slightly sweet base. The middle third alternates almond and earth, while the finale delivers wood.

92

/100

Aging Room M365II Mezzo - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 9,5 $ Wrapper: Habano (Dominican R.) | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. Medium to full strength. Great complexity and body. Once turned the middle point, the cigar evolves a lot, changing the aromatic profile, that becomes greatly wider. Satisfying.

The rich cocoa scents before lighting up the cigar are the prelude to a smoke settle down cocoa beans and vanilla. Honey, fine spices, cinnamon and earth, fulfill the aromatic bouquet.

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91

/100

Camacho Barrel Aged - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 13 € (EU) | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: Broadleaf USA | Binder: Broadleaf USA | Filler: USA Medium strength. Great balance and body, harmonious and with a remarkable complexity to it. The evolution is not too wide, but the intensity overwhelms this aspect.

The aromatic palette intertwines aged wood, earthy and roasted (coffee) notes, followed by spice in the aftertaste. The base is slightly salty and the smoke creamy.

91

/100

Casa Turrent Gran Robusto Maduro - Mexico

Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7,5 € (EU) | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: San Andres (Mexico) | Binder: Mexico & Nicaragua | Filler: Mexico & Nicaragua Slightly over the medium strength. It develops a remarkable intensity and the aromas are well defined and perceivable. The cigar is very satisfying.

The cocoa beans scents coming off the cigar when is still unlighted are the same delivered during the smoke, followed by tree nuts, spices and bred notes. The finale develops rich spices.

91

/100

Herrera Esteli Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 52 x 52 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Habano (Ecuador) | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. The smoke is incredibly creamy, dense and plentiful. Well balanced and with a long persistence, it exhibits a refined and complex smoke.

The base is both salty and sweet, giving off to a nice profile. Roasted aromas are perceivable for the whole smoke, followed by vanilla, wood, cocoa and tree nuts.

91

/100

Liga Privada No.9 Parejo Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 16 € (EU) | USD: 13,5 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua Medium to high strength. Great intensity, very spicy and with a long persistence. The smoke is copious. Creamy and satisfying.

Id delivers piquant spices, black pepper, cocoa and earth, followed by roasted coffee notes. In some puff are perceivable vegetal peaks, that fulfill the aromatic profile.

91

/100

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BLIND TASTING

My Father Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8,5 € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full strength. Well balanced and harmonious smoke. The evolution is well perceivable and defined. It exhibits an interesting sweet-sour profile. Creamy and satisfying.

It brings to the palate wood, pan brioches and white pepper. Going on, vanilla, herbs and roasted notes of coffee come to the palate, completing the aromatic profile.

91

/100

Mombacho Liga Maestro Novillo - Nicaragua Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - 8,5 (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium to full strength. The smoke is balanced and with a nice aromatic intensity to it.

The persistence is exceptional and the evolution perceivable. Very satisfying.

The aromatic palette is made of cocoa and black pepper, well present for the whole smoke and followed by roasted note of coffee, earth and fine wood. Piquant notes are perceivable in the aftertaste.

91

/100

Montecristo Open Eagle - Cuba

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 16,1 € (IT) - 14,9 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba The strength is slightly lower the medium. The balance is exceptional, the smoke refined and elegant. The aromatic palette is wide and the evolution perceivable. Creamy.

The base is sweet and the cigar delivers vegetal notes, fine wood, honey and walnut. Cocoa, spices and peppermint come to the palate in the second half, completing the aromatic profile.

91

/100

Ashton Estate Sun Grown Diplomat - Dominican R. Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 20 € (EU) | USD: 19 $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.

Medium to full strength. Really satisfying, with a remarkable intensity. Balanced and creamy, the cigar has an incredibly long persistence.

The start is made of wood, hazelnut, herbs and rich notes of black pepper. Going on, the spices get even richer and the last part is refreshed by peppermint notes.

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90

/100

Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios - Cuba

Size: cepo 52 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 25,8 € (IT) - 26 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium to full strength. Classy smoke, with an amazing harmony. Intensity and persistence are remarkable. Creamy and refined.

The aromatic bouquet is made of cocoa and piquant spices, followed by wood in the first half. Earthy notes, honey and walnut get added during the second part.

90

/100

Davidoff Escurio Gran Toro - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 58 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 19 € (IT) - 18 € (EU) | USD: 18 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Brazil | Filler: Dominican R. Slightly over the medium strength. The balance is great and the use of Brazilian tobaccos gives to this cigar its own character. Refined, satisfying and complex.

It develops notes of earth and green olives, followed by vanilla. In the middle third it turns into green pepper and undergrowth, while the last part is made of spices and aged wood.

90

/100

El Gueguense Toro Huaco - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 56 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Corojo 99 Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full strength. The persistence is incredibly long and the intensity great, all without making the smoke unbalanced. Complex and satisfying.

The exclusive use of Nicaraguan tobacco is perceivable in the aromatic palette, which is made of rich spices, black pepper, wood, cocoa honey and earth. A Puro under every aspect.

90

/100

Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Toro - Nicaragua Size: cepo 50 x 159 mm (6,2”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 13,5 € (EU) | USD: 11 $ Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium strength. The balance is great and the smoke is well refined a with a nice complexity. The cigar mechanic is perfect.

It settle down fine wood, earth, spices and piquant peaks, followed by marzipan, which stays for the whole smoke. The finale brings to the palate notes of peppermint.

90

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Freya Thor - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 16 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Criollo ’98 Dominican R. | Binder: San Adnres (Mexico) | Filler: Dominican R. & Nicaragua Medium strength. Balanced and harmonious cigar, which develop a decent persistence and a good complexity. The evolution is not too wide.

Aromatic palette: green pepper, cumin, wet earth and wood, together with ANICE and rich balsamic notes.

89

/100

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan - Cuba Size: cepo 52 x 162 mm (6,4”) - EUR: 14,8 € (IT) - 14,5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba

Medium strength. Well balanced and creamy, it’s a cigar enjoyable in every moment of the day. Elegant and refined, with a wide aromatic palette.

It delivers roasted notes (coffee) and tree nuts, well perceivable for the whole smoke, followed by fine wood and green pepper at first and pan brioches and spices in the final third.

89

/100

H. Upmann Connoisseur A - Cuba

Size: cepo 52 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 10,8 € (IT) - 12,5 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium strength. Easy smoke, with a limited evolution but very balanced and with a good intensity. The persistence is decent.

The aromatic palette is made of roasted note of coffee and cappuccino, tree nuts and earth. The second half brings to the palate green wood and sugary notes.

89

/100

La Aurora Family R. - G. Leon Gran Toro - Dominican R. Size: cepo 58 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 10 € (EU) | USD: 9,5 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. & Cameroon | Filler: R. Dom., Nica. & Peru

Medium strength. Elegant and refined, it develops a balanced smoke. Very creamy and perfect to be enjoyed in the morning or far from a meal.

Roasted coffe and tree nuts are the main aromas, accompanied by fine wood and green pepper at first, pan brioches and spices later.

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89

/100

RoMa Craft Aquitaine Cranium - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: 8,3 $ Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Ligero | Binder: Cameroon | Filler: Nicaragua Full strength. Great aromatic intensity and body. The cigar has an incredible persistency.

The evolution, however, is very limited. Very satisfying.

Aged wood, walnut and roasted note of coffee are perceivable for the whole smoke, accompanied by rich spices (black pepper) in the aftertaste.

89

/100

Padron 4000 - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 54 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 8 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full strength. The persistence is remarkable and the intensity is huge: the result is an incredibly satisfying smoke. It only misses a bit of evolution.

The aromatic bouquet is made of wood, black pepper, roasted coffee, earth and leather, which alternates for the whole smoke. The base is slightly sweet.

89

/100

Villiger Celebration - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 16 € (EU) | USD: 16 $ Wrapper: N/A | Binder: N/A | Filler: N/A Medium strength. The smoke is well balanced and harmonious, with a nice complexity and evolution to it. The leaves used in the blend of this cigar are a secret.

At first it develops wood aromas, vanilla and spices, folloer by vegetal notes and peppermint in the middle third. The last part is spicy and brings to the palate citrus aromas.

89

/100

AVO Syncro Nicaragua Toro - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 11 € (EU) | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican R. & Peru Light to medium strength. Great balance. The aromatic bouquet is very harmonious. The persistence is and the intensity are limited. A “good giant”.

It delivers refined earth, undergrowth, roasted notes of coffee in the first third, while middle third turns into hazelnut, vegetal and balsamic notes. The base is sweet (honey).

88

/100

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BLIND TASTING

La Galera El Lector - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 5,5 $ Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecuador) | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. Medium to full strength. Balance and harmony are remarkable. The balance never come less and the cigar mechanic is perfect.

It brings to the palate very rich spices and white pepper, which will be present for the whole smoke. Around the spices, slowly pick up a woody and earthy aroma.

88

/100

Laranjia Reserva Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - - € (EU) | USD: 11 $ Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full strength. Very spicy and with a balance on the razor edge in some puff.

The intensity is remarkable but the evolution not too wide.

The aromatic palette is made of earh and rich black pepper, alternating in continuous till the end. In some puff are perceivable piquant peaks and cedar wood.

88

/100

Lempira Minister Toro - Honduras

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 7 € (EU) | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Mata Fina (Brazil) | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras Medium strength. Well balance, it develops a nice and wide aromatic palette but the evolution is not too wide. Harmonious and elegant.

Vegetal and roasted notes alternates, followed by spices, cocoa and white pepper. The base stays sweet for the whole smoke.

88

/100

Señorial Toro Maduro - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 15 € (EU) | USD: 9,5 $ Wrapper: Habano Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R. Medium strength. The aromatic bouquet of this cigar is very elegant and refined, other than balanced and complex. However, it lacks in evolution.

It delivers earthy notes, wood and walnut, followed by peppermint.

In the second hald, mineral note and incense come to the palate aswell.

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88

/100

Tabacalera Perique Toro - Philippines

Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,2”) - EUR: 8,5 € (IT) - 7,5 € (EU) | USD: 7,5 $ Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Slightly over the medium strength. The aromatic intensity is very good and the smoke is well structured. The smoke is a bit on the dry side.

Wood, cocoa notes come to the palate since the beginning and alternate for the whole smoke, with rich black pepper and spiced in the aftertaste. In the finale are perceivable balsamic herbs.

88

/100

Camacho Ecuador Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8,5 € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium strength. Well balanced smoke, with a decent evolution but with an aromatic intensity very limited.

The aromas delivered are cocoa and hazelnut at first, wood in the middle third and honey, mineral and balsamic herbs in the last third.

87

/100

EP Carrillo New Wave Reserva Toro - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 8,5 € (EU) | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf | Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican R. Medium to full strength. Balanced smoke, creamy and with a decent persistence. The last third is the less performing one, with the intensity falling down.

In the first two thirds the aromatic palette is made of cappuccino, piquant spices, vegetal notes and black pepper, with some balsamic herbs in the aftertaste. The last third involves on roasted notes.

87

/100

Illusione MJ12 Maduro Toro - Nicaragua

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8,5 € (IT) - 9 € (EU) | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua Medium to full strength, it exhibits an intense and balanced smoke. The harmony is good but the evolution is not too wide and in the second half a change of gear is missing.

The aromatic palette is made of leather, cocoa and black pepper, which get developed on a slightly sweet base. In the middle third coffee notes come to the palate aswell.

87

/100

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BLIND TASTING

Paradiso (S. Cristobal) Revelation Legend - Nicaragua Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,2”) - EUR: 8,7 € (IT) - 7,5 € (EU) | USD: 7,5 $ Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Medium strength. Decent complexity and great balance. The smoke is dense and creamy. The evolution is limited but the aromatic palette is wide and the aromas defined.

It delivers cocoa and vegetal notes, followed by piquant spices.

Going on, wood and spices come to the palate aswell, together with a rich leather aroma.

87

/100

Royal Danish Fat Dane - Costa Rica

Size: cepo 60 x 178 mm (7”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 12 € (EU) | USD: - $ Wrapper: Costa Rica | Binder: Costa Rica | Filler: Costa Rica Light to medium strength. Creamy and silky, is has a great balance to it. Despite this, the big size, paired with a very limited evolution and intensity, make it a little bit boring.

It develops oak wood, herbs, citrus and spices. The second half get refreshed by balsamic and tea notes, but noting more is added to the aromatic bouquet.

86

/100

Te Amo Nicaragua Toro - Mexico

Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6 € (EU) | USD: 5 $ Wrapper: Criollo ‘98 | Binder: San Andres (Mexico) | Filler: Nicaragua Slightly over the medium strength. The smoke has a nice balance and a decent persistence. The brazier needs continuous correction to not compromise the smoke.

Wet earth, wood, spiced and mineral notes come to the palate since the first puff and alternated with each other during the whole smoke. The base is a bit salty.

85

/100

Vegas de Santiago Chaman Toro - Costa Rica Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € (IT) - 6,5 € (EU) | USD: 5 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Costa Rica | Filler: Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Light to medium strength. The intensity, the aromatic bouquet and the evolution are limited. Good for a smoke that doesn’t need too many attentions.

The aromatic palette is made of spices and leather, followed by tree nuts and cedar wood. Very light and with a persistence super short, to not say no persistence at all.

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83

/100

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SLOW ATTITUDE

Kentucky HIS MAJESTY THE WRAPPER

by Giuseppe Mitolo

In the past years, there have always been many dissertations over the wrapper leaf impact on the cigar aromatic profile. Many producers even pushed themselves to use different wrappers to create a bicolor effect (the barber pole cigars), or used the “candela” shade wrapper to pay homage with smoky swirls to the 17th of march, Saint Patricks Day. In this article we don’t intend to venture on the effects of the wrapper leaf in the cigar recipe prospective, but rather how important these leaves are in cigars that are made exclusively with Kentucky tobacco. It is important to clarify something before we start. The external leaf of this cigars can be simply called “fascia”, escaping a classification and a typical Spanish nomenclature.

In the making of this article, we wanted to have the opinion and thoughts of Domenico Napoletano, a great expert on Kentucky tobacco.

For those that don’t know, Domenico Napoletano is in the world of tobacco since 1990, when he started his career in the Italian state monopoly, where he accumulated a long experience about cigars and a complete knowledge of the international tobacco market. From 2000 on, with the restructuring and the cession of the production activity of the monopoly, he founded and directed the “Product Development” office at ETI (Italian tobacco agency) and BAT (British American Tobacco). After a short venture into the manufacture Sigaro Toscano, he

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SLOW ATTITUDE created, as master blender, the Antico Sigaro Nostrano del Brenta. Nowadays, he collaborates with the new society Moderno Opificio del Sigaro Italiano.

Turning to the examination of the tobacco utilized to wrap the Italian cigar, the biggest difference from the Caribbean tobacco is the cultivation technic. While in the Caribbeans the wrapper leaves are usually cultivated covered and protected from the direct sun irradiation (tabaco tapado), the wrapper for the Italian cigars are always grown under the sun. This doesn’t mean lesser attention from the farmer, that from the seed choice (there are more suitable tobacco variety for this purpose), has to know if those plants will grow wrapper leaves (fascia) or filler leaves. In the first case, in fact, every agricultural phase will be correctly followed, with the next phases of irrigation, fertilization and shearing performed to maximize the result for the finale purpose.

But what are the physical characteristics matching up the perfect leaf to dress an Italian

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cigar? It seems to be obvious, but the integrity is an essential condition, that has to be kept for all the phases (growth, harvest, treatment, fermentation, maturation) until it reaches the manufacturer. A punctured or torn leaf will rejected immediately.

Another evaluation parameter is the “paginatura della foglia” (leaf pagination). This term includes in a single word many characteristics, such as the size, the structure of the leaf and also the veins dimension.

Other than this, what make a leaf valuable enough to be used to dress up a cigar, are the colors (a rich and brilliant brown), the elastic texture and veins (small veins leaves are preferred to the big veins ones). The finest Kentucky wrapper leaf in the world, which have all these characteristics, is the North American one. The ample “paginatura”, the right shade (called in Italian “tonaca by frate”, which means “friar cassock”), its texture, its elasticity and the small veins, make the North American Kentucky wrapper the most sought after (and also the most expensive) for the making of “high regalia” cigars.

However, the attention which flows into the plant growing are not sufficient enough to make every leaf a potential wrapper for a cigar: since every corona leaf has different characteristics, it becomes appropriate to choose those beneath the subapical or median, the most balanced from a chemical point of view, for the final use.

The transformation phase turns then to the curing (fire cured) and fermenting of the Kentucky tobacco. The curing doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t differ from the one that would be followed for the leaves destined to be filler, it is exactly the same, but during the fermentation phase is paid a lot more attention.

To comprehend the reason for this choices, a further clarifying is necessary. Napoletano explained us how the fermentation of the Kentucky leaf produces a structural impairment of the same, that would probably broken the leaf during the rolling phase, nullifying all the previous performed work.

To obviate this inconvenience, the higher quality cigars are rolled and rested in a room with controlled humidity and temperature, where the wrapper, more humid then the filler, ferments together with the filler. In the case of the lower quality cigars, there is no passage in the maturation chamber, and it is preferred to perform a lighter and gentle fermentation, such to not attack in a violent way the leaf structure of the wrapper.

Lastly, also in the Italian cigar the wrapper is responsible for a significant aromatic contribution. First of all, it is a leaf that combusts very well, reason why a more cadenced puff let the aromatic substances being perceived quicker by the smoker. Considering also the aromatic profile, the North American Kentucky is better than the Italian one, conferring more elegance and strength to the final product.

This quick journey into a small part of the Kentucky world manages to reveal how, also for the production of cigars that some smoker still consider a â&#x20AC;&#x153;B seriesâ&#x20AC;?, the agronomy, the paid attention, the cure and the passion of the sector operators are not less consistent than the work made with other tobaccos, especially from the overseas and Caribbean producers.

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VINTAGE

Ramon Allones 898 Dunhill Selecciรณn

by Luca Cominelli

The vintage cigar market is no longer surprising, not because the prices are not growing anymore or there is no interest left, but because is a constant rise.

Among the most wanted brand and lines there are the Dunhill and the Dunhill Selecciรณn Suprema.

These cigars were made before the Dunhill brand born and were sold in the Dunhill shops in Toronto, New York and London.

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CUBA

Ramon Allones 898 Dunhill Selección Size: cepo 43 x 170 mm (6,7”) Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba EUR: 230 € (250 $) per cigar Year: 1980 The cigars are dressed up with a colorado claro shade wrapper, silky and oily to the touch.

- pre lighting Before lighting it up, it develops cocoa and cedar wood scents.

- first third The opening delivers tree nuts and after the first puffs, fine wood, aromatic herbs, spices and rich black pepper, come to the palate.

The strength is slightly over the medium (3,5/5).

- second third The cedar wood is still well present, now accompanied by earth and vanilla notes. The base gest slightly sweet. The strength is now medium to full (4/5).

- third third The smoke turns completely: walnut and aromatic herbs, together with rich balsamic notes get develops. The strength goes back to medium (3,5/5).

- conclusions The smoke is interesting due to many reasons. First of all these 898 have nothing to do with the latest produced Ramon Allones, commercialized between the 70s and 2002. The 898 Dunhill Selección exhibits a much more harmonic smoke, without losing in complexity.

Under the aromatic profile, the cigar is rich, creamy and refined. The evolution is perceivable and the strength is under control from the first to the last puff, giving off a nice balance to this Ramon Allones belonging to other times.

OVERALL EVALUATION

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PAIRINGS Alcoholic: Champagne Analcoholic: White tea

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PILLS

zenith

EL PRIMERO CHRONOMASTER 1969 COHIBA EDITION

by Roberto Canzi

Zenith, a prestigious Swiss brand and creator of precision watches, celebrates 50 year of the most famous and desired Cuban brand in the world of cigars, Cohiba, by presenting a limited series of the cronografo El Primero.

The exclusive watch â&#x20AC;&#x153;El Primero Chronometer 1969 Cohiba Editionâ&#x20AC;&#x153; encloses in a sapphire glass an Habana brown backdrop quadrant and an additional circular counters designed for stop and clock watch; some of the of the moving mechanism parts are visible the watch is adorned by the classic colors (black and yellow) and images of the flagship Cuban brand.

Build for the more refined connoisseurs, the precision chronometer El Primero Chonomaster 1969

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Cohiba Edition is certified by the COSC (Controle Officiel Suisse Des Chronometre) subjected to multiple days of testing, in different positions and temperatures.

The strap is made of crocodile leather, the back cover, also in transparent sapphire glass, shows the entire rotation mechanism.

The watch is placed in a wooden coffin, also this one characterized by the colors of the most luxurious Habanos brand, that visually resembles the box used for the cigars.

The El Primero Chronometer 1969 Cohiba Edition is available in two versions: there will be 50 exclusive chronographs made with a rose gold case and 500 made with a steel case.

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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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