Lover Cigars
Magazine
- No. 7 -
BLIND TASTING: TOROS
News Cuba 2014 Cohiba Robustos Supremos
Bolivar Super Coronas Partagas Selecciòn Privada H.d.M. Le Hoyo de San Juan Por Larrañaga Picadores
Davidoff
Oro Blanco
The 500$ cigar
Ambasciator Italico The italian cigar
Señorial
Interview with Josè Blanco
Pairing
Kilchoman Makir Bay
Soil!
Its influence
Jars
Unconventional humidors!
editorial
The Team Editor: Luca Cominelli
Editorial
In this issue:
We have come to the final issue of 2014, a year that saw CigarsLover Magazine growing and achieving some important milestones, including the english language version of the magazine and the addition of many headings and insights related to all that orbits around the world of cigars.
Rating
This issue is launched with a redesigned graphic to make the reading clearer and at the same time more enjoyable.
Authors: Michel Arlia
Didier Houvenaghel
Giuseppe Mitolo
Heiko Blumentritt
Giovanni Bolzonella
Graphic designer:
Mario Amelio Collaborators: Aaron Reddy, Alessandro Bonisoli, Ander Morlando, Kaarel Kluge, Mirko Fabbian, Roberto Canzi, Chris Glenn Translations: Rachelle Mauleon Jacopo Bettello
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Index
CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
An important collaboration with a leading figure in the world of tobacco is born: Didier Houvenaghen will be collaborating with us starting from now. We are confident that he will give a significant contribution, making it possible to tackle issues in a more specific and detailed way, analyzing not only the theory but also the practice of a producer who lives directly our passion for the cigar.
How to read our rating system ........... ...................................................... 4
Reviews ..................................... 25
Partagas: the book Interview with the author Amir Saarony ..................................... 51
Soil!
Its influence ................................... 5
Davidoff Oro Blanco The top qualit‡ from Dominican Republic ........................................ 7
Kilchoman
The pairing with Machir Bay ..... 33
Blind Tasting ...................... 35
The blind tasting that we launched from the last issue was much appreciated, so we decided to continue on this road, moreover we increased the number of cigars tested: 20 this time! Since our publication is directly at cigarslover.com, we want to thank the high number of readers who have voiced out their appreciation for the complete redesign of the website. We are very pleased to know that the development of our project has been able to improve the organization and the content layout.
Cuban news 2014
Davidoff
Château Haut-Brion .................. 55
Jars
Tatuaje Monster
Unconventional humidors! ............. 9
The Halloween success ............... 57
Señorial
John F. Kennedy
Las cumbres tabaco .................... 13
Under H. Upmann sign ............ 59
The 2014 is ending, a year in which our passion has been translated into contents. For the next year we aim not just to confirm, but we want to offer an always renewed magazine, introducing innovations and imporvements, an aspect that has always let us distinguish.
ANS
Smoking in Wörrstadt ............... 61
A warm thanks to all of our readers.
Taste
“The passion moves us.”
The main sense in the degustation ..... ................................................... 19
Inter-tabac 2014 The biggest european cigar fair .......... ................................................... 21
La Méthode de J. Puisais The lightning science ................... 23
Xikar Allume The new lighter line is born ............. ................................................... 43
Ambasciator italico
The italian cigar .......................... 46
Analcoholic pairing The Roy Rogers made for the cigars .... ................................................... 49
Vocabulary The meaning of the words we use ..... ................................................... 63
Sections The arguments you can find on CsL Magazine ................................... 64
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info
Rating
how to read scale of evaluation The reviewed cigars are presented in a evaluation in hundredths. This is to give an accurate evaluation to every cigar, so they can be located inside of a large scale of value. The points that are given to the cigars are the average results that are taken both from the smoked examples and the different smokers.
BEADS
The best WAY OF humidification
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, post-smoke 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.
85-89:
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.
80-84:
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.
75-79:
mediocre smoke. The cigar shows more flaws than are bearable for a satisfying smoke. The parameters of the evaluation are leaning more to a lower level and the smoke is generally not recommended.
70-74:
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.
Available on CigarsLover.com
cigars with really good quality/price ratio. We defenitely recommend the purchase.
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slow attitude
Soil! its influence
‘just’ give good chances to! Even if they are absolutely required, the soil qualities alone are not enough to produce enjoyable cigars. Other fundamental elements must be considered.
by Didier Houvenaghel
Introduction – Is the soil really so essential for the cigar production? Many aficionados discuss the relation between the cigar ashes and the soil composition. But is the ashes color only connected to the quality of the soil? Or – reversely – have the ground’s minerals only an influence on the quality of combustion? Of course it is not so simple and let’s try to understand a little bit more about this. The agri concept – Thought their roots the plants absorb the soil water and mineral elements to produce crude sap, the basic nutrient of the vegetal. As for all living beings – including humans – the quality and good diversity of available nutrients is a key factor to the optimal development of the black tobacco. But the nutrient accessibility for the plant is imperative during its complete development cycle. Sometimes, the mineral elements are present but not absorbable by
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the plant. Also and to perpetuate the optimal production of black tobacco leaves, the regeneration of impoverished soils after each crop is also fundamental. Thus to insure the good balanced growth of the plants the soil has to be considered a multifaceted and dynamic system: a progressive chemical, physical and biological complex. To maintain its long term quality, the soil must definitely be respected. A variety of treatments must be applied to preserve the soil with the goal of regenerating its chemical contents, physical properties and biological diversity. Before (soil analysis and preparation), during (hoeing, fertilization, and hilling) and after cultivation
(fallow land and cultures rotation), wise management must be given to the lands. The production goal – The genetics of the planted black tobacco varieties will interact with the environment – the ‘terroir’ (land, climate, etc.) and the expertise – and will finally express a variety of coded characteristics. The production will be measured in quantity and quality of the harvest in function of the final objectives of the grower. As a result, the experts will choose the plant varieties and design the different necessary attentions consistently with the production goal. Plantations with ligero leaves or wrapper leaves objectives will not be handled the same way. Hence a diversified and balanced soil is essential for the production of enjoyable cigars, but it is far from being the only factor! The soil assessment cannot be decorrelated from the plant variety, the other environmental factors and the grower expertise.For example a careful eye must be drawn at
the climate – rains, winds, temperature, etc. – as it has a direct and significant influence on the soil and the plants. From the field to the lips of the amateur – To be rolled into fine cigars, the green leaves must progress optimally through the rest of the demanding production process. Before becoming cigars, the green leaves – to preserve and improve their agricultural qualities – must go through essential and sensitive transformations (like
drying, fermentations, and aging) and operations (like classification, mid-rip stripping, blending, rolling, packing and conservation). After the soil has lost all influence, the production process remains indeed very long and simple mistakes can unfortunately ruin the final quality of a leave.
Take a good soil – the first vital step – and then add a good plant variety, an important dose of know-how, and shake into a good environment and a great climate. After collection then add a part of fine drying, a piece of sensational classification, and a measurement of terrific fermentations before applying a dose of nice aging. Finalize with an important amount of unique blending and great rolling topped with some excellent conservation. Light up with emotion.
Thus – Growing black tobacco on excellent soils is therefore essential for the production of fine tobacco leaves but it will never be an insurance to produce great cigars. It will
This cocktail takes years’ long experience to perceive, understand, reproduce and develop! We produce with passion, taste with love!
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smokes from the world
Davidoff Oro Blanco the top quality from dominican republic By Luca Cominelli
The “Oro Blanco” is the newest arrival for Davidoff, and it is the most prestigious cigar to ever be produced , by this renowned brand established by Zino Davidoff. It is limited edition, and all the tabacco leaves have been handled and cultivated in the Dominican Republic. It is now available in the Davidoff Lounges, and it has called the attention of the market for two reasons: its sale price and the quality of the raw material used. Starting from the price, the Oro Blanco is sold for $500 each. It is available in a hardwood package with a single cigar, or in a hardwood box counting 10 pieces ($5,000). The quality of the packaging deserves a positive remark; a maximum attention to details has been used for the construction of this remarkable packages. A metal insert is also set in the wood, with the name
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of the cigar and its history written in it. The anilla presents a distinctive trait: instead of the classic davidoff anilla (golden sign on a white background), the one used
for this super-premium cigar shows silver signs (from the name Oro Blanco), and it is also present the signature on Eladio Diaz, Director of Quality for the brand.
This is the most expensive cigar ever launched on the market, except for the Gurkha Majestic Reserve, which is a flavored cigar, not realized with 100% of natural tobacco, so it does not count. This is the first Davidoff cigar rolled with leaves coming from one only harvest: the 2002, which is supposed to be the most refined crop of the new millenium, as reports Davidoff, itself. This tobacco comes up straight from private plantations of Davidoff. Beyond the certified superior quality of this harvest, a meticulous selection has been made, in order to use only the very best leaves, which have also been aged for 12 years ! In the year 2014 they have all been utilized for the Oro Blanco. Aesthetically the cigar is very elegant, the contrast between the color of the anilla and the one of the wrapper, puts the emphasis on the Davidoff signature, which immediately bounches to the eye. The wrapper does not show any track of imperfections, it is oily, silky of a colorado maduro shade. It is perfectly rolled and the filler is perfectly filled, with no excess nor defect. At the nose are perceivable notes of chestnut and walnut honey, with hints of spices. The scent is extremely tempting. The format is the Gran Toro: 54x152mm (6 inches). This dimensions make the cigar majestic and well-proportioned.
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Jars slow attitude
unconventional humidors! By Giuseppe Mitolo
In the last few years many aficionados decided to keep cigars in the jars, either glass or ceramic ones. The trend is likely fueled both by the latest caribbean productions (Cuba in particular) and by the choice of its national importers. It is easy to see that if this type of packaging is used for the sale, especially for the special or commemorative editions, probably suggests that the cigars will benefit from this type of storage, which is an almost century old tradition (the first Partagas jars were produced in the 20’s of the last century).
Leaving aside the historical aspect, we intend to dwell on the conservation in a jar as a type of storage, even when not specifically proposed by manufacturers or importers. Let’s start by saying that with these new systems you can get a very good humidification, whether the intention is to storage (ready for the smoke) or to age (in the long-term). There are few smokers who use the jars as humidor “low cost”, perhaps to test their cigar passion before investing money in a traditional humidor. Other smokers, however, although possessing efficient conservation systems, choose to store some cigars in retold containers of glass or ceramic.
simple rules. The glass is transparent, unlike the ceramic. That means that the light passing through it can change the color of the cigar wrapper and it can bring to biochemical internal environment distortions. We are not talking about the “greenhouse effect”, but the principle is roughly the same: the light penetrates in an airtight, heats the air, raises the internal humidity and air tightness continues to hold it inside the humidification system. This is why the advice, if you opted for a sealed glass jar (like those used in the kitchen to store pasta or other ingredients) is to shield it from light. Systems can be different, from the cheap silver foil, to the strips of cedar wood from the cigar boxes, properly shaped and placed inside the jar.
and dimensions (considerations prior to purchase: how many and what cigars you’re going to store), you must take care of the humidification system, keeping in mind that we are going to act on an airtight humidor, even more of the best on the market. This is why putting in our “low cost humidor” cigars properly humidified, won’t need to add anything else. However, just wanting to make an anonymous glass jar or ceramic our desired casket for the “everyday” smokes, exposes it to the need to open and close it several times, which means that it will be significant swings in humidity. Enter the classic sponge with a solution of water and propylene glycol can be very risky: if you do not check the amount of water drops that you put, you’ll have serious risk to over-humidify the
environment (with the classic problems that entails). The optimal solution are control humidification systems such as the “Beads” or “Boveda”: they take up little space, they need little attention and they are self-regulating and long-lasting (the first are almost eternal, the latter last for a few months).
scents of a cigar, in particular for the Cubans, usually packed in boxes and wooden cabinets without the use of cellophane. This close contact means that the majority of Cuban cigars, in smoke, gives off marked aromas of wood. Well, if you choose to store them in a jar, after a few months the cigars will lose this characteristic aroma and, incredibly, they will develop new flavors, sometimes even more delicate, which was hidden by the woody perceptions.
These devices, however, do not exclude the use of a digital hygrometer, which helps the verification of the moisture. It is important to place it in a well seen place, in order to control the humidity without The predominant characteristic opening the cover. That said, it still that makes peculiar the conservation in the jar is the reduced oxygen remains something to know. exchange. Notoriously, the cigar is Why choosing this way for storing/ a “live” product that continues to aging our cigars? First of all, remo- improve and refine after several ving the cigars from their original decades, if well kept. In view of packaging changes the aromatic the long-life or of the aging, the
Hence the first question: glass or ceramic? Excluding propensities of satisfaction and strictly subjective equal tightness, the choice is irrelevant, as long as you keep in To choose the jar you need to take m i n d s o m e into account the preferred materials
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slow attitude different interaction of the cigar with the air can slow down or speed up the aging process of the product in the long run. The more the cigar lives the seasons (for example, in a static humidor), the more it ages fast, net of certain variables such as, first of all, that the quality of
the tobaccos used. Conversely, the more the air exchange will be reduced, the longer will be the time to maturing/aging. The principle is the same technique of wrapping the box in a plastic wrap (usually used by collectors all over the world), or again,
the answer to why some cigars are packed in painted cabinets. For this reason, it is not unusual that those who possess advanced preservation tools opts for storing full box in a jar, in order to let it mature for a longer time. In the latter case, the use of a humidifier element becomes less necessary (be careful, not useless!), just because it is not needed to open the jar often. However, also in this case, although such systems do not require special care, the care of the smoker who intends to keep for a long time remains essential element for an excellent smoke in the future.
Available on Cadenhead’s Whisky Bar - Milan
Regarding the humidity rates we, should distinguished them depending on whether one opts for storage or aging; always keep in mind the golden rule of sealing the jar. First, we advice you to follow your taste to smoke: the humidity you would keep in your humidor will go for the jar as well (relative humidity between 65% and 72%). If you want to experience a longterm aging instead (significant results not sooner than five years old, in the opinion of this writer, even decades, according to international collectors!) it would be good to keep the humidity rates relatively low, preferably not more than 65%. Paradoxically, in the process of aging in a jar, the temperature of conservation is not so important (just do not leave it in place with really high or low temperatures), but the low humidity, low oxygen supply, good sealing and control time to time are.
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interview
Señorial
blender of “La Aurora” in that period, and there was a contract between the companies which we were working for. Part of her job was to sell “La Aurora” in Eastern Europe. She often came to Santiago for seminars or for ProCigar Festival or visiting the factory with its customers.
las cumbres tabaco By Michel Arlia
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Corojo) planted by the cousin of Josè, Jochi Blanco, in his own farms. All these leaves are also aged for four years and have been selected by Jochi. Josè loves blends developing complex smoke and well combined aromas. To him, the blend must be enjoyable and full of taste, but also well balanced. The cigar needs to be creamy and smooth.
interview with
Josè Blanco
• How did you and Emma meet?
Emma worked for the Swedish Match company (a large cigars filler of General Cigar) from 2005 to 2010. She occupied the place of Marketing Manager to Long Fillers East Europe, with the supervision of 10 countries. I knew his father, We interviewed Josè, asking him to who has played an important role tell us how this project came about in Swedish Match from 1987 until and how it developed, without 2010, when he retired. omitting the technical details on the composition of his new cigars. I was the director of sales and
The image that can be seen by opening the box is an oil painting, made by his Bulgarian stepmother.
The painting depicts an old way of Colonial area of Santo Domingo. Albert Montserrat, the Spanish owner of Cigar Rings, created the design in the painting. Albert and Emma have worked side by side on the entire design, trying to make it in the traditional way but at the • W hat does Señorial same time with a little something means for you two? extra. I think they definitely succeeIt was Emma who decided the ded in their aim. name “Señorial”. Emma has wor• Emma also took deciked with a lot of passion and sions on the blend or the without limit on everything to do size of the cigars in the with the marketing aspects of our line? company, our whole front line. We decided that the brand should portray the history, culture, people and Emma is learning more and more tradition, in short all those feelings about the blend, but up to now, that relate to my story in the world has not had a direct impact on of cigars, from my great-grandfa- this. However, she always said her ther to the present. She has found opinion about it, and I have taken the term “Señorial” searching and into account some of her ideas translating the Spanish words from about the types of leaves to be different languages. “Señorial” used. To be honest she has always means “noble”, literally “manorial” been a source of inspiration for but this name is synonymous with me. Her idea of how the entire experience, years in the field, cha- product line should be as it is has always been clear: she wanted the racter, culture. cigars “Señorial” had a high quality both in terms of the tobaccos • Emma has created the used and for the construction, and entire design, including this was made, since all the cigars the images. Is there a story were made in the company of my behind all this? family, Tabacalera Palma. Another In 2010, during the merger between Swedish Match and STG, although it had been assured that her place would have been confirmed, she decided to quit and choose to join me, to carry out a new project.
The “Señorial” is a premium cigar line, produced in the Dominican Republic by the well-known master blender Josè Blanco and Emma Viktorsson. This line was released a few months ago and currently consists of five cigars. The name Senorial stands for “manorial”, “noble”. For the composition of this line, the wrapper has been selected is the “Habano Ecuador”; Jose is a big fan of this type of leaf, that gives complexity and smooth aromas. The binder leaves are from Esteli, Nicaragua. This helps the cigar keeping a good ring of fire and offers a touch of spices, typical of Nicaragua (though the mixture gives off a spicy component already) .The filler is completely made by leaves from the the Dominican Republic (Piloto Cubano and
Emma wanted to represent the Dominican Republic because I’m Dominican and my cigars are made in this country, which has a rich history of premium cigars.
desired characteristic to add the flavors, which is the most important thing, but it must be supported by a system of adequate strength, without that this would be excessively marked. I agreed with this cigar profile, and then I started the blend. Emma was also a member of the panel to select which blend should be chosen. She has a very good palate, very elegant and this has meant that it could give some important opinions. So, in a few words, I was definitely influenced. We decided together which sizes to start with and we wanted to make a cigar with a ring gauge smaller than the “corona gorda”, but in the end we thought that these 5 sizes were enough to support the front line.
From the left to the right: Corona Gorda No.5 - 46x140mm Paco Robusto - 52x133mm Toro Bravo - 54x152mm Le Grand - 60x152mm Belicoso No.2 - 52x158mm
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interview
smokes from the world
• What pushed you to start with Las Cumbres Tabaco? It was that long ago that I wanted to create my own brand, but leaving La Aurora was not easy. I worked with them for a long time and for thirty years with Leon Jimenes. In 2011, however, I decided that the time had come. When Alejandro Martinez Cuenca offered me the opportunity to take the role of senior vice president of Joya de Nicaragua, I necessarily had to accept it. I love the Nicaraguan tobacco in my blend and being able to work it means to acquire greater experience. I decided that I would have worked for a single contract and then I would have returned to the Dominican Republic to start my new adventure.
Señorial
work a lot but in the end it was fun and exciting. • What are the objectives and the future projects for “Señorial”?
• How was the process that has seen an idea turn into a product? It needed 3-4 years to delineate it, project has not come suddenly. When it came the time to turn the idea into a something possible, in my mind was all clear. Everything was already outlined as Emma was preparing the programs and I was working on the the blend. The process was not that easy, we had to
We are working on it. Until the second half of 2015 we’re trying to draft our plans for the future and understand what we want to achieve. That said, we want Las Cumbres Tabaco continue to produce high quality cigars, both in the field of raw materials and construction. The “Señorial” is a cigar built for the aficionados niche, so this means that not everybody will like it . The future line will have their specific profile, so we can satisfy more “tastes”.
Corona Gorda No.5 r. dominicana
Format: Corona Gorda Size: cepo 46 x 140 mm (5,5 ”) EUR: - | USD: 7 $ Box: 24 pz Year: 2014
The construction of the Corona Gorda is impeccable: the filling is generous, homogenous and the cigar results compact. The Wrapper is oily and presents a colorado tonality.
- pre lighting The cold draw develops notes of barnyard and it is slightly spicy.
- first third Once lit, the first puffs reveal notes of wood, leather and spices. The first third is rich: wood, hazelnut and roasted notes of coffee are followed by fine spices (white pepper) in the background. In some puffs there are peaks of anice. The strength is medium (3/5).
- second third It continues on with the aromas of wood and hazelnut. Aromas of leather and earth come to the palate in alternate way. The spices become more present, as well as the strength (4/5).
- third third The last part sees the spices (black pepper) come upfront, followed by piquant notes. The anice gets more pronounced, while the strength stays constant. The finale is fulfilling.
- conclusions A very balanced cigars, with an ample aroma palatte and a good evolution. The persistence is remarkable. The smoke produced is ample and results “dry” to the palate.
pairings
José e Emma
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Alcoholic: aged rum Analcoholic: italian coffee
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Smokes from the world
Señorial Paco Robusto r. dominicana
Format: Robusto Gordo Size: cepo 46 x 140 mm (5,5 ”) EUR: - | USD: 8 $ Box: 24 pz Year: 2014
It has an oily, silky and colorado maduro shade wrapper. The tobacco veins are really small. To the touch is well constructed and filled homogeneously.
- pre lighting Notes of barnyard.
- first third The opening brings to the palate liquorice and green pepper notes. Going on, it develops ginger and anice aromas. In the after taste the the green pepper is omnipresent and some hints of leather are perceivable. The strength is medium (3/5) and the background is sweet.
- second third It develops cedar wood notes and it gets really spicy. The strength increases (3,5/5).
- third third There are leather, cedar wood and spices (green pepper). The strength now is medium high (4/5).
- conclusions The Paco Robusto is creamy and it develops an aromatic palette definitely elegant and particular. The balance is always perfect and the strength is under control from the first to the last puff.
pairings
Alcoholic: daiquiri Analcoholic: green tea
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89 Al Pacino - Scarface, 1983
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slow attitude
The taste the main sense in tasting By Givanni Bolzonella
scientific thesis have disproved this map, also in light of the new sensations discovered together with its receptors. There should exist specific receptors, sensitive to the liberated molecules of what enters the mouth cavity, that are similar The sensitive receptors for the to small cells. This cells are spread taste, the taste buds, are made up along the whole taste buds, not only from 50 to 150 cell, disposed in a pear shape. This cells have a lifespan of 10 - 14 days, but they have a high renewal rate. The signals of the taste buds are reflected through a connection up to the postcentral somatosensory cerebral cortex. Tongue and mouth cavity includes also nerve endings, which influence a lot the perception of taste. Every sense has an importance in a cigar examination: smell and taste are the main senses that come in to play when we have to establish if and how a cigar, a distillate, a wine or another product is for our taste.
Traditionally, when we reflect on the perception of taste, we think of a notion present in us since primary school: we can perceive bitterness on the rear end of the tongue, sweetness on the tip, the salty and sourness on the sides of it. The famous “Tongue Map“ has been ulteriorly enlarged, in recent times, with the introduction of the so called “Umami“ (from the japanese “tasty“) and “grease“ being the most recent one. A lot of recent
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in the ones shown in the “Tongue Map“. Obviously in some areas those receptors could be more or less dense and could inform faster the molecules which characterize certain sensations. When we think of the taste in its biggest function, the tasting, we have to consider also the phase of identification of
the aromas. What is this phase? We can confirm that this has importance either in the personal fruition and in the act of the transmission of personal experiences to other people. The first image that comes to the mind is a sommelier in front of a glass of vine who describes the organoleptic characteristics, first to the nose, then to the mouth. To transmit its sensations or guide us in what he is perceiving, he describes his sensations (tannic, sweet, bitter, sour, etc.) with aromas that his palate recognizes. The taste of apricot in a specific Cartizze, or the pineapple in another; the red fruits in a particular red wine which identifies a certain type of grapes, the similar sensations of pepper we notice when we smoke certain cigars. These are generated because of a process of sublimation of the information stored in our memory, which are reassumed through the connection of the taste and/or smell and the cerebral cortex. Some people tend to use some ironic and funny words to describe their sensations; in this case the satire become almost obligatory and even constructive, suggesting that who guides the fruition has to use comparisons that can help other people to understand what he is trying to explain. Returning to us and our tasting of the oral cavity, once the cap is cut and the foot is lighted up, we
should be able to identify some sensations, which remind us some familiar tastes. You could ask yourself what is going on when you are smoking and it seems that you are chewing a piece of bread, a coffee bean or a pepper berry. This is exactly what I was writing before: your memory has attributed to the signals transmitted to the cerebral cortex, and parts of your taste buds, a direct experience.
depending on its density, it is possible to connect more or less intensively the memory to a similar established molecular experience, which through taste and smell are stored in our “Hard Drive“.
Giving to this experience a concrete name, declaring it through the “words” is a fact of philosophy of the language or psycholinguistic, which essentially depend on the culture everyone of us belongs Why is that? When a plant grows, to: diet, materials we use and our it inevitably absorbs the substances habits. in the ground, like the mineral salts. Some of them are transformed, like This becomes evident confronting in other organisms. Also the process the data sheets which we commonly which the leaves are going through use for a tasting guide in Europe is an explanation. The molecules with the ones coming from smokers developed are similar to the ones in from another countries. But even if other plants and organisms which we use different word to describe we use, like food or materials for a cigar, there are some aspect that general use (leather for example). are the same for everyone, like the When this molecules that are pre- balance, the harmony and all the sent inside these leaves of tobacco general aspect that are taken in concome in contact with our receptors, sideration while valuing a cigar.
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events
Inter-tabac 2014 the biggest european cigar fair By Michel Arlia
This years Inter-Tabac fair took There were local and international place from the 19 to the 21 producers present at the fair like September in Dortmund, Germany. Padron, Tatuaje, Davidoff, Drew Estate, Villiger, Maya Selva, Joya de This fair is exclusively for the peo- Nicaragua, ect. Just to name a few. ple from the tobacco or accessories The cubans were represented by the official Habanos importer 5th sector. Avenue, importer for the german Comparing it to 2013 Inter-Tabac, and austrian market. the space dedicated to the fair was larger: the stands increased from It wasn’t the event of the big news 401 to 499 and the total number or surprises. Matter of fact, there of persons who visited the fair was weren’t presented new cigars or products, but it goes without saying around 10.000.
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that this event is always interesting, for the simple matter of the things shown and the personalities that always participate at the largest european tobacco and accessories event.
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slow attitude
La Méthode de J. Puisais the lightning science
aroma (cedar) plays the main role, followed by coffee and leather.
- third third -
By Heiko Bumentritt
jetflame lighter). One of the cigars have been cut after the lightening, blowing through it before to make the first puff. The other cigar have been cut and lighted up after heating its foot until the brazier was Jacques Puisais is a renowned cha- even (the first puff have been taken racter who made a big effort in the without blowing through the cigar). Taste field research. Many experienced smokers, in the field of The question now is: is there any food & wine, with well educated difference between the two cigars? taste buds, are committed supporters of this theory, so this pushed As far as I’m concerned the answer is yes, especially for the first third. me to have a try.
The cedar and leather notes increase in intensity. Every puff develops also toasted aromas. The two cigars show some slight differences. While cigar1 is still really creamy and pleasant, cigar2 is the first one to rest in the ashtray. Since we smoked both of them with the same rythim, we exclude that this happened beacuse of an overheating.
recommendation is to light up the cigar without cutting it before, and to blow on its foot before starting to smoke it, so that the impurities arisen with the heat can be expelled.
Jacques Puisais Smoking could be only a mere pleasure, but sometimes it could also be a scientific experience, pursuant to “La Méthod de Jacques Puisais”, otherwise “The Method of Jacques Puisias”. Mr. Puisais, the director of the French Institute of Taste, developed his personal theory about the lighting of the cigar. The flame emits a relevant heat, which creates a temperature’s gap between the head and the foot of the cigar; for this reason if you light up a cigar after having cut – or punched – its head, part of the smoke ends up in the middle of the cigar. This phenomenon obviously leads to some negative aspects and it influences the taste in a significant way. His
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One possible explanation is the “Chimneystack effect” inside the cigar, as claims Puisais. The lighting of a cigar gives off a strong heat and the smoke emitted looks for a way out. With the head cut, For this test, two cigars of the part of the smoke goes through the same type have been lighted up body of the cigar, releasing several at the same time (using a non impurities on the tobacco leaves. I have been using this method for 4-5 years, and I tried it with various cigars. The test for this article has been led with a Bolivar Petit Coronas and a Montecristo No.4.
The part near the foot is the most Puisais Method and cigar 2 has been affected one by this phenomenon, cut before lighting it up. and this could be a possible reason why the first third is the most nega- first third tively influenced part. Cigar 1: the opening is really creamy, A consideration on this explanation with rich notes of cocoa and delihas to contemplate the fact that the cate aromas of coffee, with hints of smoke regularly passes through the chocolate and milk. The aromas are cigar during its fruition. So why the well combined. problem only comes up during the lighting? Probably it is because the Cigar 2: the opening is sour, notes temperature of the lighter’s flame of coffee and spices (black pepper) is much higher than the one kept are highlighted. by the cigar when it is lit. This theory finds its validation in the fact that smoking very fast involves an overheating and, what is important, makes the cigar extremely bitter and unpleasant. This is obviously only theory, but it is convenient to test it with the practice. In order to figure it out, the only thing we can do is smoking - second third two cigars in parallel, simultaneously. That is exactly what we Both the cigars develop the same did, and the following is our report, aromatic palette, and no differenwhere cigar 1 is the one lit with the ces have been noticed. The woody
- conclusion The cigar 1 lasted 65 minutes, without any combustion issue. I had to put it down to not burn my fingers. The cigar 2 lasted around 50 minutes and some correction to the brazier were necessary, to make it burn evenly. The cigar ended because it got bitter in the last third. With this article we don’t want to say that Puisais Method is the correct and the “traditional lightning” is not. We just want to make you curious about it and make you try it, before to think that it won’t work.
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Smokes from the world
Cuban news 2014 all the reviews
By Luca Cominelli, Michael Arlia e Heiko Bumentritt
Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan CUBA
Format: Geniales Size: cepo 54 x 150 mm (5,9 ”) EUR: 14 € | USD: - Box: 10 pz (SLB) e 25 pz (SLB) Year: 2014
The Hoyo de San Juan line is dressed up with a new band, which other than reporting the brand name, has also the name of the line on it. The wrappers of this cigars have a colorado claro shade, and they are silky to the touch. The filling is generous and homogeneous.
- pre lighting The cold draw releases inklings of fine wood.
- first third It opens up with a particular aromatic palette: fine wood, spices (white pepper) and acacia honey. In some puffs, there are some piquant peaks perceptible. The base is sweet and the smoke is very refined. The strength is slightly under the medium (2.5/5).
- second third The sweetness gets more pronounced and the cigar releases notes of caramel and panbrioches. Hints of vanilla and fine wood emerge in some puffs, while the white pepper is present in the aftertaste. Strength is medium (3/5).
- third third It develops earthy aromas. In Some puffs there is a slightly ammoniac note perceptible. The strength grows in the finale (4/5), giving place to a rewarding end.
- conclusions The Hoyo de San Juan develops a very refined aromatic palette on a sweet base. The balance and the complexity are excellent. A cigar which reflects the brand and results to be very interesting. pairings
Alcoholic: champane Analcoholic: white tea
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Smokes from the world
CUBA
Por Larrañaga
Bolivar
Picadores
Super Coronas EL 2014 CUBA
Format: Hermoso No.4 Size: cepo 48 x 127 mm (5 ”) EUR: 7,6 € | USD: - Box: 25 pz (Dress Box) Year: 2014 The new Por Larrañaga band is not entirely in gold color but it’s white, red and gold. The wrapper of the Picador is oily and has a colorado maduro tonality. To the touch is slightly rustic. The filling is not very homogenous.
Format: Hermoso No.3 Size: cepo 48 x 140 mm (5,5 ”) EUR: 11,4 € | USD: - Box: 25 pz (SBN) Year: 2014
The wrapper is dark, oily, and a little bit rustic to the touch.
- pre lighting A good smell of honey and the Bolivaresque earthiness.
- pre lighting -
- first third -
There are tastes of earth and spices (black pepper).
- first third In the first puff it develops notes of earth and cocoa. Going on, it turns to vegetal aromas, with the spices (black pepper) in the aftertaste. In some puffs there are peaks of nutmeg perceptible. The strength is medium (3/5).
- second third It goes back to cocoa notes, which where perceptible in the opening, and are supported by nutmeg and herbs. The strength stays constant (3/5).
- third third It alternates the aromas of earth and cocoa. The black pepper is perceptible again and the smoke becomes even more masculine: the strength increases in a fast way and in some puff the cigars results spiky and not too balanced.
- conclusions The Picadores develops a rustic smoke, but aromatically very rich. The cigar is still “young” and the last part of the smoke confirms all this. They present an interesting price/quality ratio and with some months of slumber, they will be ready to give its best.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged whisky Analcoholic: italian coffee
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It starts with a big bang: intensive notes of roasted coffee. There’s a hint of earthy aromas but at the moment they’re in the background and not coming up to intensively. In the aftertaste there are spices (white pepper). The strength is slightly over medium (3,5/5).
- second third The intensity is still rising. The earthy notes are still present, paired by some dark chocolate, leather and cedar wood. The aromas are rich and the smoke is very creamy, you can almost chew it.
- third third The leather and earth aromas carry over to the last third where a spicy note (black papper) hits the palate, there’s also a touch of polished wood. A decent bitterness joins now, but it doesn’t feel unpleasant at all. The strength is high (5/5).
- conclusions The verdict of this cigar is very positive and promising. It’s a cigar with the typical flavor profile of the Bolivar brand. It’s a great cigar with a very good aging potential. If you feel unsure about them be confident that this cigar is worth buying.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged rum Analcoholic: columbian coffee
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Smokes from the world
Cohiba Robustos Supremos CUBA
Format: Magnificos Size: cepo 58 x 127 mm (5 ”) EUR: 32 € | USD: - Box: 10 pz (Varnished SLD Box) Year: 2014 The wrapper is colorado maduro and it is a little bit rough at the touch. Some cigars are not homogeneously filled.
- pre lighting The cold draw releases chestnut honey.
- first third The smoke is very creamy, with notes of pan brioches and white pepper. The background is quite sweet. In some puffs, leather notes are well perceivable, then it turns to cocoa, hazelnut and white pepper in aftertaste. The strenght is mild to medium (2,5/5).
- second third The main notes are honey and cedar wood, with the white pepper going alongside in every single puff. The strenght is now medium (3/5).
- third third The spicies get stronger, with some hot hints. The strenght increases, but it remains fully under control (3.5/5). In the final some bitter notes are revealed.
- conclusions The aromatic bouquet is elegant, and the strenght is always under control. The aroma is not very complex though, and in the last third the bitter notes show that this cigar is not completely ready yet.
pairings
Alcoholic: champagne Analcoholic: white tea
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Smokes from the world
Partagás Selección Privada EL 2014 CUBA
Format: Geniales Size: cepo 50 x 160 mm (6,3 ”) EUR: 7,6 € | USD: - Box: 10 pz (Dress Box) Year: 2014
This cigar holds the same name as the same Partagas seleccion priva No.1 discontinued in the year 2002. On the aesthetic level, those two cigars have somme common characters, starting from the packaging. Both the cigars are bounded in a yellow band. The format is pretty similar, the EL2014 is a little bit bigger. The wrapper is very oily, in a colorado maduro shade.
- pre lighting The first sensation, smelling the cigar are kind of spicy.
- first third The first notes are very spicy (black pepper), with some hot hints. . Some notes of cedar wood and earth are perceivable too. In the last part of the third, grassy notes are added.
- second third The main notes are earth and spices, the strength doesn’t increase?
- third third Some leather-notes make their appearance. The final gives out a slightly bitter vein. The strength is now at (3.5/5).
- conclusions This cigar tends to reflect the traditional bouquet of this brand. It is generally well balanced, but still the last third reveals its youth. *We tried many Selecciòn Privada and the ones described in this review are the ones with SEP14 in the box code. The AGO14 are completely different: they are not rich in flavors and the strength is mild. We recommend to buy the SEP14 ones.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged Port wine Analcoholic: brazilian coffee
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Pairings
Kilchoman machir bay
1. Partagas serie D No.4 (Cuba) 6. La aroma del Caribe Belicoso 8. The cigar that gave more satisfaction. The spices developed by the D4 intertwine with the peaty notes of the Machir Bay, resulting in an assonance combination. The woody and vegetal notes of the second third are well-accompanied by ripe fruit from the whiskey. In the finale, the earthy aroma and the strength of the Partagas are balanced by the sweet and honeyed aromas of the Machir Bay.
By Heiko Bumentritt
O l i va S e r i e V M e l a n i o (Nicaragua) Robusto (Nicaragua) The sweetness of this cigar goes The Machir Bay enhances the toahand in hand with the notes of sted notes of the cigar, intensifying honey of the whiskey. The spices all the nuances of this cigar. are refined and the matching is for assonance. 9. Romeo y Julieta Cazadores (Cuba) 7. NUB 460 M. (Nicaragua) The rustic notes and the strength Assonance pairing that enhances of the cigar are well balanced by the the sweet and honey notes of both sweetness of the whiskey, which is products, creating a riot of spices able to dampen the edges of the Cazador. that are set off with each other.
2. Bolivar Belicoso Fino (Cuba) The aromatic palette of this cigar creates a contrast pairing with the Machir Bay. Cocoa, coffee, leather and spices from the cigar are opposed by the sweet notes of vanilla from the whiskey, while spices are intertwined. The combination spirit-cigar has always been the most traditional and widely spread way to look at the world of cigars. To make it work, however, you should be able to find the right balance, make sure to avoid that one of the two pleasures overwhelms the other. Flavors and aromas should be mixed in a perfect way, creating a combination that can enhance the features of both the cigar and the spirit. To do that, a perfect acquaintance of both the cigar and the spirit is required. You can play for similarity or contrast, but in both cases, the balance is the most important aspect. The Kilchoman Machir Bay is the whiskey we chose for the pairing. Kilchoman is a distillery which produces whisky since 2005 and it’s founded inside the farm which
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brings the same name. It is the first filtration and without any additive one built in Islay island since 124 which would affect aroma, flavor years. Part of the barley used for and color. the production is grown in the farm and malted in the distillery. kilchoman machir bay tasting
Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, with a production of 100,000 liters of alcohol per year. Machir Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Islay and is located less than a kilometer away from the distillery. Hence the name of this single malt whiskey. Machir Bay is the result of assembling ex-bourbon and sherry casks with different aging. Every year the oldest malt is added, creating a “work in progress” that let the aficionados enjoy the evolution of the product, edition after edition. It is bottled to 46%, without cold
To the nose it gives off notes of fruit (citrus). On the palate are perceptible notes of ripe fruit and vanilla. It is very smoky and peaty which is the most common aspect of Islay whiskeys. The persistence is long-lasting. pairings
Considering the tasting notes of this whiskey, we tried the pairing with many cigars; some of them were particularly suitable for realizing a pairing that is definitely pleasant and advisable.
3.
C amacho T riple M aduro Robusto (Honduras) If you search for a mixed bomb of spices, this is the perfect match, able surprise even the strongest palates.
4.
Davidoff Nicaragua Short Corona (R. Dominicana) Assonance pairing. The aromatic palette of the Davidoff is well intertwined with the Machir bay one, creating an elegant pairing.
5.
Drew Estate Liga Privada No.9 Robusto (Nicaragua) The cocoa notes developed by the cigar are accompanied by the sweet notes of the whiskey, while the spices of the Liga Privada are sustained by the whisky ones, resulting in a stunning persistence. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
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blind tasting
blind tasting: toro size
The Blind tasting sees 20 Toro size cigars, or with similar measures, coming from different countries of production and compairing each other. The Blind is accomplished with removing the bands of each cigar, and re-dressing them with a simple and numbered band. This makes sure that the reviewers don’t know what they are smoking and makes a more objective evaluation, for each cigar. Blind tasting reviewers: Luca Cominelli (Italia) Michel Arlia (Svizzera) Roberto Canzi (Italia) Giuseppe Mitolo (Italia)
Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.) Giovanni Bolzonella (Italia) Alessandro Bonisoli (Italia) Kaarel Kluge (Estonia) Jeremy Lu (Canada)
Cohiba Siglo VI - Cuba Size: cepo 52 x 150 mm (6”) - EUR: 25,20 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium bodied. Elegant and creamy. The balance and the complexity are stunning. It is definitely one of the best Cuban cigars. The pre-lighting is woody. The opening gives out notes of wood and spices in aftertaste (pink pepper). In the first third notes of mature fruit are added on a sweet background. The last third adds hazelnut notes. In the second third citrus and earthy notes are well perceivable, with hints of honey and spices. The strenght is always under control.
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Ashton VSG Eclipse tubos - Dominican R. Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 15 € | USD: 15 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R. Medium to high bodied. This cigar shows a rich bouquet, with an high intensity and a marked evolution. Well balanced and fulfilling. In the pre lighting barnyard notes are perceivable. The opening gives off notes of hay. The first third is earthy, woody, and spicy (piquant peaks) on a sweet background. The second third adds almond notes. The spices are always present in the aftertaste. The last third turns to earthy notes and aromatic herbs.
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Smokes from the world
My father Toro - Nicaragua
Quesada 40th Anniversary Toro - Dominican R.
Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 14€ | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: Habano-Rosado | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Size: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: 10 $ Wrapper: Mexico (S. Andres) | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dom. R. & Nicaragua
Medium to full bodied. Excellent evolution and outstandig bouquet. The pre-lighting develops notes of citrus, spices and wood. The first third gives out notes of panbrioches, on a sweet background that shows some enjoyable acidulus peak, with delicate spices (white pepper) in the aftertaste. The second third adds wood and aromatic herbs, with hints of vanilla. The last third turns on toasted notes (coffee), wood and aromatic herbs.
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Pre-lighting: earth and spices. The opening develops cocoa notes and the first third adds woods and spices (white pepper). The background is sweet. In the second third notes of nuts are added. The last third adds aromatic herbs, too.
Drew Estate Nica Rustica “El Brujito” - Nicaragua
Davidoff Nicaragua Toro - Dominican R.
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Mexico (San Andres) | Filler: Nicaragua
Size: cepo 54 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 18 € | USD: 16 $ Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
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Medium to full bodied, with an excellent evolution and an intense aromatic bouquet. The persistence is remarkable.
Medium to full bodied (3,5/5). Creamy and well balanced, with a complex bouquet and good evolution.
The pre-lighting gives off cocoa and spices. The opening is woody and hearty, with hints of black pepper. The first third gives off a high quality fresh aromatic herbs note. The second third is concentrated on notes of cocoa and almonds. The background is sweet and the aftertaste is peppery. The last third closes with honey, wood and aromatic herbs, with a spicy aftertaste.
Pre-lighting: leather and spices. The opening is spicy. The first third gives off notes of cocoa, wood, hoeny and spices. The second third turns on balsamic notes and hints of toasted coffee. The last third adds leather and earthy notes. The base is delicately sweet.
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Arturo Fuente Rosado S.M.R. V54 - Dominican R.
Partagas Serie E No.2 - Cuba
Size: cepo 54 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 13 € | USD: 6,75 $ Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.
Size: cepo 54 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 12,8 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba
Medium bodied. The prelighting is woody and spicy.
Medium bodied, a really satysfying and creamy smoke. The evolution is not wide though.
Pre-lighting: wood and spices. The first puffs are sweet with notes of mature fruit and white pepper. In the first third there is still white pepper, with wood and aromatic herbs. In the second third the sweetness increases, with wood and spices alternating each other. The last third gives off toasted notes and dried fruits.
The-pre lighting develops herbs and spices. The opening is vegetal and the first third gives off wood, earth and cofee aromas. The second thirds adds herbs and black pepper. The third third is creamy and brings to the palate piquant notes. The strength increases during the whole smoke. The finale is satisfying
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Medium bodied. The evolution is not outstanding, but this aspects is not so important, since the aromatic bouquet is incredibly complex. Extremely well balanced with a high intensity.
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Smokes from the world
Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 - Honduras
Davidoff Puro D’Oro Eminentes - Dominican R.
Size: cepo 50 x 165 mm (6,5”) - EUR: 14 € | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra) | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R. e Nicaragua
Size: cepo 50 x 159 mm (6,25”) - EUR: 18,5 € | USD: 16 $ Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.
Medium bodied. Complex and with a good evolution. The only imperfection is the last third, with a marked bitterness. The cold draw gives out floral notes and dried fruit. After a sour opening, the cigar offers an earthy and spicy first third. The second third develops mineral notes, still with intense spicy notes. The last part is earthy and slightly bitter.
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Señorial Toro - Dominican R. Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano) | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R. Medium to full bodied. The bouquet is not deep, but the notes developed are rich and complex. The smoke is refined, creamy and well balanced, with an excellent persistence. The cold draw gives out notes of hay. The first third is spicy (green pepper) and vegetal, with hints of aromatic herbs giving some freshness to the palate. The second third is very spicy, with a strong echoes of liquerice. The last third alternates herbs and spices.
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The opening is all about wood, earth and spicy (green pepper). The first third gives out refined notes of wood and chestnut honey, with a sweet background. The second third introduces notes of liquerice. The last part is earthy.
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Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial - Cuba Size: cepo 50 x 141 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 12 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba Medium to light strenght. The smoke is creamy and the bouquet is good and well-balanced. The prelighting is planty. The first third gives out notes of walnut and light spices. In the first part notes of cocoa are leading, with spices in the aftertaste. The second third turns to earth and wood with hints of spiciness. The last third adds notes of leather and herbs.
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Tatuaje Regios Reserva - Nicaragua
Alec Bradley Tempus Medius 6 - Honduras
Size: cepo 50 x 140 mm (5,5”) - EUR: 13€ | USD: 6,75 $ Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Medium to high bodied. The bouquet is rustic, but it gives a satisfying smoke with a rich aroma. The persistence is good too.
Medium to high bodied. The aroma is rich, with a marked persistence, even if the bouquet is not that rich.
Cold draw: some cocoa notes are well recognizable. The opening gives out notes of earth and wood. The first third is hearthy with scents of underbrush. Some hot notes are perceivable. The second third adds planty notes and coffee. The last third gives aromatic herbs and hot red pepper.
The cold draw is nutty. The first third is vegetal, earthy, with light spices (green pepper). The second part reveals toasted notes, with a rich espresso aroma. The last third gives out notes of earth and coffee, with hints of balsamic herbs.
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Mild cigar, with a contained intensity, but its soul is incredibly refined and pleasing.
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Smokes from the world
CAO OSA LOT54 - Honduras Size: cepo 54 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8 € | USD: 6 $ Wrapper: Mexico (S. Agustin) | Binder: C. Broadleaf | Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,25”) - EUR: 8,5 € | USD: - $ Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra) | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Medium to full bodied. The aromatic palette is not too wide, but the aromas are intense and the smoke is satysfying. The last third is bitter.
Medium bodied. Good balance and evolution. This is not a demandying smoke but it is gratifying. The bitter notes in the final disadvantage the final rating.
The pre lightning is floral. The first sector gives out eathy aromas and cocoa, with piquant notes. In the second third the cocoa intertwines with the green pepper. The finish is bitter, with toasted notes of coffee. The spices are well recognizable.
The pre lighting is leathery. The first third gives off caramel and spices in a sweet background. In the second third a citrus aroma pulls alongside the spices. Some balsamic notes are perceivable too. In the third third notes of walnut, coffee and leather are perceivable too. A bitter vein it is perceivable.
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Lempira Puros Lempa Toro - Honduras
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Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 652 - Nicaragua
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: - € | USD: 7 $ Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 8,5 € | USD: 9 $ Wrapper: Ecuadoian Habano Oscuro | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Medium bodied, well balanced and perfectly constructed. The after smoke persistence and the evolution are both good.
Medium bodied with a limited bouquet. From the half of the smoke the intensity decreases.
The pre lightning is floral. The opening brings to the palate spicy notes. The first third is floral, spicy (green pepper) and woody. In the second third the spices disappear and the aromatic herbs start playing the main role. In the third sector, white pepper and leather make their appearence.
Pre lighting cocoa. Opening earthy. The first third is vegetal.The background is sweet with hints of almonds. The second third is earthy with hints of aromatic herbs. In the final third no variation has been perceived.
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Montecristo Double Edmundo - Cuba
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Camacho Connecticut Toro - Honduras
Size: cepo 50 x 155 mm (6,1”) - EUR: 14,7 € | USD: Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba
Size: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6”) - EUR: 9,4 € | USD: 12 $ Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut) | Binder: Corojo | Filler: Honduras
Medium bodied, creamy and well balanced. The aromatic bouquet and the evolution are though limited.
Medium bodied. Well balanced, creamy and with a long lasting persistence at the palate. It lacks in complexity and the aromatic palette is limited.
The pre lighting smell is nutty. The opening is grassy. The first third is spicy with hints of nuts. The second third turns to young wood and mature fruit. The last third is hearthy and toasted (coffee).
Before the lightning the smell is woody. It opens with cedar and spices, black pepper. The base tends to be sweet. In the seconds part hints of vanilla are added. The final third develops wood and cellulose aromas.
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Paradiso Revelation Legend - Nicaragua
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tools
XiKar Allume
the new line of jetflame lighter is born By Luca Cominelli
Allume lighters are made with an all-metal body and are available in three variants: Allume, Dual and TableTop In detail, each lighter features different portability, together with an ignition system which varies in each variant. However, which unites each and all products of the line is the all-metal body, the presence of a ring nut for adjusting the flame at the bottom of the lighter and a flap for protection / the nozzles (to open automatically in the ignition phase).
Allume Thickness: 11 mm Width: 33 mm Height: 5.5 mm Weight: 60g
Dual Thickness: 15 mm Width: 40 mm Height: 680 mm Weight: 84gr
They are equipped with a single fire Jetflame (windproof) and with a window in the back to control the quantity of residual gas in the tank. Extremely compact and with a very powerful flame..
Double fire Jetflame. On the side Triple flame windproof, extremely there is a window to check the powerful. amount of gas remained. Standard size.
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TableTop Thickness: 20 mm Width: 60 mm Height: 590 mm Weight: 182gr
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made in italy
Ambasciator italico the italian cigar par excellence By Giuseppe Mitolo
In the past few months, a new product has been launched on the market without huge advertising proclamations. We are talking about the Ambasciator Italiaco (literal translation: Italian Ambassador). This particular cigar is 100% made in Italy, as reports the producing company, the “Moderno Opificio del sigaro italiano”, a company located in Orsago (a locality in Treviso, near Venice), born from the partnership with the multinational corps Grand River Enterprises, canadian leader in the tobacco industy. The Ambasciator italico arose after serveral blending attempts, to ensure a perfect taste, and a perfect expression of the italian cigar con- of this new product. The company cept. The distribution in the italian aims at a specific aficionado’s category: the kentucky lovers, those market started in June, 2014 smokers who follow the italian traFor a series of reasons, this cigar dition, closely bound to this rough, has been associated to the renow- tough tobacco. ned Toscanello. First of all it comes in the same shape. Then it makes On the other hand, it has been desiuse of the same tobacco seed gned for the modern cigar smoker, (Kentucky). But don’t try to call who seeks for new a new, italianit Toscanello, cause the company taste products, with a tolerable claims the particular uniqueness price. of this cigar, setting apart from all As we already said, for this cigar, other products in the market. We had the occasion to test those only Kentucky tobacco has been cigars and to analyze the philosophy used: Northamerican for the
wrapper (this peculiar leaves guarantee a perfect flexibility, and and an excellent burn) and a blend from Veneto, Campania and Toscana, very disposed areas for the plantation of this tobacco tipology throughout history. Even though at a glance it looks like an average cheap product, the peculiar production of the Ambasciator Italico deserves particular attention. The tobacco leaves used are well-aged: from 2 to 4 years for the wrapper and 1-2 years for the filler. This variability depends on the CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
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made in italy peculiarity of each harvest, so it’s very important to follow the required time for a perfect aging. At the moment this cigar is machine-made but it’s not excluded the possibility to have a hand-made Ambasciator Italico in the future. After the production phase, another 4 to 6 months aging period is added to this cigar, depending on the humidity level and at discretion of several tests carried out from the own company.
flavored versions Ammazzacaffè and Liquirizia too. This cigar is bound in a bright “tunic” colored wrapper. In the pre-lighting, nuts (dominant), coffee and woody notes are detected.
leaves a heavy and long-lasting persistence that sometimes can last for more than one day. It’s up to our readers to judge if this is a point of strenght or a weakness. During the fruition the cigar tends to blow out, but even though this is universally considered as a lack, we are likely to judge it in a positive way, because it is proably the signal that no additives have been used to ease the combustion.
The taste is clearly bitter, but it tends to flag. The few aromas are simple, but intense and well-recognizable: bark (3), earth (2), pepper (1) and nuts (1). These notes accompany the consumer until the end. Since this cigar is a short filler, it’s quite Behind all of these choices is worthless to seek for complexity In conclusion, this is a product with his own precise character, Domenico Napoletano, a ten years and evolution. which stands out for its robust experienced master-blender in the italian cigar world (previously in The strenght is on a high level, simplicity and that doesn’t aim to the “Toscano”, later on with the but it never turns to be brutal, and imitate any rival model. It points to Consorzio Tabacchicoltori del what is important, is that it never the young smokers who seeks for Grappa, author of the well known hides the flavours like in some cases new products, but to the old school Doge cigar). His presence clarify could happen with Kentucky cigars. too. We would like to add, that the italian market is by now monopowhy so much attention is put on the Another element of surprise is the lized from the Toscano company, realization of this product. short-lasting persistence. As a mat- therefore the Ambasciator Italico Coming to the tasting notes, ter of fact, after just a few hours candidates itself for being a valid w e d e c i d e d t o r e v i e w t h e every persistence track vanishes. alternative, trying to capture the “Classico”, though we tried the Sometimes this particular tobacco smoker’s attention.
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drinks
Match with non-alcoholic the roy rogers designed for cigar By Chris Glenn
The combination cigar - drink does not have to be with spirits or with something alcoholic. For this reason we suggest alternative taste that goes well and match to our beloved cigars. The cocktail in question is composed of ingredients that refresh and cleanse the palate, so it can make us appreciate each puff in the best way. This is the famous “Roy Rogers” but with a twist that makes it perfect to be joined to a smoke.
ingredients
• Ginger Ale 4oz • Lime juice 2oz • Lemon grass • Ginger (non più grosso di un pollice) • Orange peel
preparation
Cut the lemon grass and ginger into thin slices and put everything in a glass tumbler. Peel the orange and add the peel, together with the lime juice. Now finish the construction of the cocktail with plenty of ice and ginger ale, of course until the brim of the glass.
If you really cannot do without alcohol in your cocktails, alcoholic version can be made quickly: you can add 4 cl Tanqueray Rangpur Gin and you already have what you are looking for!
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Interview
Partagas: the book interview with the author: amir saarony By Luca Cominelli
Amir Saarony “Partagas el Libro” is written by Amir Saarony, a big aficionado and collector of Cuban memorabilia who decided to realize a publication definitely interesting. The information written in this book are detailed and the images fascinating, many of them are even unpublished. The book is available in four languages (English, Spanish, french and german) and talks about everything happened from the Partagas factory foundation made by Jaime Partagas since our days. It’s described Jaime murderand there are also some anecdotes about the historical “Calle de La Industria” manufactory. Many are the information reported and the
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events described about one of the the first war of independence most beloved Cuban brand. Let’s of 1895-8 was greatly achieved through donations of torcedores. talk about the book with Amir. It is not just the history of cigars, it is the history of a nation and its • Why did you choose culture. Partagás brand for the book? Cuban brands are • You collaborated with many and there are even the “Museo del Tabaco some which are more de la Habana” (Habana f a m o u s: Mo n t e c r i st o , tobacco museum) and Hoyo de Monterrey and with its director: Zoe Cohiba, just to mention a Nocedo Primo. This was few. really important to complete the book in a detailed I see this book as the first of a way. Part of the book proseries. Partagàs is not only a well fit will go to the reborn of known brand but has an intriguing this museum, which is not history populated by interesting subsidized by the Cuban characters. It is also a brand with authorities a lot of incorrect information floating around as gospel. I chose it because I thought there would be Zoe has been a dear friend for many many interested in the story and it years. To aid the museum was one would create interest in the series. of the goals of this project from Cigar makers in Cuba influenced the start. Ironically, the day before many aspected of Cuban history I launched the book at the Habanos and Culture. Not only was it a Festival in Havana, Zoe was notimajor contributor to the economic fied that the Partagàs factory was development of the nation, but the going to become the new home of education of the masses, banking, an expanded Museum of tobacco. shipping and railroads were greatly The museum has been sitting in affected by the cigar industry. The “temporary” facilities for almost efforts of José Marti, to finance 20 years. Without true exhibition
space or the proper resources to fulfill its goals of research and promotion. Hopefully now, with a real museum on the horizon and promotion through myself and others, the glorious history of tobacco in Cuba can soon be on the “must do” list for visitors to Havana. With Zoe supporting the project a lot of doors opened up for research. Not only the collection of the museum (which had just received the archives from the Partagàs factory) but also the archives of Cuba, Habanos and the private collections around the world. Zoe has always been supportive and enthusiastic about promoting the history of Cuban tobacco. This project could not be what it developed into without her. • You told us you wrote this book for the aficionados. Which are the aspects you paid more attention in and why? What are the differences from your book and the other publications that have been released in the past years?
There have been some wonderful books written about the history of cigars. Most of them lack the history of the people, which to me is the most interesting aspect. These were wealthy, powerful men who helped shape the history of Cuba, an island I love. I wanted to personalize the history. To flesh out the stories of the people who gave shape to the cigars we love so much. I think the wine world has done a wonderful job of using its history as a marketing tool. We idolize the name of Partagàs without really knowing much of about the man who bore the name. Aside from the fact that most of what we thought we knew turned out to be folklore rather than fact. I tried to format the book to appeal to the casual smoker. It is not an academic work. It is factual entertainment. It was designed with short chapters that one can read and then read the following chapter a while later without having to recall the details opt the previous. There is no exam at the end (NOTE: he smiles). Hopefully this will help ignite further interest in the History of Cuban cigars.
• In the book is reported the publication edited by Partagás to celebrate the centenary of the foundation (1845-1945). There are pictures and the full text. This is really interesting. What brought you to write every single detail about this? Can you give us some more information? Thank you. As a collector of ephemera relating to the history of Cuban cigars, this is one of the pieces in my collection I truly love. It was published by the company’s marketing department in celebration of their centenary. Right before the end of World War 2. It is interesting to see how the company saw it’s own history. Marketers can be some of the great revisionists of history. It certainly would do nothing to help sell cigars by celebrating a company born on the production of counterfeit cigars. Would it? It is a grand occasion when a brand reaches 100 years old. It was celebrated by the company in many ways I wanted to expose the event to today’s smokers. • There are many pictures in the book, which give an exact idea of what is described on the pages, leaving few things to the imagination. How did you find all these amazing images?
Zoe Nocedo Primo
It was really a process of editing. Thanks to the generosity of many
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interview institutions and many collectors I had enough photographs to make it a 500 page book but that would be a logistical nightmare. I wanted to give examples of various objects that might peak interest of the casual smoker. The overall goal is to increase interest in the history behind the cigars we love. Of course we all like to look at interesting pictures. I tried to choose pictures that many would have not seen previously.
like to believe modern cigars are as good if not better, maybe because that is what I have the most opportunity to enjoy. • The biggest cigar ever produced by Partagás was the “Visibile Immenso”, a cigar with a 56 ring gauge and a length of 533mm! What can you tell us about it?
Rumors have it that they were originally produced for King Farouk • In the Partagàs’s history of Egypt. The assumption is other a fundamental role is clients of importance saw them represented by the various and asked for them. As they were families’s properties that available beyond King Farouk’s come through in the brand abdication in 1952 they obviously control. In your opinion found another limited market. what was the heyday of Aside from their size, they were a trademark “Calle de La terribly expensive cigar to produce. Industria” in ter ms of They were packaged in a large glass quality and why? tube and then an individual coffin. Quality of historical cigars is a dif- The last person I heard of smoking ficult subject to broach. We did one recently took over 8 hours to not have the opportunity to try the complete it. cigars produced years ago as new • The Cuban revolution cigars. Occasionally we are lucky changed in a big way the enough to try a cigar from the 50s cigar production in Cuba. or so, but we are not smoking them What happened influenced as they were meant to be smoked. many aspect of the cigar When they were on the market. We industry. What is your opialso cannot compare them to curnion about this and what is rent or newer cigars because, as we the idea you now have after say in English, that is comparing your researches? apples to oranges. I do not know if the cigars were better. Tobacco has changed over the decades while Well the biggest change was that the art of rolling a cigar by hand the companies were no longer has continued. I know they made competing with each other for and sold more cigars in the past market share but were now all then today, I think that is due to the owned by one governement corchanging market demand. I would poration. Aside from the obvious,
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I cannot really comment on the small changes as I did not witness it. I do think we lost the benefits of a competitive market (and the loss of the U.S. market which was the largest for Cuban cigars). The drive for profitability urged higher quality control and inventiveness. As one who has lived in the marketing world for years I believe the marketing of Cuban cigars before the revolution was inspired. The fact that you have so many competitors, some literally next door, made all the companies try harder. Today I do not think there is the distinct brand equity that existed before. But this is all about public conception. In the end, all what really matters are the cigars. • A classic aficionado question: which is the box you dream of ? The one you would always have to make an amazing and unforgettable smoke? Now that is a difficult question to answer, and tomorrow I may come up with a completely different answer. The answer at the moment is a 50 count box of Trinidad Fundadores from Oct 1997. The original release. I still think this is one of the outstanding cigars of all time, especially when well aged. I enjoy the complexity of these cigars and the fact that they can be enjoyable as a morning to late night smoke and anything in between. If I had to choose a Partagàs, I would select a Sobrasaliente or a series du connoisseur #2. I am really going to miss those cigars when I run out.
vintage
Davidoff Château Haut-Brion Country: Cuba Format: Perlas Size: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4”) EUR: 50 € (estimated) | USD: - $ Year: 80’s
CUBA
The Chateau Haut-Brion was produced until 1991. It was the smallest cigar of the „Chateau“ line and is the hardest to find at the moment. This is because of the price this cigars had during their selling period: considering the high price for this Perlas, a lot of the smoker
opted to buy cigars with larger dimensions, with a better price/ quality report. Because of this the Haut-Brion were produced in inferior numbers to the other formats (especially the cabinets of 50). This cigars, until the end of the 70s, where commercialized without
bands. Then starting from 1980 they were dressed with the classic Davidoff band: white background with golden lettering. Aesthetically the wrapper ha a claro shade. The veins are minimal andto the touch the filling is homogeneous, without excesses or flaws.
- pre lighting -
strength rises further, giving rise to There are notes of fine wood per- a rewarding finale. ceptible in the cold draw.
- first third The beginning is acidulous and brings woody notes to the palate. Going on, it develops rich spices (white pepper) and spicy peaks. From the get go the smoke is intense. Progressing, spices, aged wood and balsamic notes alternate. The strength is medium high (4/5).
- second third It is a tribute of spices, which pass strongly to the foreground. In the background the wood remain per- conclusions ceptible. The smoke is rich and the strength stays on the medium high The Chateau Haut-Brion develops a rich and masculine smoke. level. The strength is emphasized for the whole smoking duration and it is - third third It develops herbal and balmy aro- owned by the spices. The aromas mas, which refresh the palate. The are well outlined and the post- puff spices decrease slowly but the and smoke persistency is very long. pairings
Alcoholic: aged rum Analcoholic: colombian coffee
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slow attitude
Tatuaje Monster
a rustic capa and gives place to a decisively stronger smoke! Pete has confirmed the continued rise in numbers of this monsters, but he would also like to underline the fact that he doesn’t want to
the halloween success By Michel Arlia
increase the production by much: to try and always guaranty the quality of this product. To the question “Pete, what is the secret behind the Monsters” he answered with a smile: “i think that the success
of this line is due to the fact that the Monsters give place to notable smoking period. Its always difficult to go above and beyond, when you have an excellent smoke in front of you”.
Jekyll No.7 - Nicaragua Size: cepo 49 x 178 mm (7 ”) Wrapper: Ecuador - Binder & Filler: Nicaragua EUR: 11 € | USD: 14 $ Scatola: 13 e 10 pz Anno: 2014 The wrapper is smooth to the touch and the cigars is perfectly filled. The marble head finish adds a touch of elegance to the cigar.
At Halloween starts the Tatuaje Monster period, a Line which is growing every year. We talked about it directly with the founder: Pete Johnson. This particular idea of his was born through a friend form Boston, who ignited Petes fantasy. In 2008 this new line gets launched, which is getting more success and rising numbers of boxes produced
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year by year. The first Monster was the Frank, released in 2008 in a production of 666 dress boxes (a little under 9000 cigars), while the latest release, the JV 13, was produced for 666 dress boxes and 4500 plain boxes (for a total of 53000 cigars). Pete told us that every cigar of this line is born with a different blend, its wasn’t created to give place to a characteristic smoke which a line has in common: every Monster is
a cigar in itself. This line is cyclical: for two years in a row there will be “Old Monsters” released ( the classic ones) and then there will be one “New Monster” (modern). For this year and 2015 the scheduled respectively the Jekyll and Hyde. To not spoil the anticipation of those who now this characters, The Jekyll has a more refined look and a controlled strength. The Hyde, on the other hand, will be dressed in
The cold draw brings notes of wood, leather and pepper to the palate. The first third starts with woody notes, leather and nuts. There is also a white pepper flavor in the aftertaste. The strength is medium (3/5). From the second third on the smoke gets creamier and sweeter. The pepper notes move to the front and join the wood, nuts, leather and earth. The last third continues with the woody, earthy and leathery notes. There are also notes of coffee and nuts in there, which make it a very enjoyable smoke.The pepper note is still very present in the aftertaste. The strength doesn’t change in this final third (3/5). On paper the Jekyll makes the impression of being a very strong cigar, but surprisingly the strength stays on a medium level throughout. Which makes for a very well balanced, creamy and smooth cigar, with a great flavor profile and evolution. The construction is impeccable.
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famous smokers
John F. Kennedy sotto il segno di h. upmann By Mirko Fabian
Kennedy became the spokesman of some of the most common problems of Americans at that time; including poverty and unemployment, as well as racial discrimination: JFK was a strong supporter of equality among individuals, relying on the wife of imprisoned Martin Luther King Jr. and obtaining the approval and the support of the Black Population.
According to the testimony of Salinger in an interview in 1992, JFK signed the decree which ratified the Cuban embargo only after having his personal supply of Cigars.
The “Petit Upmann”, currently of production, however, still can be found. The format corresponds to the current “Coronas Junior”, (from the house of H. Upmann), The career of JFK is kind of rela- but of course, the liga has deeply ted to a private passion for the changed in the last decades. world of Cigar. The 35th American President has been invloved in a Salinger believes that a box of fun and unusual story by the so- cigars belonged to the President called Cold War: it seems that is now in the hands of the owners Kennedy has asked his assistant, of the “Pawn Stars” in Las Vegas, Pierre Salinger to procure the gre- a famous show in America, who atest possible number of Cuban bought it for “only” $60,000. Cigars before declaring the Cuban Embargo, at the time aligned with The character of JFK has marked the history of the United States: its Soviet blocking. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on 1917. He was an exponent of the Democratic Party. He won the election in the year 1960, against the candidate of the Reppublicans, Richard Nixon, assuming the office of the President of the United States on January 20, 1961. The campaign was seen for the first time on live television, showing the duel between the two candidates. The beginning of the series of fierce battle fought by Kennedy during his presidency took place in front of the camera. By winning the election, he replaced Eisenhower and he remained in the office until his famous murder,
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on November 22, 1963 in Dallas committed by Lee Harvey Oswald ( arrested few hours later in a movie theater not far from the place of the attack and died two days later without undergoing the process). Oswald, as known, was considered by many analyst as the only one involved in the murder that believed to be the result of a conspiracy at the highest political level. Trained at Harvard in 1941, John was inlisted as a volunteer even if he was already suffering from osteoporosis. He managed however to enter later in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant and participated in some missions and even getting Major American Awards. The “Navy and
Marine Corps Medal”, (to which were added subsequently with three more medal of valor) : for acts of courage and heroism shown during a dangerous attack by a Japanese plane.
decisions and its politicals gestures, as well as its tragical end, are still in the minds of the Americans. Many people think that, it was also the responsible of the narrow escape from the nuclear conflict (the reference is the socalled “Crisis of the Caribbean”, which took 13 days) but for Cuban Aficionados, he is remembered for his passion for the H. Upmann. Only few people know the place where the remaining cigars of the President of America are storaged. Maybe sooner or later some boxes (whatever the historical value) will finish in the hands of someone who can really appreciate it. CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
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events
ANS: Apotheken-Notdienst-Smoke smoking signs in Wörrstadt By Michel Arlia
new aficionados to get to know. On the Saturday evening was the CigarCultClub-Summerfest. This year’s theme was “big, bigger, Texas” : starting from the BBQ to the dress-code and passing a particular cigar, an Alec Bradley Texas Lancero (a cigar of really generous dimensions!). After some delicious food the night got capped off at the local Irish Pub, where smoking is welcomed. The weekend came to a particular end: a hearty brunch and the last cigars of the three day event. If you ever have find yourself around those parts of Germany, drop by and light a cigar at this meeting, where every aficionado is welcomed.
For a weekend in mid august there Pharmacy-Emergency-Service- still held nowadays and it became the legendary ANS. Everybody is a gathering of cigar aficionados Smoke. brings something to drink, eat and from all over the world, in a town Andreas, the pharmacist, started lot of cigars to smoke. This procalled Wörrstadt. it more than 10 years ago. He has ceeds until the wee hours of the This small town is located in the Night Duty every 13 days and, night. Germany, and has a long tradition given that those evenings tended in wine growing, which gives this to get quite boring and calm, so This meeting is not a club activity he decided to smoke a cigar in his or anything, its a pure meeting of place a provincial French feeling. office with a couple of friends, friends from all-over the world, T h i s g a t h e r i n g s t a r - Nino and Bernhard. Word got who want to share, talk and have a ted on a Friday night at the around and the meeting grew and good time. Its like a family reunion, infamous ANS: Apotheken- grew to the point that they had to with 50 to 60 people which stay for N o t d i e n s t - S m o k e , m e a n i n g switch to the laboratory, where it is the weekend. Every time there are
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info
Vocabulary
Sections
meaning of the terminologies used
what you can find on CigarsLover Magazine
Anilla: papier 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 clark: tonality of the interim 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 hich is will be given to the cigar. (Marevas, Prominentes, etc…) Vitola de salida: name attributed to the commercial end. And changes from each marca. (Siglo VI, Serie D no. 4, etc...) Volado: leaves which are harvested at the bottom of the tobacco plants Fundamental for the combustion of the cigar
RUMORS DRINKS The best drinks in combination with cigars. When Market trends, the latest arrivals and all that is a the pairing is a source of absolute pleasure. bit ‘”gossip” in the cigar world.
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SLOW ATTITUDE DUELS There will be horizontal reviews, which means Te ch n i c a l a r t i c l e s f o r a b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n reviews of differnt cigars that shares the same vitola. ding of the product cigar secrets and insights of use for both beginners and aficionados. EVENTS Italian or international events of particular impor- SMOKES FROM THE WORLD tance. Of course, the photographic record will be To understand completely cigars, it’s important to experience all the terroir of reference: Cuba, carefully made. Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican R. and more. The smoke “around the world” are increasingly comFAMOUS SMOKERS Biographies and curiosity of celebrities, Italian and mon and source of more and more satisfaction. foreign, living or dead, with an unbridled passion in common: the art of slow smoking and in parti- THOUGHTS Deepen the topics covered in all the other categocular for cigars. ries is a symptom of completeness. Here we try to go further, seek solutions and propose interpretaINTERVIEW Stories of passions narrated directly by the pro- tions of everything that happens in the cigars world. tagonists: 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 MADE IN ITALY Reviews, discussions and insights regarding the grew on the tobacco business. Because to undercigars made in Italy. The tradition of Tuscani, stand the cigar you have to understand its origins. the novelty of Nostrano del Brenta and more! TOOLS Accessories are an essential element for the modern smoPAIRINGS Alcoholic and Analcoholic reviews, with the target to ker: tools for cutting, humidors, lighters, cigar holders, make the best pairing possible with our be loved cigars. furnishing accessories. Every detail has its importance. PREMIUM STICKS Reviews of Caribbean cigars of great importance and prestige: “Reserva” and “Gran Reserva” editions and other limited and rare releases, fine cigars and hard to find even in the packaging.
VINTAGE The world of collecting: cigars aged for decades, the great classics of the past and rarest cubans. The charm and the extreme quality of the impossible.
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