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Hoyo de Monterrey
Double Corona
Havana, Cuba

Hoyo de Monterrey began in 1865, when Don José Gener y Batet opened his cigar factory in Havana. Translated from Spanish to "the hole of Monterrey", in reference to the concave terrain favored by growers of premium tobacco. As with other formats from Hoyo de Monterrey, the prominentes are one of the best ever made. The Double Corona is particularly prized among connoisseurs, and many believe this cigar sets the standard to which all others are compared. Strong and savory, with a convincing aroma. The flavor is consistent throughout, exhibiting elegantly rich characteristics. Look for the presence of spice, most notably cinnamon, which builds towards the end.

Padron
1964 Anniversary Series
Torpedo

Introduced to commemorate the company’s 30th year anniversary, and produced with the same loving care and attention to detail that lives up to its name. The construction, appearance and quality, make Padron a top contender and a favorite among its loyal following. Lighting this beauty will reward you with a fine draw and complexity, enhanced by the smooth flavors of nut and cocoa. The ash remains affixed for quite some time, white in color, signifying a cool burn. This cigar is beautifully box pressed, and features a numbered guarantee bar-coded band to guard against counterfeiting. Everything about this fine smoke is regal and refined. The Padron Anniversary 1964 is what any cigar might aspire to be.

Bolivar
Belicosos Finos
Havana, Cuba

The Cuban-made Bolivar is considered to be one of the strongest cigars produced. This is not a cigar for beginners. The brand was founded (possibly in Great Britain) by Jose F. Rocha around 1901, though not registered in Havana (Cuba) until 1921 by J.F. Rocha y Cia. This cigar is a Campana, or bell in Spanish, signifying its shape. Gaze admirably at the chocolate wrapper, and you will be enticed by the beauty of this seductive Belicoso. A bit aggressive, showing earth and strong peppery notes. Salty, spicy, with traces of black honey on the lips. Refined in its approach, providing a lingering experience for some time after smoking. Indispensable to any connoisseur's humidor, the Belicoso Fino is a powerhouse that will leave the accomplished smoker satisfied, content and smiling.

H. Upmann
Magnum 50
Havana, Cuba

German bankers, August and Hermann Upmann, founded their family-owned operation in 1844 in Havana, Cuba. Avid cigar smokers, the brothers used cigars packaged in cedar boxes as a promotion tool for their bank. H. Upmann was known to be President John F. Kennedy's favorite brand. The Magnum 50 is a gorgeous creation. Some claim that this cigar is a boost into paradise. Think chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Be sure to make note of the Upmann's unique floral and citrus-like qualities. Lighter than some of it’s Cuban counterparts, this light-bodied cigar is appropriate for a beginner who desires complexity in their cigar smoking experience. A cigar that will age beautifully!

Perdomo
Estate Selección Vintage (ESV) 1991
Prestigio

Prepare yourself for a smoke of monumental character and proportion. The construction is truly stunning. This luscious Maduro is oily to the eye, coated with a sheen that glistens. Earthy and robust, the sun-grown wrapper releases its full flavor enriched from the soil, plus 200 days of cedar aging. When smoked from start to finish, notice the various flavor profiles building in intensity, but always remaining silky on the palate. Coffee, cocoa, and spice mix and swirl in the mouth, as the superior complexity is fully achieved. Sweetness of flavor is apparent in the last third, along with peppery notes of pure joy. Hard to find, since quantities are limited, but it’s well worth the effort. In fact, pick up a few. This is one cigar experience that should not be missed.

Stradivarius
de los Maestros
Churchill

The Stradivarius is composed of Nicaraguan, Dominican and Mexican filler leaf. The Binder is put through a process called “tercio aging” whereby the Havana seed is encased in the bark of the Royal Palm tree to cure naturally. The beautiful Connecticut shade wrapper is also a specialty of the manufacturer. Construction is impeccable and of the highest quality, without a vein or flaw to be seen. Smooth to the touch and so appealing to the eye, it will require extreme effort to light, rather than simply admiring it. But go ahead and fire this baby up, as it was made to burn. With the first puff, the smoker is greeted with a mild, yet flavorful reward. Really quite complex, with a mild to medium strength. The rich flavor builds as you smoke, but never loses its smooth character. The wrapper comes from a 1992 crop, and this 15 years of aging contributes to the symphony of flavor and unparalleled smoothness.

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