Cigar Blog

Happiness is a good cigar

Montecristo White Especial No. 1

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1If you are looking for a high quality mild cigar, I have the perfect suggestion for you. Why don’t you try out the Montecristo White Especial No. 1 cigar? The length of this cigar is 6 5/8 inches – just right for a long leisurely smoke. The ring gauge is 44 and it has an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. That is, the wrapper has a pale creamy tan color, which gives you an idea of just how mild the flavor is. The binder is Nicaraguan while the filler is a mixture of Nicaraguan and Dominican.

Naturally, being a Montecristo, you already have an inkling of the high quality of the cigar. On the outside, the White Especial No. 1 is firm to the touch, without a doubt packaged excellently. But what about the flavor and the smoking experience itself?

The initial draw will give you a very light tobacco flavor. That’s about it, really. You do not get any hint of woodsy flavors or anything else. It’s pure tobacco, albeit very mild. As you continue smoking the cigar, you might find yourself expecting the flavor to develop or perhaps intensify. To be honest, though, the mild tobacco flavor stays consistent down to the last draw. Now this is not a bad thing if that is what you are looking for. However, if you want something stronger, then you might not be satisfied with this cigar. On the upside, the cigar burns very well all throughout.

There are also other variations of the white cigar at Altadis USA. Check them out and tell me what you think.

Originally posted on December 3, 2010 @ 8:05 am

Gurkha Black Dragon: I Want One

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I don’t even have to try the cigar to want one. The mere mention of the name makes me want to light one up right now. Doesn’t it just evoke a sense of excitement, a quickening of the blood? Gurkha Black Dragon. That sounds wonderful!

Tom Johansmeyer recently reviewed this cigar at Luxist, and this is what he has to say:

The box alone suggests that the contents are fascinating. Slick black with orange trim, the only reason you disturb the presentation is because you know what’s inside. The Gurkha Black Dragon Tubo cigars sit within, each encased in a frosted glass tube. Slide the metal cap from the case, and extract the cedar-wrapped cigar … the ritual itself shapes the smoking experience that follows.

Packaging and wrapping aside, does the Black Dragon deliver on taste? Johansmeyer continues:

The Black Dragon is far more powerful than most of the Gurkha cigars you’ve smoked. The dark wrapper belies its fuller taste, which is just a bit north of medium-bodied. Like any sophisticated cigar, the flavor does evolve from one end to the other, as the cigar gains momentum especially after the first two inches. The fullness stays with you to the end, maintaining its potency to the end rather than receding to a disappointing mildness.

More than the powerful flavor that you get at the beginning, I like how the flavor continues to satisfy you till the end. This is perhaps one cigar that you can enjoy to the fullest. Naturally, we should expect to pay for this kind of experience. I am willing, are you?

Originally posted on December 24, 2010 @ 8:58 am

A Perfect Combination of Cigar and Coffee

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aAlthough there is no clear explanation for it, cigar and coffee are known to be a good combination on any given day. Relaxing and soothing, combining both at your favorite coffee hangout seems to be the common way of enjoying finely made tobacco leaves today.

Cigars would come in different flavors such as natural and chocolate flavors. While no one would really understand what the bearing of flavored tobacco would be, the cigar experts would be the best people to ask why. All they get is smoke, but aside from the relaxation, this has become normal for people who have made it a habit to combine both.

Cigar brands such as Tabaqueria de Filipinas, Blue Label, Don Mateo and Don Diego would depend on the avid cigar smoker. With many brands to choose from, everything would seem to be the same. But don’t tell that to the cigar experts who have preference for their own brand to smoke.

Originally posted on September 13, 2010 @ 2:13 am